Canadian Health Care Professionals Research Articles

Experiences of LGBTQIA+ migrants with nurses and other healthcare professionals in Canada.

LGBTQIA+ migrants may have experienced discrimination and victimization related to ethnicity, culture, and race over the course of their migration journey, as well as in relation to their sexual orientation, gender identity and expression. Despite the work of some nurses in education, practice, policy, and research, there is a scarcity of literature investigating the experiences of LGBTQIA+ migrants with nurses and healthcare professionals in Canada. By utilizing Gadamerian hermeneutics research methodology with intersectional analysis, this study draws on 16 semi-structured individual interviews with LGBTQIA+ migrants who received care from nurses and other healthcare professionals (NHCPs) in Canada. Two overarching areas of intersecting experiences were identified: (a) challenges and (b) supports. Four interwoven interpretations emerged from experiences of challenges: (a) unwanted visibility, (b) hearing a dead name and being misgendered, (c) cultural stigma, and (d) being asked intrusive hetero-cis-normative questions. Supportive experiences were evident when NHCPs accepted the unique needs of LGBTQIA+ migrants and acted as advocates. Nursing interactions should not be traumatic for LGBTQIA+ migrants, but rather should be encounters where care providers ask relevant nonhetero-cis-normative questions, offer inclusive safe sex education for people's diverse identities, avoid dead naming and misgendering, and provide supportive and affirming care. To support the provision of safe care and mitigate trauma, systemic changes in nursing practice must include the experiences of LGBTQIA+ migrants.

Hands-On Training in a Digital World: A Novel Simulation-Based Virtual Training Program for Placement and Removal of the Subdermal Contraceptive Implant

ObjectiveThe COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a shift from traditional in-person instruction for learning new technical skills to virtual delivery of medical education training. The objectives of this study were to develop and evaluate a virtual simulation-based training program for Canadian health care professionals (HCPs) on the insertion, localization, and removal of the etonogestrel subdermal contraceptive implant. MethodsA scientific committee of Canadian family planning experts developed a 2-part virtual training program during the COVID-19 pandemic. Core educational content (part 1) was provided in an asynchronous, self-directed, online format. Part 2 consisted of synchronous, simulation-based training using web conferencing. The HCPs were provided with model arms and placebo applicators; the trainers demonstrated implant insertion and removal techniques, and trainees received individual feedback. All trainees were asked to complete an online evaluation upon completion of the program. ResultsBetween September 22, 2020, and December 31, 2021, 83 trainers conducted 565 virtual training sessions. A total of 3162 HCPs completed part 1 of the training program, of whom 2740 had completed part 2 by December 31, 2021. Participants reported high levels of satisfaction with virtual simulation-based training; 96.5% of respondents (1570/1627) agreed that the virtual format was effective. Additional training prior to inserting the implant in clinical practice was requested by 4.5% of respondents (75/1671). ConclusionVirtual simulation-based learning provides effective education and technique training for etonogestrel implant insertion and removal. Online training for implant use can be scaled, as needed, to reach professionals in remote or underserved locations. This virtual training approach may be appropriate for other technical or minor surgical procedures.

Views of Canadian healthcare professionals on the future uses of non-invasive prenatal testing: a mixed method study.

Non-invasive prenatal testing's (NIPT) potential to screen for a wide range of conditions is receiving growing attention. This study explores Canadian healthcare professionals' perceptions towards NIPT's current and possible future uses, including paternity testing, sex determination, and fetal whole genome sequencing. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten healthcare professionals, and another 184 participated in a survey. The triangulation of our findings shows that there is considerable agreement among healthcare professionals on expanding NIPT use for medical conditions including fetal aneuploidies and monogenic diseases, but not for non-medical conditions (sex determination for non-medical reasons and paternity testing), nor for risk predisposition information (late onset diseases and Fetal Whole Genome Sequencing). Healthcare professionals raise concerns related to eugenics, the future child's privacy, and psychological and emotional burdens to prospective parents. Professional societies need to take these concerns into account when educating healthcare professionals on the uses of NIPT to ensure prospective parents' reproductive decisions are optimal for them and their families.

Barriers to adult vaccination in Canada: A qualitative systematic review.

