EFIC is pleased to highlight a new open-access publication arising from the PANACEA project, published in PLOS ONE: “Placebo and nocebo in clinical practice: An online cross-sectional survey of healthcare professionals from European countries on views, practices and training needs.” The Erasmus+ funded PANACEA Project is a European initiative focused on strengthening higher education and professional training on placebo and nocebo mechanisms to support ethical, evidence-based, and patient-centred healthcare.
The study explores healthcare professionals’ knowledge, attitudes, and real-world use of placebo and nocebo effects across Europe. Findings show that these effects are frequently encountered in clinical practice, yet confidence in harnessing placebo effects and preventing nocebo effects varies considerably. Importantly, the results identify clear gaps in education and training, reinforcing the need for structured learning opportunities in this area.
Overall, the findings provide strong empirical support for PANACEA’s mission to strengthen higher education and professional training on placebo and nocebo mechanisms, promoting ethical, evidence-based, and patient-centred care across Europe.
The full paper is available open access in PLOS ONE:
