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Batinic A, Curkovic A, Bukic J, Žuntar I, Kuret S, Mimica B, Kalajzic N, Dujic G, Glavaš-Obrovac L, Soldo A, Včeva A, Dujic Z, Sutlovic D. Knowledge and Attitudes of Cannabidiol in Croatia among Students, Physicians, and Pharmacists. PHARMACY 2023; 12:2. [PMID: 38251396 PMCID: PMC10801513 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy12010002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Due to cannabidiol's health benefits and absence of serious side effects, its use is constantly growing. This is a survey-based cross-sectional study that was conducted to determine Croatian pharmacists', physicians', and students' knowledge and attitudes about cannabidiol (CBD). Two questionnaires were created, one for students and the other for physicians and pharmacists. Our participants (in total 874: 473 students and 401 physicians and pharmacists) generally had positive attitudes towards CBD therapy as approximately 60% of them believe that CBD treatment is generally efficacious. Participants had positive attitudes toward the therapeutic value of CBD, especially pharmacists and pharmacy students (63.8% and 72.2%, respectively). Pharmacists were significantly more convinced that CBD could reduce the use of opioids prescribed for chronic pain (p < 0.05). Only 17.5% of students had read scientific papers about CBD, compared to a significantly higher percentage of physicians and pharmacists (43.0% and 47.8%, respectively) (p < 0.05). This study revealed a gap in knowledge regarding CBD, since 89.3% of pharmacists and physicians, as well as 84.8% of students, believe they need more education about CBD. We conclude that it is important to improve the educational curricula so that medical professionals can recommend CBD use to their patients when needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Batinic
- Pharmacy of Split-Dalmatia County, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Ana Curkovic
- Department of Health Studies, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia; (A.C.); (S.K.); (N.K.); (D.S.)
| | - Josipa Bukic
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia;
| | - Irena Žuntar
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Sendi Kuret
- Department of Health Studies, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia; (A.C.); (S.K.); (N.K.); (D.S.)
| | - Bianka Mimica
- School of Medicine, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Nina Kalajzic
- Department of Health Studies, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia; (A.C.); (S.K.); (N.K.); (D.S.)
| | - Goran Dujic
- Clinical Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia;
| | - Ljubica Glavaš-Obrovac
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Biochemistry and Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia;
| | - Ana Soldo
- Croatian Chamber for Pharmacists, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Andrijana Včeva
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Maxillofacial Surgery, Medical Faculty, University of Osijek, J. Huttlera 4, 31000 Osijek, Croatia;
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Clinical Hospital Centre Osijek, J. Huttlera 4, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Zeljko Dujic
- Department of Integrative Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia;
| | - Davorka Sutlovic
- Department of Health Studies, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia; (A.C.); (S.K.); (N.K.); (D.S.)
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacogenetics, School of Medicine, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
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Farmer SE, Arnold JA, Hughes PJ, Pan K, Gorman GS. A Continuing Pharmacy Education (CPE) Program Assessing Cannabidiol (CBD) Knowledge and Confidence Among Practicing Pharmacists. J Pharm Pract 2023:8971900231213938. [PMID: 37933430 DOI: 10.1177/08971900231213938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Background: Increased patient utilization of cannabidiol (CBD) leads to potential drug interactions with various medications and questions posed to pharmacists. Objective: To quantify the knowledge gap of pharmacists on CBD and CBD-containing products and assess the degree a continuing pharmacy education (CPE) program alters pharmacist confidence and competency on CBD knowledge. Methods: A 1-h CPE activity was offered as a home study from May 9, 2022, through September 30, 2022. Subjects were practicing pharmacy preceptors in Alabama who completed the pre-survey and post-survey for inclusion in matched-pair analyses. The primary outcome measure was participant score improvement between the pre-post surveys. Secondary measures involved pre-post comparisons on self-rated Likert questions concerning participant confidence in counseling, answering drug information questions, and ensuring patient safety regarding CBD. Results: A total of 124 participants completed the course. After matched pairing, 64 and 56 individuals were included in the knowledge-based and confidence ranking analyses, respectively. Participant scoring improved on the knowledge-based questions between the pre-post surveys (50.0% vs 87.8%, P < .001). There was a significant confidence improvement of participants from baseline on counseling patients about prescription or over-the-counter CBD products, answering questions from other healthcare professionals about these products, and ensuring patient safety while using these products (Average 5-level Likert scale increases of 1.75, 1.73, 1.70, respectively; all P < .001). Conclusion: Implementation of a CPE program improved practicing pharmacists' knowledge on information about CBD, which lead to increased competency on counseling patients, answering drug information questions, and promoting patient safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Farmer
- McWhorter School of Pharmacy, Samford University, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - John A Arnold
- McWhorter School of Pharmacy, Samford University, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Peter J Hughes
- McWhorter School of Pharmacy, Samford University, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Kevin Pan
- Brock School of Business, Samford University, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Greg S Gorman
- McWhorter School of Pharmacy, Samford University, Birmingham, AL, USA
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Bawa Z, Saini B, McCartney D, Bedoya-Pérez M, McLachlan AJ, McGregor IS. A cross-sectional survey exploring the knowledge, experiences and attitudes of Australian pharmacists toward medicinal cannabis. Int J Clin Pharm 2023; 45:375-386. [PMID: 36446995 PMCID: PMC9708126 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-022-01519-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Australian pharmacists currently dispense a wide range of prescription-only cannabis-based medicines. Recent regulatory changes will expand the role of pharmacists, allowing certain low-dose cannabidiol products to be supplied without a prescription in pharmacies. This harmonises Australia with many other countries where cannabidiol products are readily available to consumers. AIM To examine Australian pharmacists' experience, knowledge and attitudes towards medicinal cannabis and their preparedness to supply over-the-counter low-dose cannabidiol products. METHOD We conducted a cross-sectional study using a 51-item on-line questionnaire that was informed by previous surveys of health professionals and assessed for face validity. Australian pharmacists were recruited to complete the survey between May and December 2021, primarily through professional pharmacy organisations. Pharmacists were included in the final dataset if they completed the demographic characteristics section and at least one additional section of the questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive and relational statistical tests. RESULTS There were 272 attempts to complete this survey and 217 responses included in the final dataset. Over half of the respondents (60.0%, 130/217) had dispensed at least one medicinal cannabis prescription during their career and 58.5% (127/217) had received at least one medicinal cannabis enquiry in the last fortnight. Only around half (53.9%, 117/217) felt comfortable supplying medicinal cannabis products and fewer (39.3%, 79/201) were confident discussing cannabis-related enquiries. More than half of the respondents (58.7%, 118/201) supported the provision of low-dose cannabidiol products through pharmacies. Two-thirds (67.8%, 80/118) of respondents achieved relatively low scores (< 60%) in the knowledge component of the survey. Most respondents (94.2%, 178/189) endorsed a need for further training in this area. CONCLUSION Australian pharmacists tended to support medicinal cannabis availability and improved access to low-dose cannabidiol products via pharmacies. However, results highlight a need for improved training and education of pharmacists around cannabis-based medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeeta Bawa
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Sydney Pharmacy School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Bandana Saini
- Sydney Pharmacy School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Danielle McCartney
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Miguel Bedoya-Pérez
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Andrew J McLachlan
- Sydney Pharmacy School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Iain S McGregor
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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OUP accepted manuscript. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACY PRACTICE 2022; 30:204-214. [DOI: 10.1093/ijpp/riac005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
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