The Importance of Screening Your Patients for Cannabis Use
With the legalization of cannabis in many states, it has become increasingly important for healthcare providers to understand the implications of cannabis use on patient health. This is especially true when it comes to surgical procedures. To ensure the best possible outcomes and reduce the risks associated with surgery, healthcare providers should be screening their patients for cannabis use before a scheduled procedure. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of screening your patients for cannabis use before surgery and provide information on the guidelines set forth by the American College of Surgeons.
Why You Should Be Screening Your Patients for Cannabis Use
New recommendations from the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) urge a cannabis use screening for all patients having surgery. This is due to the fact that marijuana may affect the results of surgery and the effects of anaesthesia. It is crucial to understand how cannabis can impact medical procedures since it is becoming more widely used and accepted in society.
Cannabis affects a person’s physical and mental state, so it can have an impact on how the body responds to anesthesia during surgery. It can also affect a person’s ability to follow post-operative instructions. Moreover, cannabis can have an effect on the patient’s vital signs and pain perception during surgery, which could lead to complications. Therefore, it is essential to understand a patient’s cannabis use before proceeding with any medical procedure.
You may be sure that your patients' surgical procedures will be successful and safe by asking them if they have ever used cannabis. It's also crucial to keep in mind that checking for cannabis use doesn't always have to be confrontational or judgemental; rather, it's just one of the crucial steps in giving your patients the safe and effective care they need.
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What Are the Risks Associated with Surgery and Cannabis Use?
Cannabis use can pose a serious risk to patient safety during surgery. This is why the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) has released guidelines recommending that all patients be screened for cannabis use prior to undergoing any type of surgical procedure.
The main concern with cannabis use in the perioperative period is that it can lead to an increase in post-operative pain, bleeding, and anxiety. Cannabis can also lead to slower healing, increased risk of infection, and longer hospital stays. For certain types of surgery, like heart or brain surgery, cannabis use can even lead to more serious risks such as impaired motor coordination and cognitive decline.
Additionally, several anaesthesia drugs may interact unexpectedly with cannabis, causing unwanted side effects. These include slowed reaction times, slowed heart rate, elevated blood pressure, nausea and vomiting, disorientation, and elevated blood pressure. When recommending drugs to a patient who may have recently used cannabis, healthcare professionals need to be mindful of these possible dangers.
Overall, the ASA recommends that all patients be screened for cannabis use prior to undergoing any type of surgical procedure. This screening will allow healthcare providers to better assess the potential risks of the patient’s cannabis use in relation to the specific procedure being performed and develop a treatment plan accordingly. By screening for cannabis use, healthcare providers can ensure that their patients are receiving the best possible care while minimizing the risks associated with cannabis use during surgery.
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How Can You Best Screen Your Patients for Cannabis Use?
Screening your patients for cannabis use is an important part of preparing them for surgery. The American College of Surgeons recommends asking about cannabis use when taking a patient’s medical history. Asking directly about cannabis use can be uncomfortable and put patients on the defensive, so it’s best to frame the question in a way that puts them at ease.
For example, you could ask: “Do you use any recreational drugs or substances, such as marijuana?” If a patient is reluctant to answer, they can be informed that the information is kept confidential. However, it’s important to emphasize that it’s critical for ensuring their safety before and after surgery.
Urine drug testing is frequently used in conjunction with verbal interrogation to check for cannabis use. This test only detects recent cannabis usage and is most effective when performed within 72 hours following surgery. It's significant to note that even if a patient hasn't used cannabis in weeks or months, this test can still reveal use.
The surgeon should consider your patient's cannabis use while determining whether or not to do the procedure if the patient tests positive for cannabis use. They can decide to delay the procedure until the patient has quit using cannabis or take extra safety measures while doing it.
By screening your patients for cannabis use, you can help ensure their safety during surgery and reduce their risk of complications.
Tips for Talking to Your Patients about Cannabis Use
It can be difficult to talk to patients about their cannabis use, particularly when you are preparing them for surgery. However, it is essential to make sure that your patients are aware of the potential risks associated with cannabis use and surgery. Here are some tips for talking to your patients about cannabis use:
Be open and honest. Be upfront with your patients about why it is important to screen for cannabis use before surgery. Explain the risks associated with combining the two, and stress that they should disclose any relevant information regarding their cannabis use so that you can properly assess the situation.
Assure your patients that their data will be kept private. Stressing that their information won't be shared with anyone else is vital since patients could feel awkward talking to their doctor about their cannabis use.
Concentrate on prevention and education. Make sure your patients are aware of the dangers of mixing cannabis usage and surgery, as well as the best ways to avoid future issues. For instance, you can suggest making lifestyle changes like quitting cannabis use a few weeks before surgery.
