Impact of Technology on Healthcare and Patient Outcomes - NURS3002

This report examines the use of technology in healthcare and its influence on patient outcomes, specifically focusing on the application of cannabis in palliative care for cancer patients. The methodology involves a quantitative study utilizing interviews and data analysis through SPSS, addressing a PICO question related to pain management. The results indicate positive outcomes, with improvements in symptom scores and a reduction in pain among cancer patients, although the study acknowledges potential biases and limitations. The discussion highlights the relevance of these findings for clinical practice, emphasizing the potential of cannabis in pain management and other areas of cancer treatment. The report's findings suggest that cannabis can be included in treating cancer patients and is effective in palliative care. The report also analyses the side effects of cannabis to the patients. The report has also described the relationship and improvement occurred due to the use of cannabis in treating cancer patients. The study suggests that technology has been used to gather data through interviews and SPSS software is used to analyze the data.

Use of technology in health
care and the influence on
patient outcomes
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Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
METHODOLOGY..........................................................................................................................3
RESULTS........................................................................................................................................4
DISCUSSION..................................................................................................................................6
RELEVANCE FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE.................................................................................7
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................10
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INTRODUCTION
It is analysed that cannabis is used in many ways in health care. Now, with help of that
medical and health care services are being given to them. Thus, it has made it easy to treat cancer
patient by health care professionals and practitioners (Blake & et.al., 2017). Besides, all
treatment is integrated together which has led to fast and efficient supportive care. Through that,
it has become easy to analyse needs of cancer patient and provide them efficient care. In
addition, cannabis is used in palliative care is becoming popular. By help of that cancer patient
are being treated in effective with help of doctor
PICO- It is mnemonic that is used to describe 4 elements of clinical question. The elements are
population, intervention, comparison and outcome. It enables in forming a good question by
focusing on problem. The rationale for using PICO question is that it directly relate with patient
or problem which is being faced. Besides, it makes overall process easier by which an effective
clinical question is formed. This helps in focusing on clinical needs and improving learner’s
knowledge.
Element Meaning
P – population Cancer Patients
I – intervention Use of cannabis
C- comparison Pain management
O – outcome Reduction in pain of patient
In this report it will be described about clinical question of using medical cannabis for pain
management and its outcomes on cancer patient. Thus, for that one article is been selected and
analysed.
METHODOLOGY
It is necessary to use an effective methodology in order to gather data and info. Similarly, in
present article there was a method which was used in collecting data (Campbell, Stockings &
Nielsen 2019). Here, the primary data was gathered and no inclusion and exclusion criteria was
applied. Moreover, a specific procedure was followed in which a consent form was given to
participants of study. Thus, total sample size was 211 patient interview was taken. There were
two interviews being conducted by nurse. In interview close ended questions was asked to
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patient regarding side effect of cannabis, demographic info and other. Along with it, data was
collected from record which was sent by haematologist or palliative care physician. The second
interview was conducted 6- 8 weeks after first one.
The best study was chosen by identifying the PICO question and what type of data needs to
be gathered. Besides, the question was examined and on basis of it primary and quantitative
study was selected to collect data. Besides, each study pros and cons was analysed and then
study was selected on basis of that (Cooke, Knight & Miaskowski 2019).
Now, the data was analysed on scale of 0- 4 of Common terminology criteria for adverse
events (CTCAE). Apart from it, distress thermometer was used to evaluate symptomatic status of
patient on interview day. In addition to that, SPSS was used to obtain statistical data. Thus, in
that various types of tests was applied on data such as Chi square test, Mann Whitney tests, non
parametric tests, etc. this enabled in identifying difference in patient characteristics and
comparison between groups who use cannabis. Furthermore, two tailed tests was done as well to
find out P value.
The reason for choosing this paper is that it is quantitative research which evaluate use of
cannabis in treating of cancer patient. Also, it will help in analysing whether cannabis help in
reducing pain or not. Besides, it has determined patient characteristics in people who regularly
use cannabis and early determination was detected or not. In addition, interview is taken which
describe any side effect of use of cannabis in palliative care given to patients. Thus, two sub
groups are taken and study is done on it (Häuser & et.al., 2017). So, as PICO question is similar
it also focus on cancer patient and use of cannabis in treating them.
RESULTS
It has been analysed from article that the research question is use of medicinal cannabis on
evaluating treatment in cancer patient on palliative care. Now, the research design which has
been used in it is quantitative. In that numerical data is collected and then statistics are presented.
Also, design is appropriate as per research question because it has given insight about use of
cannabis in treating cancer patient. Hence, it has shown effect of use of cannabis in reducing
their pain. The participants are selected through a procedure followed and in ethical way. In that
oncology patient were selected of between January 2011 and March 2102. They were selected by
signing a consent form (Häuser & et.al., 2019). In that 211 were sample size of patient that were
taken into research. Apart from that, it is found that inclusion and exclusion criteria were
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followed. Here, inclusion is that only oncology patients were included in study. It means that
those who are suffering from cancer. Besides, another inclusion criteria followed was patient
between January 2011 and March 2012 were only selected. Furthermore, exclusion criteria
which was followed is patient who are not suffering from cancer were excluded from it. In
addition, patient before January 2011 and after March 2012 were also excluded from study.
