A survey of 2,800 adults in four Canadian provinces found high social acceptability of psilocybin-assisted therapy for existential distress at the end of life. 79.3% considered it a reasonable medical choice, 84.8% agreed public health insurance should cover it, and 63.3% would support legalization for medical purposes. More favorable attitudes were linked to prior psilocybin use, exposure to palliative care, and progressive political orientation. The findings suggest public support is strong enough to help mobilize resources and improve access to this emerging therapy in palliative and end-of-life care.
A decision aid for psilocybin-assisted therapy (PAT) was developed to help patients and healthcare professionals weigh risks and benefits when considering treatment for existential distress in serious illness. The booklet, created with a multidisciplinary steering committee following international standards, covers PAT education, treatment comparisons, and personal reflection. Feedback from five patients and five healthcare professionals guided refinements to improve clarity, balance, and usability. The final version met acceptability and usability criteria, offering balanced information to support shared decision-making in palliative care.