# Examining the influence of team-based learning on medical students’ comprehension and attitudes regarding psychedelic therapies

## TL;DR

A two-hour team-based learning curriculum significantly improved medical students' knowledge and attitudes about psychedelic therapies, highlighting its potential for education in this emerging field.

## Contribution

This study introduces a novel team-based learning curriculum addressing an education gap in psychedelic medicine for medical students.

## Key findings

- Students showed a 41.4% increase in test scores after the curriculum (p < 0.0001).
- Positive attitude scores increased by 23% (p < 0.0001) across 16 of 18 items.
- Qualitative feedback indicated improved comfort in discussing psychedelics clinically.

## Abstract

This study evaluates the impact of a two-hour team-based learning (TBL) curriculum on medical students’ knowledge, comprehension, ethical understanding, and attitudes towards psychedelic therapies.

Sixty-three pre-surveys and fifty post-surveys assessed students’ perceived knowledge and attitudes using Likert scales. Forty-eight matched pre/post-knowledge tests with multiple-choice questions quantified changes in comprehension. The TBL approach featured independent learning, team readiness assessments, and application exercises.

Post-curriculum, students demonstrated significantly improved test scores (mean 41.4% increase, p < 0.0001) and more positive attitudes across 16 of 18 items (p ≤ 0.0495). Overall attitude scores increased 23% (p < 0.0001). Qualitative feedback reflected enhanced comfort discussing psychedelics clinically. While some students expressed support for psychedelic-assisted therapy, others cited reservations.

This innovative curriculum bridged an important education gap given the increasing relevance of psychedelic medicine. Findings suggest TBL enhances medical student preparedness in this emerging field. Continued curricular development is warranted to ensure proper psychedelic education aligns with patient needs and legislative policies. As psychedelic research progresses, maintaining instructional excellence is crucial for future healthcare professionals.