Date of this Version

12-1-2023

Document Type

DNP Project

Abstract

Background: Neuropathic pain is one of the more difficult diseases to treat due to the challenges with both diagnosis and definitive pharmacological interventions.1 Many patients with neuropathic pain are unsatisfied with their pain control due to either shortcomings with the effectiveness of their medications (gabapentin, pregabalin), or inability to withstand the side effects that are common with these drugs.1,4,6 Cannabinoids present a potential solution to individuals that don’t tolerate other medications and with its recent legality across the United States, more and more research is being conducted supporting its efficacy in pain management of a variety of diseases.

Methods: A quality improvement project was conducted to review the efficacy of cannabinoid administration in individuals with inadequate pain control secondary to neuropathic pain. With this information, an online educational module was constructed and disseminated to practicing anesthesia providers. There was a pretest and a post-test to assess the degree of learning that took place and any shifts in attitude. This educational module was developed through an anesthesia company and utilized an anonymous, online platform for delivery and data collection.

Results: After the educational module was presented to participating anesthesia providers, the participants showed an increased in knowledge about both neuropathic pain and cannabinoid administration. The participants also showed an improved perception about the administration of cannabinoids to patients with neuropathic pain.

Discussion: Anesthesia providers seem to be somewhat hesitant to utilize cannabinoids for their patients. This seems to be due to lack of knowledge on cannabinoids and its safety profile. Through the education module, the information presented on its benefits and risks seemed to shift the attitude of the participating anesthesia providers. While the sample size was small and one cannot generalize the results of the educational module to all anesthesia providers, there is potential to educate anesthesia providers and produce a shift in perception on the efficacy and safety of cannabinoid administration in those suffering from neuropathic pain.

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