A rapid review of psychedelic-assisted therapy in the context of palliative care

A rapid review of psychedelic-assisted therapy in the context of palliative care
Journal of Hospice & Palliative Nursing; Megan Miller, Molly Meyers, Annona Martin, Stephanie Napolitano, Caroline Dorsen, Andrew Penn, William E. Rosa; 4/25
Psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) involves supported experiences with psychedelic medicines in carefully curated environments. Results support safety and initial efficacy of PAT for psycho-spiritual-existential outcomes among carefully screened and highly homogonous samples of patients with serious illness (predominantly cancer). Additional work is needed to (1) explore PAT's safety and efficacy within more diverse samples and contexts, (2) train palliative care providers on PAT, (3) determine systems of care delivery best suited for translation of PAT into practice, and (4) begin developing policy solutions to support safe and equitable access to PAT. Because many patients lack access to basic psychosocial-spiritual-existential care, careful consideration is needed around integration of PAT. The psychedelic substances which are the topic of this article are not currently FDA approved for use in the United States.