Evaluation of a Novel Online Webinar for Health Care Practitioner Education on the Health Effects of Smoking Cannabis in the Airway.

INTRODUCTION

The rapid legalization of cannabis has led to a knowledge gap among health care practitioners (HCPs). This study aimed to evaluate a novel online webinar for HCP education on the health effects of smoking cannabis.

METHODS

An educational activity was developed by a multidisciplinary panel of experts. The webinar was recorded for on-demand viewing. A 10-item knowledge test was created by the multidisciplinary panel with content validity and was administered pre- and posteducational activity.

RESULTS

Six hundred seven HCPs participated. Pre- to posttest scores increased from 56.9% ± 23.9% to 63.5% ± 24.7% (P < .0001). The live group had a significantly higher improvement in scores (10.5% [7.1-13.8% 95% CI] (P < .0001)) than the on-demand group. In multivariable regression model, the following factors were associated with a greater improvement in scores: older age (P = .0074), physician occupation (P = .026), live mode of learning interacted with lower pretest score (P < .0001), and live mode of learning interacted with female gender (P = .001). Approximately three-quarters of participants rated the webinar as above average (44.8%) or outstanding (29.8%).

DISCUSSION: This novel online educational activity increased knowledge and awareness of the health effects of smoking cannabis in the airway among HCPs and engaged learners virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic.