Study into Chronic Pain
Provocatus partnered with Southern Cross Pain Clinic and the University of Wollongong to answer research questions regarding medicinal cannabis and chronic pain patients.
Study Summary
In 2023, Provocatus partnered with Southern Cross Pain Clinic and the University of Wollongong to answer research questions regarding medicinal cannabis and chronic pain patients.
Two papers were produced from this research.
Research Paper 1
Title
Researchers
Dr Asad Anjum, MD
Abstract
Chronic pain is a significant cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide with current treatments often being insufficient or ineffective.
Medicinal cannabis has been gaining much traction in recent years as an adjunct treatment for many diseases including chronic pain.
This study aimed to explore the experiences of patients with chronic pain who use medicinal cannabis.
Data was collected from 15 patients using semi-structured interviews.
Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data set which identified three overarching themes. The first was emotions and mood, with patients reporting positive effects on their pain control, mood, mental health, and sleep quality. The second theme was impact on social relationships, with participants reporting improved interactions and relationships with their peers as a result of medicinal cannabis. The third theme was reduced use of other drugs and substances, with participants reporting reduced alcohol and prescription drug use.
Our findings provide evidence for the potential benefits of medicinal cannabis as an adjunct therapy in chronic pain as a tool for pain reduction, harm reduction, as well as managing the mental health consequences of chronic pain.
Research Paper 2
Title
Researchers
Abstract
Background
Chronic pain is a widespread and socioeconomically significant pathological condition which requires a complex and multimodal management approach. The use of medicinal cannabis products is an area of rapidly growing interest as a treatment adjunct for chronic pain both internationally and in Australia. While the evidence for its effectiveness remains unclear, several access pathways have allowed for thousands of Australians to attain prescriptions for medicinal cannabis. Considering the relative novelty and ambiguous nature of medicinal cannabis within the health system, this study aims to explore patient perspectives to explore any challenges or barriers experienced in the use of medicinal cannabis for chronic pain management.
Methods
Participants (n=15) currently using medicinal cannabis for treatment of chronic pain were recruited through a cannabis clinic. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with each participant then transcribed and the data analysed and coded using a thematic approach.
Findings
Three major areas of difficulty experienced by participants were identified; barriers to access medicinal cannabis including finding a prescriber, conflicting perspectives from clinicians and financial expense; legal implications of using medicinal cannabis in the context of driving and workplace drug policies; and stigma associated with the use of cannabis products.
Conclusion and Implications for Practice/Significance
This research highlights key challenges involved in the patient experience of medicinal cannabis treatment. As this treatment modality continues to grow in prevalence it is essential to understand these challenges to better inform policymaking and legislation as well as to ensure patient wellbeing can be prioritised.