# Development of a Decision Aid to Support Shared Decision-Making on Cannabis Use for Arthritis: Protocol for a Multiphase Study. > **Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD (ABFM Board Certified, MA Lic. #240562, NPI: 1962722637) > **Publisher:** CED Clinic (https://cedclinic.com) > **Canonical URL:** https://cedclinic.com/shared-decision-making-cannabis-arthritis-decision-aid-protocol/ > **Published:** 2026-03-31T00:04:38-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-09-28T10:34:27-04:00 > **Clinical Summary:** Explore the shared decision-making cannabis arthritis protocol designed to aid patients and clinicians in evidence-based cannabis use decisions for arthritis care. --- CED Clinical Relevance  #78Notable Clinical Interest  Emerging findings or policy developments worth monitoring closely. 🔬 Evidence Watch  |  CED Clinic ArthritisPainShared Decision MakingClinical ToolsGeriatrics Journal JMIR research protocols Study Type Systematic Review Population Human participants Why This Matters Arthritis patients frequently inquire about [cannabis for pain management](https://cedclinic.com/medical-cannabis-patient-benefits/), yet most clinicians lack structured tools to facilitate evidence-based discussions. This protocol addresses a critical gap by developing a systematic framework for shared decision-making conversations about cannabis in arthritis care. Clinical Summary This multiphase study protocol outlines the development of a decision aid for older adults with arthritis considering [medical cannabis](https://cedclinic.com/therapeutic-benefits-of-thc/), using established frameworks including the Ottawa Decision Support Framework and International Patient Decision Aids Standards. Phase 1 completed scoping reviews on shared decision-making tools and [cannabis use](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cardiovascular-health-insights-2024/) in arthritis. The study aims to create a theory-driven, evidence-based tool that helps patients weigh [cannabis benefits](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-and-sexuality-benefits-intimacy/) and risks according to their personal values and preferences. The protocol emphasizes user-centered design and systematic development methodology. Dr. Caplan’s Take “Having these conversations without structured guidance often leaves both patients and clinicians unsatisfied. A well-designed decision aid could transform these discussions from anecdotal exchanges into evidence-informed collaborative decisions.” Clinical Perspective 🧠 Clinicians should anticipate that validated decision aids for cannabis discussions will become standard practice tools. Until such aids are available, clinicians can still apply shared decision-making principles by systematically reviewing potential benefits, risks, and patient values when cannabis questions arise in arthritis care. 💬 Join the Conversation Have a question about how this applies to your situation? [Ask Dr. Caplan →](https://benjamincaplan.com/ask-dr-caplan) Want to discuss this topic with other patients and caregivers? [Join the forum discussion →](https://cedclinic.com/interact/discussion-forums/forum/cannabis-industry/) Have thoughts on this? Share it: [𝕏 Share on X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Just%20read%20this%20on%20CEDclinic.com%3A%20Development%20of%20a%20Decision%20Aid%20to%20Support%20Shared%20Decision-Making%20on%20Cannabis%20Use%20...%20%40drcaplan&url=https%3A//pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41911387/)[in Share on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A//pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41911387/)[🦥 Share on BlueSky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=Just%20read%20this%3A%20Development%20of%20a%20Decision%20Aid%20to%20Support%20Shared%20Decision-Making%20on%20Cannabis%20Use%20...%20--%20via%20%40drcaplan.bsky.social%20https%3A//pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41911387/)[📷 Follow on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/drbenjamincaplan/)[📝 Read more on Substack](https://substack.com/@doctorapproved)[🔔 Subscribe via RSS](https://cedclinic.com/category/cannabis-news/feed/) 📰 Source: [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41911387/](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41911387/) Table of Contents - [FAQ](#FAQ)[What is a decision aid for cannabis use in arthritis?](#What_is_a_decision_aid_for_cannabis_use_in_arthritis) - [Why do arthritis patients consider cannabis as a treatment option?](#Why_do_arthritis_patients_consider_cannabis_as_a_treatment_option) - [Who is the target population for this cannabis decision aid?](#Who_is_the_target_population_for_this_cannabis_decision_aid) - [What frameworks guide the development of this decision aid?](#What_frameworks_guide_the_development_of_this_decision_aid) - [How does shared decision-making benefit cannabis treatment discussions?](#How_does_shared_decision-making_benefit_cannabis_treatment_discussions) - [Related](#Related) ## FAQ #### What is a decision aid for cannabis use in arthritis? A decision aid is an evidence-based tool designed to help