Healthcare policy = Politiques de sante
May 1, 2023
Sarah Kratina, Christopher Lo, Carol Strike et al.
8 citations
Canada is moving toward enabling access to therapeutic psychedelics. Federal initiatives now allow case-by-case requests for psychedelic-assisted therapies (PATs) to treat enduring and intolerable psychological suffering (EIPS) linked to life-threatening conditions. Renewed research, promising clinical trial results, public and media interest, and recognition of traditional Indigenous use have shifted the narrative around these stigmatized substances. The lack of access to PATs for EIPS, particularly at end of life, is presented as a public policy problem needing attention.
PloS one
January 1, 2025
Sarah Kratina, Carol Strike, Robert Schwartz et al.
1 citation
Psychedelic substances show growing therapeutic potential for easing psychological suffering at the end of life, yet policy remains restrictive. Existing reviews have mostly covered psilocybin for anxiety and depression, but have not adequately addressed the range of substances (ayahuasca, psilocybin, ketamine) and therapeutic approaches (psychedelics alone or with psychotherapy) used specifically in end-of-life populations. This scoping review will follow Arksey and O'Malley's framework and PRISMA-ScR guidelines to search health science databases for empirical studies on psychedelic interventions, psychological suffering, and end-of-life issues. Extracted data will cover intervention details, participant characteristics, outcomes, and theorised mechanisms to inform future care strategies.
October 27, 2023
Sarah Kratina, Christopher Lo, Robert Schwartz et al.
preprint
A scoping review protocol describes plans to comprehensively map the range of therapeutic psychedelic interventions reported in populations coping with life-threatening illness and end-of-life issues. The review will follow Arksey and O'Malley's framework and PRISMA-ScR guidelines to search for studies on psychedelic substances, psychological suffering, and end-of-life concerns. Data will be extracted on intervention details, participant characteristics, outcomes, theorized mechanisms, and sociocultural context. The insights aim to inform discussions about the role of psychedelic interventions for end-of-life populations.