Here, sample size of 211 is sufficient as it has enabled in obtaining useful data and info. The
sample size is not too large and not too small. The data is gathered through two interviews which
is being taken by nurse. Also, in interview close ended questions are asked which is specific. The
second interview is taken after 6- 8 weeks (Kim & et.al., 2019). Therefore, the interview is
appropriate as it has given in depth info about use of cannabis by patient. Also, questions asked
is related to side affect of cannabis and other medications. So, data on illness, oncology
treatment, etc. is gathered. Besides, second interview is taken after 6- 8 weeks so in case if
patient found any side affect cannabis can be gathered. The data is analysed through SPSS which
is appropriate as it will use various tests in it to find out affect of use of cannabis in treating
cancer patient. Hence, chi square, t test, etc. are used to interpret data.
From study it can be found that out of 211, 106 patients continued the treatment
for a long period. 50 patients died in the period before the second interview.
20 patients did not start the cannabis treatment, 25 patients stopped
treatment after less than a week because of the side effects.
In 106 patient were from bias group as they were regular cannabis user. There was
improvement in symptoms of cancer patient with use of cannabis P value < 0.001. 31 patient
symptom score < 10, 22 has > 17 before cannabis use. However, 71 patient score was < 10 and 8
were > 17 in second interview. It can be stated that there is no side effect of use of cannabis in
106 patient (Lee & et.al., 2018).
In first interview there is significant differences in symptom scores between
the sub groups P = 0.03 and in second interview there is no significant
differences in symptom scores between the sub groups was seen. However,
there was improvement in all parameter in sub groups that is P < 0.01 and
interaction was found to age P = 0.004, anxiety level, P= 0.002 and memory
loss P= 0.004. Thus, there is improvement in palliative care in cancer patient
by using cannabis.
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DISCUSSION
In research it has been found that there is biases which has occurred. This is because in
study only those patient are taken as sample size who regularly consume cannabis. So, they are
addicted of it and there is nothing shown about any negative affect on cannabis on them. This has
caused biasness as normal patient are not taken who have not consumed cannabis in palliative
care.
Moreover, the validity of research is maintained as first interview is taken personally by
nurse and second on telephone. Thus, both these methods are valid. In addition, SPSS software is
used to analyse data which is valid (Pratt & et.al., 2019). This is because in that various tests are
used to obtain outcomes. So, it has enabled in measuring any side effect of cannabis on palliative
care. Hence, it has focused on concept of PICO question. The Chi square has resulted in
comparison between two groups of use of cannabis. Mann Whitney test found out difference in
symptoms between patient sub group. The research design is quantitative by which it has been
easy to find out effect of cannabis on oncology patient. So, data is effectively interpreted and
outcomes are obtained. The use of quantitative design is useful in gathering numeric data about
use of cannabis in treatment of cancer patient and how it has led to reducing pain. In that
numerical data is collected and then statistics are presented. Also, design is appropriate as per
research question because it has given insight about use of cannabis in treating cancer patient.
Hence, it has shown effect of use of cannabis in reducing their pain.
Here, the outcomes has effectively shown significance relation in use of cannabis in
managing pain in cancer patient. It has enabled in finding out significance value of side effect of
cannabis in palliative care treatment.
There are certain limitation of data that is lack of an appropriate control
group for comparison, since the overall improvement in perceived health
quality might be attributed simply to time or other factors unrelated to
treatment (Scarborough & Smith 2018). Also, cannabis effects is reported with
use of self based method. It implies that the real effect may be one of
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psychological order, rather than specific effects on the body physiology. In
addition, data of second interview is not presented in separate way so it has
been difficult to find differentiate that what participants has said in first
interview. There are no graph as well which is being presented along with
data. Due to that, it become difficult to interpret findings from it.
The data generated from article is of highly importance in clinical practice. This is because
as data shows that there is no side effect of cannabis in treating cancer patients. Besides, the pain
is reduced as well in it. Similarly, this treatment can be highly effective in treating cancer patient.
With that it will be easy to manage pain in patient and no use of chemotherapy in it. Alongside,
treatment effect of cannabis can be applied in some other areas of cancer treatment as well. This
will be highly useful in relief pain to patient. The use of cannabis can be included in some other
cancer treatment as well (Schleider & et.al., 2018). Then, its effect on pain can be measured and
accordingly treatment is given to patient.
RELEVANCE FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE
The paper state use of cannabis by health care professionals in pain management in cancer
patient. It is found that use of cannabis has enabled in reducing pain of patient. The paper
provided in depth info about how cannabis can be used in treating cancer patient. Also, it was
easy to find out side effect of cannabis to patient. Thus, paper showed effect on pain and patient
treatment. It stated that how there is improvement in symptoms of cancer patient. Besides, how
in palliative care cannabis is being used. Apart from it, paper has shown how cannabis affect on
symptoms of cancer patient. It has described relationship and improvement occurred due to use
of cannabis in treating cancer patient (Zolotov, Vulfsons & Sznitman 2019). The patient who
were having symptoms such as anger, dizziness, vomiting, etc. took cannabis which help in
reducing their pain.
