Pasifika healthcare professionals' perspectives on psychedelic-assisted therapy

Pasifika healthcare professionals in New Zealand generally have low awareness of psychedelics and psychedelic-assisted therapy, but they support further research and see potential benefits, especially when spiritual and Indigenous elements are prioritized. Openness to such therapy is linked to awareness and ethnic identity, while strong religious or spiritual beliefs, prior research roles, or experience treating anxiety/depression in professional roles hinder it. Qualitative interviews confirm openness to research despite cultural and religious concerns, driven by inadequate mental health treatments for Pasifika communities, but impeded by insufficient information on efficacy.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract Background and aims In recent years, there has been increasing attention on the potential for psychedelic-assisted therapies to be used in healthcare. However, the turbulent history of psychedelics challenges its implementation and concerns about cultural safety, equity, and diversity in research remain unresolved. In Āotearoa New Zealand, Pasifika populations face significant health disparities. Accordingly, New Zealand's Health Research Strategy calls for strategic research prioritisation that produces equitable outcomes for Pasifika peoples. This study endeavoured to proactively inform equitable future applications of psychedelic-assisted therapy for Pasifika communities. Methods The study used quantitative cross-sectional surveys ( n = 106) followed by in-depth qualitative interviews ( n = 15) to understand the awareness, knowledge, attitudes, and perspectives of Pasifika healthcare professionals regarding psychedelics and psychedelic-assisted therapy. Results Despite low awareness, participants supported further research in the area, believed that psychedelic-assisted therapy offers potential benefits, and prioritised consideration of spiritual and Indigenous elements. Openness to psychedelic-assisted therapy was associated with awareness and ethnic identity but was hindered by strong religious or spiritual beliefs, prior research roles, or having treated anxiety/depression in their professional roles. Qualitative insights corroborated these findings, revealing openness to research despite cultural and religious concerns, driven by inadequate mental health treatments, especially for Pasifika communities, but impeded by insufficient information on psychedelic therapy's efficacy. Conclusions Acceptability and culturally safe psychedelic treatment protocols for Indigenous populations require educating healthcare providers and co-designing with such communities, including religious and spiritual leaders.