November 2021 – A renaissance of research in psychedelic therapy for end-of-life distress includes a call for information about patient priorities and interests.
A research coalition including Victoria Hospice, TheraPsil, other clinicians, and end-of-life specialists is interested in generating evidence that explores the use of psilocybin in the compassionate treatment of end-of-life emotional distress. In this PRE-research study, we want to ensure future research activities reflect patient priorities and interests.
End-of-life distress is the combination of anxiety, depression, hopelessness, and demoralization experienced by patients who receive a diagnosis of an incurable illness, or who are in remission from diseases such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, or other life-limiting illness.
Recent research indicates psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy is an effective and low-risk treatment for end-of-life distress when conducted according to research-established protocols by suitably trained therapists.
Since 2020, Health Canada has granted legal exemptions under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act on a case-by-case basis for treatment with psilocybin for end-of-life distress.
“We’re pleased to participate with TheraPsil and the team in this pre-research survey that shines a light on patient priorities,” says Education and Research Project Facilitator Anke Krey, VHS Education and Research Project Facilitator. “We hope the resulting research can contribute to positive outcomes and a high quality of care for patients facing end-of-life distress.”
Victoria Hospice is a leader in the provision of expert palliative care and international experts in pain and symptom management for patients facing end-of-life.
Formed in 2019, TheraPsil is a non-profit coalition made up of healthcare professionals, patients, community members, and advocates dedicated to helping Canadians in medical need access legal, psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy to treat end-of-life distress.
People who are experiencing end-of-life distress and are considering psilocybin-assisted therapy or have already received psilocybin-assisted therapy are invited to participate in a survey about their priorities and interests.
The online survey is confidential and takes about 15 minutes to complete.