Here, use of cannabis in clinical practice can be seen as patient are given palliative care. It
has been found that cannabis can be included in treating cancer patient. In palliative care it has
been useful in reducing pain. Usually, cancer patient has to go through intense pain. The use of
cannabis has shown positive effect on reducing symptoms of cancer patient. Besides, it is
analysed that there is only effect on memory loss due to regular use of cannabis. But there are no
such effect that is being observed. There is also significant improvement in symptoms of cancer
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patient by taking of cannabis. Also, there is no relationship between characteristic of sub groups
in it.
They are able to get quick data and info on mobile and share it. Besides that, the paper has
discussed about use of technology has enabled in monitoring patient. They remain updated about
patient conditions and on basis of it provide care services. In addition, professional time is saved
as info is quickly accessed. They are able to make quick decisions (Blake & et.al., 2017).
Similarly, mobile technology needs to be used in more effective way. It needs to be adopted
by both doctors and patients. This will be useful in integrated communication and providing
daily clinical support to them. However, there are certain barriers such as technical errors,
security issues, etc. which occurs in using technology. This needs to be overcome so that heath
care professionals are aware about it.
It can be summarised that the paper has focused on use cannabis by health care professionals
in pain management in cancer patient. This has benefited in reducing pain and effective
monitoring of patients. Furthermore, paper has given overview of how cannabis treatment has
led to significant improvement in symptoms of cancer patients. The professionals are able to gain
knowledge about many things like symptoms, groups, etc. Also, it has benefited in many ways in
clinical practice. The positive outcomes are generated from it. There is only negative impact of
cannabis that is on memory loss, lack of coordination, etc. thus, cannabis can cause little effect
on self reported problems related to memory (Campbell, Stockings & Nielsen 2019). So, it can
be said that in other areas of clinical practice as well cannabis treatment can be adopted. It will
result in relief in pain. Furthermore, treatment can be easily given to others and this influence on
palliative care outcomes in positive way.
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REFERENCES
Books and journals
Blake, A., Wan, B. A., Malek, L., DeAngelis, C., Diaz, P., Lao, N., & O’Hearn, S. (2017). A
selective review of medical cannabis in cancer pain management. Annals of palliative
medicine, 6(suppl 2), s215-s222.
Campbell, G., Stockings, E., & Nielsen, S. (2019). Understanding the evidence for medical
cannabis and cannabis-based medicines for the treatment of chronic non-cancer
pain. European archives of psychiatry and clinical neuroscience, 269(1), 135-144.
Cooke, A. C., Knight, K. R., & Miaskowski, C. (2019). Patients’ and clinicians’ perspectives of
co-use of cannabis and opioids for chronic non-cancer pain management in primary
care. International Journal of Drug Policy, 63, 23-28.
Häuser, W., Fitzcharles, M. A., Radbruch, L., & Petzke, F. (2017). Cannabinoids in pain
management and palliative medicine: An overview of systematic reviews and prospective
observational studies. Deutsches Ärzteblatt International, 114(38), 627.
Häuser, W., Welsch, P., Klose, P., Radbruch, L., & Fitzcharles, M. A. (2019). Efficacy,
tolerability and safety of cannabis-based medicines for cancer pain. Der Schmerz, 33(5),
424-436.
Kim, A., Kaufmann, C. N., Ko, R., Li, Z., & Han, B. H. (2019). Patterns of medical cannabis use
among cancer patients from a medical cannabis dispensary in New York state. Journal of
palliative medicine, 22(10), 1196-1201.
Lee, G., Grovey, B., Furnish, T., & Wallace, M. (2018). Medical cannabis for neuropathic
pain. Current pain and headache reports, 22(1), 1-12.
Pratt, M., Stevens, A., Thuku, M., Butler, C., Skidmore, B., Wieland, L. S., ... & Hutton, B.
(2019). Benefits and harms of medical cannabis: a scoping review of systematic
reviews. Systematic reviews, 8(1), 1-35.
Scarborough, B. M., & Smith, C. B. (2018). Optimal pain management for patients with cancer
in the modern era. CA: a cancer journal for clinicians, 68(3), 182-196.
Schleider, L. B. L., Mechoulam, R., Lederman, V., Hilou, M., Lencovsky, O., Betzalel, O., ... &
Novack, V. (2018). Prospective analysis of safety and efficacy of medical cannabis in
large unselected population of patients with cancer. European journal of internal
medicine, 49, 37-43.
Zolotov, Y., Vulfsons, S., & Sznitman, S. (2019). Predicting physicians' intentions to
recommend medical cannabis. Journal of pain and symptom management, 58(3), 400-
407.
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