Background:In recent years, Canadian health care professionals have observed an increase in vaccine refusal. The objective of this study is to review published literature and identify the main themes related to vaccine hesitancy and barriers to vaccination in Canadian adults and recent immigrants.Methods:A qualitative systematic review was performed. A comprehensive search of MEDLINE (1946 to January 2021) and EMBASE (1974 to January 2021) was conducted to identify existing literature that addressed the primary research question. Studies were eligible for inclusion if the study population involved 1) the general population, 2) Indigenous populations, 3) recent immigrants to Canada or 4) Canadian health care professionals.Results:Thirty-four studies were included with a focus on the general population (n = 22), health care professionals (n = 10) and recent immigrant populations (n = 2). The most frequently reported barriers were lack of vaccine information (41%), lack of access to vaccination (38%), fear of adverse reactions (38%), financial reasons (29%), lack of awareness of vaccine existence (29%), antivaccine sentiments (24%), notion that older adults do not need vaccination (18%), misconceptions on vaccine effectiveness (12%), potential sexual health promotion stigma (6%) and fear of needles (3%).Interpretation:Barriers to vaccination among Canadians and recent immigrants continue to be a challenge in the health care system.Conclusions:The greatest yield in improving vaccination rates is likely to come from supporting vaccine-hesitant individuals in shifting their thinking to greater vaccine acceptance. Pharmacists are well positioned to address vaccine hesitancy and involvement through education, facilitation and administration of vaccines. Can Pharm J (Ott) 2022;155:xx-xx.

Hands-on Training in a Virtual World: Novel Simulation-based Virtual Training for Subdermal Contraceptive Implant Placement and Removal

The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a shift from traditional face-to-face instruction for new technical skills to virtual delivery of medical education training. Our objectives were to develop and validate a virtual simulation training program for Canadian healthcare professionals (HCPs) on the insertion, localization, and removal of the etonogestrel subdermal contraceptive implant.

Sensor-Based Technology: Bringing Value to People with Diabetes and the Healthcare System in an Evolving World.

PurposeEvidence demonstrates that glucose-sensing technologies have enabled effective glycemic control for adults and children with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) or adults with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) on insulin therapy or non-insulin therapy. Here, we report on the wider value of glucose-sensing technology from the perspectives of person living with diabetes (PWD), healthcare providers (HCPs), and healthcare policy stakeholders.MethodologyLiterature searches were conducted to identify published records and analysis, including across various healthcare organizations and agencies, of the impact of the FreeStyle Libre® flash glucose monitoring system in diabetes. These findings were combined with the outcomes of three healthcare attitudes surveys among PWD and diabetes healthcare professionals in Canada, including two commissioned for this purpose.ResultsClinical trials data and real-world evidence have proven the benefits of the FreeStyle Libre system on limiting hypoglycemia, lowering HbA1c, optimizing metrics of glucose control and reducing hospital admissions. These benefits are accompanied by improvements in patients’ quality of life, work productivity, and savings to the health system. The FreeStyle Libre system has created an opportunity to change the organization and delivery of care, including during COVID-19 restrictions on access to standard care, thus generating system-wide benefits in addition to those accrued by patients and HCPs.ConclusionEvidence-based improvements in glucose control for PWD using flash glucose monitoring are accompanied by increased treatment satisfaction and quality of life. Telemedicine with such remote monitoring systems increases the opportunities for simultaneous review of glucose data with HCPs and shared decision-making, thus encouraging adherence with treatment.

Domestic application of lessons learned by Canadian health care professionals working in international disaster settings: a qualitative research study.

