A protocol for a scoping review of psychedelic interventions to alleviate psychological suffering in populations coping with end-of-life issues

ABSTRACTBackground: Psychedelic substances are increasingly recognized for their therapeutic potential to ease psychological suffering linked to end-of-life issues. However, amid renewed scientific and public interest, policy remains restrictive. Existing reviews have made progress in synthesizing the results of studies of psychedelic interventions, especially psilocybin, and particularly with regard to their outcomes related to anxiety and depression, long-term effects and safety. Despite this progress, there has been a wide range of both substances and therapeutic approaches in the use of psychedelic interventions in end-of-life populations, of which there has been a paucity of research undertaken to learn from this variety.

Aim: The aim of this scoping review is to comprehensively explore the literature on the range of therapeutic psychedelic interventions that have been reported in populations coping with life-threatening illness and the end-of-life.

Methods: We will follow Arksey and O’Malley’s (2005) framework for scoping reviews while incorporating updated methodological guidance. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guideline will be used to organize the search and identification of research focusing on psychedelic interventions, psychological suffering, and end-of-life issues. Data extracted from selected studies will cover intervention details, participant characteristics, measured outcomes, theorised mechanisms, and sociocultural contextual factors.Contribution: The insights gained from this review will be used to inform discussions about the role of psychedelic interventions in populations coping with end-of-life concerns.Ethics and Dissemination: This scoping review does not require ethics approval. Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conferences as well as shared with stakeholders.