Article type
Abstract
"Background
With continuing legalization, cannabis use is increasing in the USA and internationally. Meanwhile, many clinicians are not counseling patients on the health effects of cannabis and patients source this information from elsewhere (e.g., internet). Limited evidence regarding cannabis health effects and a rapidly-changing research landscape leave clinicians without guidance on how to counsel patients. As more patients are using or interested in using cannabis for health conditions, clinicians should be prepared to have evidence-informed discussions about cannabis use.
Objectives
To describe STEM and its use of living systematic reviews to support evidence-informed decision making.
Methods
Using best-practice approaches to living systematic reviews, and guided by a technical expert panel comprised of individuals with cannabis-related clinical and research expertise, we aim to:
1.Empower healthcare providers to have evidence-based discussions about cannabis use with patients
2.Identify research gaps and highlight ongoing research to help researchers design high-yield studies that advance the field of clinical cannabis research
Results
STEM (www.cannabisevidence.org) is a collaboration between the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and the Center for Evidence-based Policy at Oregon Health & Science University, and is funded by the VHA Office of Rural Health. Since the launch of the website in January 2022 we have:
•Completed 6 living systematic reviews, including cannabis use in pregnancy and cannabis for posttraumatic stress disorder
•Provided an overview of cannabis basics
•Developed 12 clinical briefs, on topics ranging from “patient experiences when visiting dispensaries” to “cannabis and sleep”
We also provide a searchable database of ongoing studies of cannabis-related research, guidance on the conduct of cannabis-related research, and an interactive policy map on legal status and key cannabis use statistics by US state.
Conclusions
STEM is an independent, methodologically rigorous, and updated resource for the healthcare sector that synthesizes what is known from research and what is left to learn about health effects of cannabis. We continue to update our materials and provide outreach to healthcare providers on how to have evidence-based discussions about cannabis use with patients, to support shared decision-making and improve patient outcomes.
"
With continuing legalization, cannabis use is increasing in the USA and internationally. Meanwhile, many clinicians are not counseling patients on the health effects of cannabis and patients source this information from elsewhere (e.g., internet). Limited evidence regarding cannabis health effects and a rapidly-changing research landscape leave clinicians without guidance on how to counsel patients. As more patients are using or interested in using cannabis for health conditions, clinicians should be prepared to have evidence-informed discussions about cannabis use.
Objectives
To describe STEM and its use of living systematic reviews to support evidence-informed decision making.
Methods
Using best-practice approaches to living systematic reviews, and guided by a technical expert panel comprised of individuals with cannabis-related clinical and research expertise, we aim to:
1.Empower healthcare providers to have evidence-based discussions about cannabis use with patients
2.Identify research gaps and highlight ongoing research to help researchers design high-yield studies that advance the field of clinical cannabis research
Results
STEM (www.cannabisevidence.org) is a collaboration between the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and the Center for Evidence-based Policy at Oregon Health & Science University, and is funded by the VHA Office of Rural Health. Since the launch of the website in January 2022 we have:
•Completed 6 living systematic reviews, including cannabis use in pregnancy and cannabis for posttraumatic stress disorder
•Provided an overview of cannabis basics
•Developed 12 clinical briefs, on topics ranging from “patient experiences when visiting dispensaries” to “cannabis and sleep”
We also provide a searchable database of ongoing studies of cannabis-related research, guidance on the conduct of cannabis-related research, and an interactive policy map on legal status and key cannabis use statistics by US state.
Conclusions
STEM is an independent, methodologically rigorous, and updated resource for the healthcare sector that synthesizes what is known from research and what is left to learn about health effects of cannabis. We continue to update our materials and provide outreach to healthcare providers on how to have evidence-based discussions about cannabis use with patients, to support shared decision-making and improve patient outcomes.
"