Background:Individuals with prior experience in international disaster response represent an essential source of expertise to support disaster response in their home countries. Our objective was to explore the experiences of personnel involved in international emergency health response regarding their perceptions of essential disaster response attributes and capacities and determine how these competencies apply to the Canadian context.Methods:For this qualitative study, we conducted semistructured interviews with key informants in person or over the telephone from May to December 2018. Participants were delegates deployed as part of the Canadian Red Cross medical response team in a clinical or technical, or administrative role within the last 5 years. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Conventional content analysis was performed on the transcripts, and themes were developed.Results:Eighteen key informants from 4 Canadian provinces provided perspectives on individual attributes acquired during international deployments, such as agility and stress management, and team capacities developed, including collaboration and conflict management. Key informants, including administrators (n = 5), technicians (n = 4), nurses (n = 4), physicians (n = 3) and psychosocial support workers (n = 2), described these experiences as highly relevant to the Canadian domestic context.Interpretation:Canadian physicians and health care workers involved with international disaster response have already acquired essential capacities, and this experience can be vital to building efficient disaster response teams in Canada. These findings complement the Canadian Medical Education Directives for Specialists (CanMEDS) roles and can inform course design, competency and curriculum development for physician and professional training programs related to disaster response and preparedness.

An Exploration of Concussion Assessment and Management Knowledge in Athletic Therapy Students

Recent research has found substantial gaps in knowledge surrounding concussion assessment and management in various groups of Canadian healthcare professionals, including medical students, physiotherapists, chiropractic students, and family medicine physicians. The purpose of this project was to explore concussion knowledge in a sample of athletic therapy students and to use these findings to make practical pedagogical recommendations to improve concussion education. A sequential explanatory mixed-methods approach (initial questionnaire, student interviews, clinical educator interviews) was used to investigate the research question. The findings showed a large gap between theoretical knowledge and practical abilities to assess and manage concussions. Additionally, students felt less prepared to assist throughout the entire continuum of concussion care (from initial recognition to return-to-play). Based on these findings, educators should consider innovative pedagogical strategies that focus on true competence development in concussion assessment and management while bridging the gap between foundational theory and practical application/skill development.

How anxious were Quebec healthcare professionals during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic? A web-based cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND:The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may cause significant anxiety among healthcare professionals (HCPs). COVID-19-related psychological impacts on HCPs in Western countries have received relatively little attention.OBJECTIVE:This study aims to assess the levels of anxiety in HCPs working in the province of Quebec (Canada) during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and identify factors associated with changes in anxiety scores.METHODS:An exploratory online cross-sectional survey was conducted among Quebec HCPs from April to July 2020. The Spielberger’s State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was used to measure state anxiety among HCPs. Descriptive and multivariate analyses were performed.RESULTS:A total of 426 HCPs completed the survey. Anxiety scores ranged from 20 to 75 points, with 80 being the highest possible value on the STAI scale. Being a female HCP [B = 5.89, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.49–9.3] and declaring having the intention to avoid caring for patients with COVID-19 (B = 3.75, 95% CI: 1.29–6.22) were associated with increased anxiety scores. Having more years of experience was associated with decreased anxiety scores [B = –0.2, 95% CI: –0.32–(–0.08)].CONCLUSION:Organizational strategies aimed at preventing and relieving anxiety should target junior female HCPs who express the intention to avoid caring for patients with COVID-19. Seniority could become an important criterion in selecting frontline HCPs during pandemics. Further studies are needed to comprehensively examine the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Canadian HCPs and identify evidence-based coping strategies.

Experiences of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) Reported By Healthcare Professionals (HCPs) across Different Regions: International Sickle Cell World Assessment Survey (SWAY)

Experiences of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) Reported By Healthcare Professionals (HCPs) across Different Regions: International Sickle Cell World Assessment Survey (SWAY)

The perspective of Canadian health care professionals on abortion service during the COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic and pandemic response created novel challenges for abortion services. Canada was uniquely positioned to transition to telemedicine because internationally common restrictions on abortion medication were removed before the pandemic.ObjectiveWe sought to characterize the experiences of abortion health care professionals in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of the pandemic response on abortion services.MethodsWe conducted a sequential mixed methods study between July 2020 and January 2021. We invited physicians, nurse practitioners and administrators to participate in a cross-sectional survey containing an open-ended question about the impact of the pandemic response on abortion care. We employed an inductive codebook thematic analysis, which informed the development of a second, primarily quantitative survey.ResultsOur initial survey had 307 respondents and our second had 78. Fifty-three percent were family physicians. Our first survey found respondents considered abortion access essential. We identified three key topicss: access to abortion care was often maintained despite pandemic-related challenges (e.g. difficulty obtaining tests, additional costs); change of practice to low-touch medication abortion care and provider perceptions of patient experience, including shifting demand, telemedicine acceptability and increased rural access. The second survey indicated uptake of telemedicine medication abortion among 89% of participants except in Quebec, where regulations meant procedures were nearly exclusively surgical. Restrictions did not delay care according to 76% of participants.ConclusionsCanadian health care professionals report their facilities deemed abortion an essential service. Provinces and territories, except Quebec, described a robust pandemic transition to telemedicine to ensure access to services.PodcastAn accompanying podcast is available in the Supplementary Data, in which the authors Dr Madeleine Ennis and Kate Wahl discuss their research on how family planning care and access to abortion services have changed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Family presence during resuscitation: a needs assessment of education, policy, and opinion in Canada.

