Cancer Healthcare Workers' Perceptions toward Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy: A Preliminary Investigation.

Lisa M Reynolds,William J Evans,Suresh Muthukumaraswamy,Amelia Akroyd,Aideen Stack,Frederick Sundram

doi:10.3390/ijerph18158160

Abstract

Recent clinical trials suggest that psychedelic-assisted therapy is a promising intervention for reducing anxiety and depression and ameliorating existential despair in advanced cancer patients. However, little is known about perceptions toward this treatment from the key gatekeepers to this population. The current study aimed to understand the perceptions of cancer healthcare professionals about the potential use of psychedelic-assisted therapy in advanced cancer patients. Twelve cancer healthcare professionals including doctors, nurses, psychologists and social workers took part in a semi-structured interview which explored their awareness and perceptions toward psychedelic-assisted therapy with advanced cancer patients. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Four inter-connected themes were identified. Two themes relate to the role and responsibility of being a cancer healthcare worker: (1) ‘beneficence: a need to alleviate the suffering of cancer patients’ and (2) ‘non-maleficence: keeping vulnerable cancer patients safe’, and two themes relate specifically to the potential for psychedelic-assisted therapy as (3) ‘a transformative approach with the potential for real benefit’ but that (4) ‘new frontiers can be risky endeavours’. The findings from this study suggest intrigue and openness in cancer healthcare professionals to the idea of utilising psychedelic-assisted therapy with advanced cancer patients. Openness to the concept appeared to be driven by a lack of current effective treatment options and a desire to alleviate suffering. However, acceptance was tempered by concerns around safety and the importance of conducting rigorous, well-designed trials. The results from this study provide a useful basis for engaging with healthcare professionals about future research, trial design and potential clinical applications.

Highlights

Advanced-stage cancer is commonly associated with psychiatric disorders including high rates of treatment-resistant depression and anxiety [1,2], and psychological distress more broadly including existential despair, loss of meaning and desire for a hastened death [3,4]
The current study identified perceptions that fell under two overarching themes (1) the responsibility for beneficence and nonmaleficence in cancer healthcare workers and that (2) psychedelic-assisted therapy appears to be a transformative approach with potential for real benefit and high risk
The results of the current study suggest that cancer healthcare workers are optimistic about the possible benefits of psychedelic approaches but are mindful of adverse effects

Summary

Introduction

Advanced-stage cancer is commonly associated with psychiatric disorders including high rates of treatment-resistant depression and anxiety [1,2], and psychological distress more broadly including existential despair, loss of meaning and desire for a hastened death [3,4]. Psychological problems such as these are associated with poor quality of life [2] and with poorer physical health outcomes such as increased pain [5], decreased treatment adherence [6], prolonged hospitalisation [7], and increased mortality [8].

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