The perceived impact of legalized cannabis on nursing workload in adult and pediatric emergency department visits: A qualitative exploratory study.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate changes in emergency nursing workload related to cannabis ingestion or inhalation by adult and pediatric patients in states and bordering states where recreational cannabis is legal.


DESIGN
Qualitative exploratory design using data collected from focus groups.


SAMPLE
Twenty-four English-speaking emergency nurses over the age of 18 who provide direct care to patients and work in US emergency departments located in a state, or bordering state, where recreational cannabis use is legal.


MEASUREMENTS
Qualitative data were gathered using a semi-structured interview format and analyzed using situational analysis.


RESULTS
The legalization of recreational cannabis in some US states is reported as resulting in an increase in patients presenting with cyclic vomiting syndromes, and increased difficulty in managing both associated behaviors and repetitive ED presentations. New presentations also include unintentional intoxication in both pediatric and geriatric populations. An unexpected finding was the displacement of local homeless populations by younger, indigent "cannabis tourists"; social services agencies might consider this while planning for cannabis legalization in their state or territory.


CONCLUSIONS
To protect public health and safety, regulatory efforts to standardize the formulation, dosing and labeling of cannabis products would be beneficial along with educational initiatives for both consumers and health care providers.
['Wolf|Lisa A|LA|0000-0002-7065-470X', 'Perhats|Cydne|C|', 'Clark|Paul R|PR|', 'Frankenberger|Warren D|WD|', 'Moon|Michael D|MD|']
D000328:Adult D000368:Aged D002188:Cannabis D002648:Child D016529:Emergency Nursing D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital D005260:Female D017144:Focus Groups D006801:Humans D007223:Infant D007880:Legislation, Drug D008297:Male D008875:Middle Aged D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital D036301:Qualitative Research D014481:United States D014839:Vomiting D016526:Workload
emergency nursing health behaviors health literacy qualitative methods workplace environment