Family presence during resuscitation (FPDR) has been widely endorsed. Nevertheless, there is limited information available on current education and training used to support FPDR implementation, including that of relevant policy. Understanding the current state of FPDR educational opportunities, policies, and practices across Canadian hospitals is crucial toadvancing and standardizing these within our medical community. Our objective was to identify the current and desired state of education and policy on FPDR, as well as current practices and opinions of Canadian healthcare professionals. We selected questionnaire topics and employed a modified Delphi consensus technique using a group of subject matter experts in resuscitation. We contacted a stratified sample of Canadian healthcare professionals via select listservs and surveyed the cohort using RedCAP™. We used descriptive statistics and conducted quantitative analyses to describe and test for significant differences among groups. In total, 635 surveys were completed. Only 46.3% of participants reported ever attending an educational opportunity involving learning how to manage FPDR; however, 92% wanted training. Only 11% knew if they had an official FPDR policy in their current hospital but 62.9% indicated they wanted one. In support of FPDR, 88% agreed that family members should be allowed to be present during a resuscitation. While opinions are mostly positive towards FPDR, there exists a gap between the current and desired state of education and policy supporting it within Canada.

Lyme Disease Training and Knowledge Translation Resources Available to Canadian Healthcare Professionals: A Gray Literature Review

Introduction:Lyme Disease (LD) is the most common tick-borne disease in North America. With the number of cases increasing yearly, Canadian healthcare professionals (HCP) rely on up-to-date and evidence-informed guidelines, instruction, and resources to effectively prevent, diagnose, and treat Lyme disease (LD). This review is the first of its kind to examine gray literature and analyze the diversity of recommendations provided to Canadian HCP about the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of Lyme disease.Methods:A gray literature review consisting of 4 search strategies was conducted to retrieve materials targeted to Canadian HCP. Searches within targeted websites, targeted Google searches, and gray literature databases, and consultation with content experts were done to look for continuing medical education (CME) events, clinical flow charts, webinars, videos, and reference documents that discussed the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of Lyme disease.Results:A total of 115 resources were included in this study. Recommendations surrounding prevention strategies were less varied between materials, whereas diagnosis and treatment recommendations were more varied. Our findings suggest that Canadian HCP are met with varying and sometimes contradictory recommendations for diagnosing and treating LD.Conclusions:Due to the increasing incidence of LD in Canada, there is a greater need for resource consistency. Providing this consistency may help mitigate LD burden, standardize approaches to prevention, diagnosis and treatment, and improve patient outcomes.

Never too old to learn new tricks: Surveying Canadian healthcare professionals about learning needs in caring for older adults with cancer

IntroductionThe number of older adults with cancer is growing but little is known about healthcare professionals' (HCPs) perceptions of their readiness to care for older adults with cancer. The Canadian Network on Aging and Cancer together with the Canadian Association of Nurses in Oncology, Oncology and Aging Special Interest Group, conducted a survey to assess geriatric oncology learning needs of Canadian HCPs and explore any differences in needs between nurses and physicians. MethodsAn online survey was distributed to Canadian HCP, which assessed respondent confidence and desire to learn about domains related to geriatric oncology, current clinical practice and sociodemographic information. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used to characterize participant characteristics, learning needs and compare learning needs of physicians vs. nurses. ResultsRespondents (n = 154) were mostly physicians (n = 78, 51%) or nurses (n = 56, 36%). Respondents reported not being confident addressing mental health issues (75%), polypharmacy (71%), geriatric oncology care models (69%), and return to baseline function post-treatment (67%). Physicians reported more confidence than nurses in managing comorbidities (72% vs. 49%, p < 0.05), having difficult conversations (90% vs. 68%, p < 0.001), and addressing ageism (76% vs. 58%, p < 0.05), while nurses reported more confidence with managing mobility limitations (64% vs 42%, p < 0.05), fall prevention (72% vs. 26%, p < 0.01) and supporting caregivers (74% vs 52%, p < 0.05). Nurses wanted to learn more about geriatric oncology than physicians for 10 domains (p < 0.05). ConclusionThere is a need for interprofessional educational initiatives that address differences between nurses and physicians in clinical areas of confidence and learning needs.

Persistent Postconcussion Symptoms: An Expert Consensus-Based Definition Using the Delphi Method.

To provide an expert consensus definition of persistent postconcussion symptoms following a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Canadian healthcare professionals caring for patients with mTBI. Online Delphi process. A first Delphi round documented important dimensions or criteria to consider when defining persistent symptoms. Expert opinions were then resubmitted in 4 subsequent Delphi rounds and their relevance was rated using a 9-point Likert scale. An item with a median rating of 7 or more and a sufficient level of agreement were considered consensual. After 5 rounds, consensus was reached on a set of criteria that can be summarized as follows: presence of any symptom that cannot be attributed to a preexisting condition and that appeared within hours of an mTBI, that is still present every day 3 months after the trauma, and that has an impact on at least one sphere of a person's life. This Delphi consensus proposes a set of criteria that support a more uniform definition of persistent symptoms in mild TBI among clinicians and researchers. This definition may help clinicians better identify persistent postconcussion symptoms and improve patient management.

Referral Patterns And Barriers To Physical Rehabilitation For Children And Adolescents With Cancer Across Canada

Two thirds of children who have been diagnosed with cancer will develop at least one chronic or long-term adverse effect of cancer treatment, many of which are amenable to physical rehabilitation (PR). PR may help reduce the burden of cancer side effects; however, research suggests few childhood cancer survivors access PR services. PURPOSE: To explore PR referral patterns and barriers to service provision for children and adolescents with cancer across Canada. METHODS: A cross-sectional web-based survey in English and French languages was conducted. Participants identified were Canadian healthcare professionals (HCPs) who provide and/or refer children and adolescents with cancer to PR services. The survey gathered data on numbers of childhood cancers either seen or referred to PR, reasons that prompted referral to PR, and existing barriers and facilitators to PR programs. RESULTS: A total of 54 responses were received including physical therapists (n= 27), nurse and nurse practitioners (n= 10), pediatric oncologists and oncology residents (n= 9), occupational therapists (n= 6), a speech-language pathologist (n= 1), and an exercise professional (n= 1). Data indicate that approximately 25% of children with cancer are being referred to PR, suggesting less than optimal referral rates. While 70% of HCPs report referring children and adolescents to PR services; the primary reason for referral is when the child presents with, or is at risk of functional disability. Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) was the second most common reason for referral to PR services (63%), and was identified by survey respondents as a rehabilitation research priority. The existence of a multidisciplinary team (52%), as well as the availability of PR space and equipment (33%) were the most commonly reported facilitators by the oncology medical team; while barriers to service provision included a lack of staffing (24%) and specialized PR services (17%). CONCLUSIONS: The survey results demonstrate that gaps in the health system such as limited resources and specialized services exist, that impact the implementation of PR programs. Results from this survey have informed the design of upcoming research investigating the feasibility and effects of an early PR program in children at risk of developing CIPN. No funding was received.

