Die Versorgung mit medizinischem Cannabis aus der Sicht der Patient*innen - Ergebnisse einer quantitativen Befragung

Background: Since 2017, medical cannabis can be prescribed at
the expense of statutory health insurance for patients with “serious illnesses”. However, access to medical cannabis often remains
challenging due to reluctant prescribing practices and rejections of
applications for reimbursement.
Method: Between August 2019 and January 2020, patients and
potential patients were asked about their experiences with the
prescription and approval procedure by a quantitative survey. The
analysis differentiates between three groups: Patients in cannabis
treatment and whose costs are covered by their health insurance (N = 57), patients whose application for coverage has been rejected (N = 52), and persons who have not yet found a physician to prescribe
medical cannabis (N = 61).
Results: The average age of the participants is 43.2 (± 13.3) years, and 64.1% are male. Chronic pain (71.2%) is the most frequently
mentioned symptom for which cannabis medication is used or requested. Patients with cost coverage are mostly (80.4%) satisfied with the
therapeutic effect of cannabis treatment, while satisfaction with the application and treatment process is only present in 50.9%. 86.5% of
the patients who do not have cost coverage receive medical cannabis via a private prescription. In the group with an unsuccessful search for
a physician, 45.0% consulted three or more physicians to obtain a prescription for medical cannabis.
Conclusions: There is a need for action concerning adequate care of patients with medical cannabis. Model projects and clinical trials could
further develop care structures with medical cannabis to achieve a quality-supported and improved prescription practice.