Catherine Bird - Beyond Categorisation: Psychedelic Futures in Healthcare and Engaging with...

Clinical research often struggles with under-representation in participant pools, which can limit the generalizability of study findings. Developing strategies that move beyond rigid identity demographics is essential for creating more inclusive pathways to psychedelic care. Researchers increasingly utilize set and setting alongside patient-centered approaches to better reflect the diverse populations that stand to benefit from these therapies. Psychedelic trials often face structural barriers, including historical medical distrust and rigid socioeconomic recruitment biases. By refining inclusion criteria and ensuring support mechanisms like supervision for staff, research groups can navigate the complex dynamics of identity and improve equitable access to care. Future developments in this field must rely on both robust clinical standards and a critical, nuanced understanding of how participant backgrounds interact with treatment outcomes.