Barriers to Recruitment for a THC Study

Due to ongoing efforts to increase inclusion of under-represented racial and ethnic minorities in clinical studies, researchers have conducted studies to gain greater understanding as to why members of these groups have had limited enrollment. 1 Previous research indicated a widespread lack of trust in the medical community regarding clinical studies, particularly in populations of color due to knowledge of the Tuskegee study.2 Specifically, to date, there appears to be no investigation which explores reasons for hesitation to volunteer to participate in a study utilizing delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to reduce chronic neuropathic pain. Our PCOM IRB-approved project will attempt to uncover whether there is a significant degree of skepticism, and what factors comprise any such reluctance. It is predicted that there will be a higher rate of declination to participate in the study by minority patients. It is also predicted that those belonging to a minority group who demonstrate interest in proceeding will express some reluctance due to mistrust in the intentions of our research. Discussion of the subjects’ concerns may reveal possible reasons for reluctance to participate in clinical trials. This information will increase researchers\u27 awareness of barriers and factors that will potentially affect a person\u27s decision to participate in a clinical trial. Subjects will be identified as potentially eligible study patients if they have recent documentation of neuropathic pain in their medical records. Eligibility will be determined using a code search (G62.9) for polyneuropathy at one of the three PCOM Healthcare Centers. Patients will be contacted in advance of their next primary care appointment to determine interest in taking a survey. For those who agree, this questionnaire will be provided immediately prior to their scheduled medical examination. Information requested includes: past and present marijuana use past and present pain management interventions for neuropathic pain demographic information (age, gender, ethnicity) current pain intensity and interference with daily activities via PEG scale feedback regarding their interest in participating in a clinical research project involving THC use If there is a response to learn more about a clinical study on campus, \u27Administration of THC to improve analgesia in patients with neuropathic pain\u27, they will be provided with a flyer and Informed Consent Form for recruitment for this investigation. One hundred potential study subjects will be screened, and the data collected will be analyzed. This study started March 7, and to date, seven patients completed the questionnaire, three of whom have indicated a decision to participate in the THC investigation

ANASAM: A novel approach to SUDS anamnesis for medical students

Training in substance use disorders and their treatment is important for medical students to develop positive attitudes towards patients struggling with substance abuse. There is substantial evidence demonstrating that physicians in practice fail to recognize a large percentage of patients suffering from substance abuse conditions. Historically, a “negative attitude” of health care providers towards patients struggling with substance abuse may have originated from the lack of recognition of these issues as chronic medical conditions during training. Thus, substance abuse education early in medical training is impactful and should be considered. The proposed curriculum consists of four sessions and aims to improve students’ attitudes regarding substance abuse. Session one engages students by identifying attitudes and misinformation surrounding the subject while also providing further learning resources. The first half of the session will be virtual and self-paced content review. The second half will meet in person, where students participate in an interactive game to test and consolidate their knowledge. Session two includes role-play of clinical scenarios, allowing students to practice motivational interviewing and clinical decision making. Students will be required to watch a video on reducing discriminatory practices in clinical settings in session three. Then, they can elect to attend either a Self-Management and Recovery Training (SMART) meeting or an Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meeting as an optional way to engage students further and apply their knowledge. Session four consists of the plan and reflection portion of the curriculum. Students will individually reflect on the material based on the discoveries made surrounding their pre-existing attitudes about substance abuse. They will use their prior knowledge and skills learned in the course to create a plan to serve as a reminder of their goals before starting clinical years. Session four will make use of smartphone devices that can be used by all learners, including those with sensory challenges such as visual impairment. Each session will be two hours in length. The curriculum’s total length of time will be eight hours, including seven hours of mandatory content and an optional hour-long SMART or AA meeting. Substance abuse training sessions with similar lengths have been shown to help students improve and retain knowledge. Overall, this engaging approach to teaching is aimed to escalate student awareness of these patients’ presentation and improve attitudes when approaching these patients in clinical settings