191345 - Practical Skills in Prescribing Medicinal Cannabis

This workshop equips medical doctors with necessary skills to prescribe and treat patients with medicinal cannabis in Australia. Developed using the latest evidence, combined with Dr Towpik’s experience and patient case studies from her clinical practice. This activity provides learners with the theory, combined with practical exercises that encourage active learning by assessing patient case studies and developing an appropriate treatment plan. During the workshop, course participants will develop a good understanding of the therapeutic properties of medicinal cannabis, dosing strategies, appropriate patient care and potential applications in chronic pain management, palliative care, multiple sclerosis, CINV, and epilepsy. On completion of this workshop, course participants will have a better understanding of the prescribing process in Australia and will be equipped with the necessary skills to confidently assess, advise, prescribe and treat patients with medicinal cannabis.

Relevance to General Practice

Medicinal Cannabis is emerging as a significant therapeutic medicine in the treatment of many medical conditions, there is increased interest among patients and there is a growing need for professionally developed training that equips medical doctors with practical skills to appropriately manage patient demand, enquires and uphold the highest standard of care during treatment. Since 2016, Australia has seen significant changes in regulations that has substantially increased the number of patients being prescribed medicinal cannabis to treat a variety of medical conditions. The changing legal sphere and increasing public demand add new challenges for GPs who need to be aware of the legislative requirements and access schemes in Australia. Therefore, it is vital GPs are formally educated and trained to ensure standards of care are upheld and patients are appropriately assessed when considering medicinal cannabis treatment.

Learning outcomes

• Discuss the therapeutic properties of medicinal cannabis
• Evaluate the clinical applications of medicinal cannabis in General Practice
• Differentiate between adverse and therapeutic effects of medicinal cannabis
• Discuss treatment considerations, dosing and titration to ensure patient safety during cannabis treatment
• Identify appropriate strategies of patient management and current legislation including prescribing, and patient access pathways
• Domains of General Practice

  D1. Communication skills and the patient-doctor relationship

  D2. Applied professional knowledge and skills

  D3. Population health and the context of general practice

  D4. Professional and ethical role

  D5. Organisational and legal dimensions

  Curriculum Contextual Units
  • Integrative medicine
  Activity sponsor

  Tilray, Spectrum Therapeutics, Entoura

  This activity is also available on these dates

  11/07/2020

  Jojo’s Café Nedlands, 183 Broadway, Nedlands

  20/06/2020

  The Larwill Studio Parkville, 48 Flemington Rd, Parkville

  23/05/2020

  Royal Adelaide Golf Club, 328 Tapleys Hill Rd, Seaton

  09/05/2020

  Rydges Hotel Norwest, 1 Columbia Ct, Baulkham Hills

  18/04/2020

  Emporium Hotel South Bank, 267 Grey Street, South Bank

  28/03/2020

  The Langham Sydney, 89-113 Kent St, Millers Point