Perceptions of Australasian palliative care physicians regarding the safety and efficacy of psychedelic medicines: An exploratory mixed-methods study
Psychedelics April 4, 2026 Nicholas Sawers, Michael Billingsley, David B Menkes
Australasian palliative care doctors hold cautious but generally positive attitudes toward psychedelics. A survey of 93 members of the Australian and New Zealand Society of Palliative Medicine found that 75% disagreed that psychedelics are unsafe and should be prohibited for medical use, while 88% agreed clinical use for palliative patients warrants further investigation. Younger respondents were more likely than older colleagues to believe psychedelics may improve clinical outcomes. Interviews with 12 participants identified five themes: openness to innovation, safety, patient-centred care, therapeutic potential, and access and equity. The findings suggest support for further research to establish psychedelics' role in palliative care.