Análisis de conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas en el uso del cannabis medicinal realizadas en profesionales de la salud.

Abstract

Introduction: Little is the knowledge of medicinal cannabis by health professionals, the lack of training and education for its correct application in daily practice, influence despite the greater scope of this as a therapeutic option. Objective: To analyze the knowledge, attitudes and practices that exist in the use of medicinal cannabis in the health professionals surveyed. Methodology: An observational, prospective, analytical, cross-sectional study was carried out; conducting a survey with questions addressed to health professionals about medicinal cannabis; carried out between the months of July to October of the year 2021. Results: 121 surveys were analyzed; less than half answered correctly in knowledge such as: endocannabinoid system, prescription, administration and legal framework. 95.87% believe that it should be prescribed by an accredited professional; 63.64% if they would be willing to prescribe it; 27.27% consider themselves apt to discuss it with patients; and 10.74% consider themselves qualified to prescribe it. 84.30% have not received training, 51.24% have been consulted by patients, 90.08% declared that they had never prescribed it. Conclusions: Knowledge about medicinal cannabis is scarce on the part of health professionals. A large percentage has an open attitude and would be willing to prescribe it. There is demand for the use of medical cannabis by patients, however it is not prescribed by health professionals.