Perceptions of Australasian palliative care physicians regarding the safety and efficacy of psychedelic medicines: An exploratory mixed-methods study

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.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Psychiatric symptoms and existential distress are common at the end of life and associated with poor outcomes. Psychedelic therapies are an emerging option for managing such patients, but their testing and application depends, inter alia , on prescribers’ perspectives. However, no published data exist on the opinions of Australasian palliative care medical staff regarding psychedelic safety and efficacy. This exploratory mixed-methods study used a cross-sectional survey, together with an optional semi-structured interview, to explore attitudes among consultant and trainee members of the Australian and New Zealand Society of Palliative Medicine (ANZSPM). Of 580 invitations, 93 questionnaires were returned (16%). Seventy respondents (75%) disagreed that psychedelics are unsafe and should be prohibited for medical use, while 82 (88%) agreed clinical use for palliative patients warrants further investigation. Younger respondents were more likely than their older colleagues to believe psychedelics may improve clinical outcomes. Twelve interviews were completed; 8 interviewees were female and 7 were consultants. Analysis identified five themes: openness to innovation, safety, patient-centred care, therapeutic potential, and access and equity. Limited evidence suggests psychedelic therapies are generally safe and can be effective for treating existential distress and psychiatric symptoms at end of life. Alongside clinical trials, the legal and regulatory landscape is evolving. Findings from this exploratory study suggest that Australasian palliative care doctors hold cautious but generally positive attitudes toward psychedelics and support further research to establish their role in palliative care. • Australasian palliative doctors are cautiously optimistic regarding psychedelics. • They strongly endorsed the need for end-of-life psychedelic research. • They recognized the importance of innovative, patient-centred care.