A Rapid Review of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy in the Context of Palliative Care
Megan Miller, Molly Meyers, Annona Martin, Stephanie Napolitano, Caroline Dorsen, Andrew D. Penn, William E. Rosa
Journal of Hospice and Palliative Nursing April 1, 2025 DOI: 10.1097/njh.0000000000001113 (opens in new tab) via Semantic Scholar
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA rapid review of 34 articles published between January 2021 and July 2024 synthesizes evidence on psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) in palliative care. Psilocybin was the most studied compound. Results support the safety and initial efficacy of PAT for psycho-spiritual-existential outcomes among carefully screened, highly homogeneous samples of patients with serious illness, predominantly cancer. The review highlights current efforts and challenges in integrating PAT into palliative care systems. Additional work is needed to explore safety and efficacy in more diverse samples, train providers, determine optimal care delivery models, and develop policy solutions for safe and equitable access. The authors argue that careful consideration is required because many patients lack basic psychosocial-spiritual-existential care.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Rapid review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Medicine Psychology |
| Key finding | Psilocybin-assisted therapy shows safety and initial efficacy for psycho-spiritual-existential outcomes in carefully screened patients with serious illness, predominantly cancer. |
Abstract
Psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) involves supported experiences with psychedelic medicines in carefully curated environments. Early evidence suggests possible utility of PAT for addressing psychosocial-spiritual-existential concerns, yet gaps remain in understanding findings related to PAT's role in palliative care. This rapid review aims to synthesize current literature on applications of PAT in the context of palliative care. Through a systematic process, we identified 34 articles published between January 2021 and July 2024. Protocols varied yet included common components of participant screening, preparation, dosing, and integration. Psilocybin was the most commonly studied compound. Results support safety and initial efficacy of PAT for psycho-spiritual-existential outcomes among carefully screened and highly homogonous samples of patients with serious illness (predominantly cancer). Current efforts and challenges around integrating PAT into systems of palliative care were highlighted. Additional work is needed to (1) explore PAT's safety and efficacy within more diverse samples and contexts, (2) train palliative care providers on PAT, (3) determine systems of care delivery best suited for translation of PAT into practice, and (4) begin developing policy solutions to support safe and equitable access to PAT. Because many patients lack access to basic psychosocial-spiritual-existential care, careful consideration is needed around integration of PAT.