Palliative care professionals see psilocybin-assisted therapy as a promising treatment for existential distress in patients with serious illnesses, but they have several concerns. In a qualitative study using World Café methodology with 16 palliative care professionals, participants identified needs for educational and certified training, medical legalization of psilocybin, more research, refined therapy protocols, and clarity on who dispenses the therapy, where it is given, and eligibility criteria. The acceptability of the therapy and expanding access appear interrelated, and developing guidelines will be essential for wider deployment.
Most palliative care stakeholders in Canada view psilocybin-assisted therapy favorably, with 95% of physicians reporting positive attitudes. A cross-sectional online survey of 121 adults involved in palliative care found that the lack of trained healthcare providers is the primary barrier to implementation, while further research and standardized protocols are key facilitators. Sixty-eight percent of stakeholders support introducing this therapy early in the illness trajectory. The findings highlight significant divergence in perspectives between clinical and non-clinical groups, suggesting tailored interprofessional education could build shared understanding. The study's Canadian context may limit transferability to other regulatory frameworks.