Pasifika Healthcare Workers' Perspectives of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy

Abstract

Recent studies indicate that psychedelic-assisted therapy may assist with various psychological issues, including depression, anxiety, and existential distress. As a result, legislation in several countries is shifting to facilitate the introduction of psychedelics as healthcare treatments. However, the turbulent and stigmatised history of psychedelic-assisted therapies challenges its acceptance and implementation. Particularly, concerns about the cultural safety, diversity, and inclusion of psychedelic research remain unresolved. Pasifika populations in Āotearoa New Zealand face significant health disparities. Accordingly, New Zealand's Health Research Strategy calls for strategic prioritisation of research that produces equitable outcomes for Pasifika peoples. Given this, and the progress of psychedelic research in Āotearoa New Zealand, this study endeavoured to proactively inform equitable future applications of psychedelic-assisted therapy for Pasifika communities. The study used quantitative cross-sectional surveys (n = 106) followed by in-depth qualitative interviews (n = 15) to understand the awareness, knowledge, attitudes, and perspectives of Pasifika healthcare professionals regarding psychedelics and psychedelic-assisted therapy. Results showed that despite low awareness of the treatment, participants believed that psychedelic-assisted therapy warrants further research, has potential benefits and that spiritual and Indigenous factors should be considered in future developments. Regression analyses revealed that awareness and ethnic identity centrality were associated with openness towards psychedelic-assisted therapy. However, placing high importance on religion or spirituality, having prior experience as a research investigator/coordinator, or providing treatment for anxiety/depression was associated with less openness towards psychedelic-assisted therapy. Qualitative results helped corroborate and explain these findings, suggesting that though psychedelic substances may be perceived as being at odds with Pasifika cultures and religions, participants were open to further research in this area due to the insufficiency of current treatments for mental health, particularly for Pasifika populations. However, participants expressed that the lack of information backing psychedelic-assisted therapy is a barrier against perceiving benefits or recommending the treatment to patients. The study indicates that improving the acceptability of psychedelic-assisted therapy among Pasifika populations in Āotearoa New Zealand will necessitate education for healthcare providers and co-design with the Pasifika community, specifically religious and spiritual leaders, to inform culturally safe treatment protocols. Overall, the study contributes literature on the cultural safety of psychedelic-assisted therapy, helping to diversify and broaden the knowledge in this field.