patients and healthcare providers engage in shared decision-making about [cannabis use](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cardiovascular-health-insights-2024/) for arthritis management. It systematically presents potential benefits, risks, and considerations to support informed choices that align with individual patient values and preferences. #### Why do arthritis patients consider cannabis as a treatment option? Many arthritis patients turn to cannabis because conventional treatments often provide only partial relief for pain and related symptoms. This leads patients to seek alternative therapeutic options that may offer additional symptom management when standard treatments are insufficient. #### Who is the target population for this cannabis decision aid? The decision aid is specifically designed for older adults with arthritis who are considering [medical cannabis](https://cedclinic.com/therapeutic-benefits-of-thc/) as a treatment option. This population requires tailored information that considers age-related factors and the complexities of managing arthritis in geriatric patients. #### What frameworks guide the development of this decision aid? The development follows three established frameworks: the Ottawa Decision Support Framework, International Patient Decision Aids Standards, and User-Centeredness approach. These frameworks ensure the tool is theoretically grounded, meets quality standards, and is designed with patient needs at the center. #### How does shared decision-making benefit cannabis treatment discussions? Shared decision-making allows patients to weigh potential [cannabis benefits](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-and-sexuality-benefits-intimacy/) and risks in the context of their personal values, medical history, and treatment goals. This collaborative approach between patients and providers leads to more informed, personalized treatment decisions that patients are more likely to follow through with successfully. {“@context”: “https://schema.org”, “@type”: “ScholarlyArticle”, “headline”: “Development of a Decision Aid to Support Shared Decision-Making on Cannabis Use for Arthritis: Protocol for a Multiphase Study.”, “url”: “https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41911387/”, “about”: “jmir research protocols systematic review development”, “isPartOf”: “JMIR research protocols”} [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) Physician-Led, Whole-Person Care A doctor who takes the time to truly understand you. Personal care that starts with listening and is guided by experience and ingenuity. Health, Longevity, Wellness One-on-One Cannabis Guidance Metabolic Balance [Leave a Message](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) [Metabolic Care](https://cedclinic.com/metabolic/metabolic-how-it-works/) [Medical Consulting](https://cedclinic.com/book/) [Cannabis Care](https://cedclinic.com/book/) [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) RELATED READING AT CED CLINIC Continue exploring the evidence [Medical Cannabis Linked to Meaningful Pain-Related Improvements in Large Minnesota Study](https://cedclinic.com/medical-cannabis-linked-to-meaningful-pain-related-improvements-in-large-minnesota-study/) Discover findings from a large study showing how medical cannabis can improve [pain management](https://cedclinic.com/cbd-cbg-topicals-for-eczema/) outcomes. [Read the study](https://cedclinic.com/medical-cannabis-linked-to-meaningful-pain-related-improvements-in-large-minnesota-study/) [Will medicinal cannabis help my mental health? Here are the evidence and the risks](https://cedclinic.com/medicinal-cannabis-demand-mental-health-soars-evidence-risks/) Explore the evidence and risks associated with medicinal cannabis use for mental health conditions. [Learn more](https://cedclinic.com/medicinal-cannabis-demand-mental-health-soars-evidence-risks/) The Science Behind Cannabis and Its Therapeutic Benefits – NUG Magazine Understand the scientific basis for cannabis's therapeutic effects and its potential clinical applications. Explore the science ### Related --- ### Verification & Medical Governance - **Lead Clinical Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD - **Credentials:** Board Certified in Family Medicine (ABFM), Former CMO Canna Care Docs (250,000+ patients supervised), Founder & CMO CED Clinic & CED Foundation, Author of *The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook* (Penguin Random House). - **Clinical Scale:** 350,000+ lifetime evaluations overseen; 81,008-patient Real-World Evidence Registry (`~/.ced_rwe_vault.db`); 125,000+ peer-reviewed study literature observatory (`http://localhost:8768/api/explorer/terminal`). - **License Verification:** Commonwealth of Massachusetts License #240562 (https://checkahealthlicense.mass.gov/). - **NPI Registry:** 1962722637 (https://npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov/provider-view/1962722637). - **Ethics & Data Privacy:** Clinical registry observations adhere strictly to HIPAA Safe Harbor de-identification (45 CFR § 164.514(b)) and criteria for secondary research exemption under 45 CFR § 46.104(d)(4).