Attitudes and Beliefs Toward Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies (PAT) for Cancer-Related Psychosocial Symptoms in Healthcare Providers, Patients and Policy Makers

Summary

Background: Psychosocial symptoms are common in people living with cancer, often characterized by feelings of helplessness, anxiety, depression, and loss of meaning and purpose. Such difficulties impact quality of life and may be related to decreased cancer treatment adherence. Despite recommendations that existential-related support should be available for patients across the cancer trajectory, evidence-based treatments for such challenges remain limited. Psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) may represent a paradigm shift in the treatment of cancer-related mental health problems, as recent clinical trials have demonstrated strong preliminary evidence for therapeutic benefits. While psychedelics are currently prohibited substances in most countries, growing evidence of their therapeutic potential may motivate many people with cancer to try psychedelics on their own. This has implications for patient safety. Hence, it is important to explore attitudes and beliefs about PAT to determine whether and how to safely implement access and treatment with PAT within the Canadian healthcare context.

Aims: this study aims to explore knowledge, beliefs, barriers, and preferences regarding PAT among three stakeholder groups: health care providers, policy makers, and people living with cancer, in order to determine the safety and efficacy of PAT implementation as part of cancer care. Patient partners will play an integral role, providing insight and feedback throughout to ensure the patient perspective is central to the study.

Methods: we will employ a sequential, mixed methods approach that includes: 1) a cross-sectional quantitative online survey which will investigate attitudes toward current treatments for psychosocial problems, psychedelic-related beliefs, attitudes, and experiences, and safety and therapeutic potential of PAT (three versions tailored to each stakeholder group); and 2) qualitative semi-structured interviews among each of the stakeholder groups that will be informed by the survey to gain greater perspectives to help guide future implementation.

Implications: understanding current trends in the acceptance and use of PAT can inform training, education, and increase awareness of potential barriers to dissemination and accessibility of this treatment. This can guide ethical implementation into clinical and research settings, ultimately improving the care and quality of life for patients living with cancer.