Assessing Physical Activity among Canadian Healthcare Professionals

INTRODUCTION: Physical Activity is well known to keep illness at bay and promote healthy living among people. In today’s fast paced life, obesity is increasing amongst people and this can be eliminated through proper physical activity. AIM: To assess the physical activity among various Canadian healthcare professionals. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The present study was a multi-institution based observational study using a pre-tested, pre-validated questionnaire distributed among various colleges and privately practicing healthcare professionals in Canada using a close-ended questionnaire divided into five sections and containing 28 questions. Data analysis was done using SPPS version 19.0 and the independent samples t-test and multiple logistic regression was applied. Data was only considered significant when p was less than or equal to 0.05.RESULTS: Most males belonged to the “overweight” category (56.3%), while females belonged to the “normal” category (56.3%). A lesser number of females reported being obese (5.4%) as compared to their male counterparts; significant difference (p=0.05) was observed between males and females in the underweight category. Males were found to be insufficiently active (41.8%), while 44.8% females were found to be in the active category. Statistical differences were observed while comparing the physical activity levels between the males and females belonging to the Insufficiently Active category(p=0.02).CONCLUSION: Healthcare professionals should be reminded regarding their general health and the role of physical exercise in keeping them healthy.

Barriers to conducting cancer trials in Canada: an analysis of key informant interviews.

In Canada, there is growing evidence that oncology clinical trials units (ctus) and programs face serious financial challenges. Investment in cancer research in Canada has declined almost 20% in the 5 years since its peak in 2011, and the costs of conducting leading-edge trials are rising. Clinical trials units must therefore be strategic about which studies they open. We interviewed Canadian health care professionals responsible for running cancer trials programs to identify the barriers to sustainability that they face. One-on-one telephone interviews were conducted with clinicians and clinical research professionals at oncology ctus in Canada. We asked for their perspectives about the barriers to conducting trials at their institutions, in their provinces, and nationwide. Interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed, anonymized, and coded in the NVivo software application (version 11: QSR International, Melbourne, Australia). The initial coding structure was informed by the interview script, with new concepts drawn out and coded during analysis, using a constant comparative approach. Between June 2017 and November 2018, 25 interviews were conducted. Key barriers that participants identified were■ insufficient stable funding to support trials infrastructure and retain staff;■ the need to adopt strict cost-recovery policies, leading to fewer academic trials in portfolios; and■ an overreliance on industry to fund clinical research in Canada. Funding uncertainties have led ctus to increasingly rely on industry sponsorship and more stringent feasibility thresholds to remain solvent. Retaining skilled trials staff can create efficiencies in opening and running studies, with spillover effects of more trials being open to patients. More academic studies are needed to curb industry's influence.

Addressing therapeutic questions to help Canadian health care professionals optimize COPD management for their patients during the COVID-19 pandemic

Addressing therapeutic questions to help Canadian health care professionals optimize COPD management for their patients during the COVID-19 pandemic

Cannabis Use and Heart Transplantation: A Canadian Perspective

Although cannabis was legalized in Canada until October 2018, there is no clear consensus among the heart transplant community with respect to transplant eligibility among cannabis users. We sought to determine prevailing attitudes towards cannabis use in heart transplant candidates amongst healthcare professionals in Canada, and to determine whether there are differences compared to jurisdictions where cannabis has not been legalized. A voluntary and independent web-based survey was distributed to members of the Canadian Cardiac Transplant Network. The survey questions were based on previous work by Neyer and colleagues who conducted a similar multi-national survey in 2016. There were a total of 38 providers representing 15 adult and paediatric transplant programs across the country that provided responses to assess current opinions and attitudes in regards to cannabis use and heart transplantation. Fifty-two percent of the respondents were in favour of listing patients who consumed medical cannabis, while only 5% were against listing, and 43% would only consider transplant listing with additional stipulations. This is less limiting compared to 35.6% of respondents in the 2016 survey conducted by Neyer et all who found listing patients who consumed medical cannabis unfavourable. Twenty-one percent of respondents were against listing patients who consumed recreational cannabis, which is again markedly less than the 72.5% of respondents from Neyer's survey. Sixty-seven percent did not believe that patients who consume cannabis legally through inhalation methods should be listed for transplant, while only 5% of respondents were against listing for patients who consume cannabis through oral ingestion. In the current Canadian context of legalized cannabis, there is heterogeneity of attitudes towards transplant eligibility depending on route of ingestion and pattern of use. Compared to other nations, Canadian health care providers may have less restrictive attitudes towards listing cannabis users for cardiac transplantation. Current attitudes towards cannabis use in transplant candidates should inform further research and guideline development.