The Dignity in Care Lead Investigator
Dr. Harvey Max Chochinov leads the research team that pioneered the Dignity Model and Dignity Therapy. For the last 35 years, Dr. Chochinov’s program of research has earned him recognition as one of the world’s leading palliative care scholars and researchers. He is also a Distinguished Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Manitoba. His seminal publications addressing psychosocial dimensions of palliation have helped define core-competencies and standards of upholding dignity in end-of-life care.
Harvey Max Chochinov OC OM MD PhD FRCPC FRSC
Dr. Harvey Max Chochinov is a distinguished professor of psychiatry at the University of Manitoba and Senior Scientist at the CancerCare Manitoba Research Institute.
His research provides an empirical basis for understanding and addressing palliative and end-of-life care experiences for patients and their families. His more than 350 career publications, with more than 30,000 citations, have broached diverse topics such as depression, quality-of-life, suicide, vulnerability, spirituality, and existential distress towards end-of-life. He has also led a large program of research targeting issues related to dignity within the healthcare setting, which includes the development and study of Dignity Therapy. He is the co-founder of the Canadian Virtual Hospice and co-editor of The Handbook of Psychiatry in Palliative Medicine (Oxford University Press). His book, Dignity Therapy: Final Words for Final Days, was the winner of the Prose Award. His latest book is entitled Dignity in Care: The Human Side of Medicine, published by Oxford University Press. He has been the recipient of numerous honors and awards, including the Canadian Medical Association’s highest recognition, the FNG Starr Award. He is an Order of Manitoba recipient and an Officer in the Order of Canada. In 2020 he was inducted into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame.
Media
Recent Media Features
Intensive Caring: Reminding Patients They Matter: https://ascopubs.org/doi/full/10.1200/JCO.23.00042
Michael J. Fox gives patients hope there may be a place that illness doesn’t touch: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-michael-j-fox-gives-patients-hope-there-may-be-a-place-that-illness/
Depression is a Liar: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-depression-is-a-liar/
Why is Being a Patient Such a Difficult Pill to Swallow: https://www.thestar.com/opinion/contributors/2023/01/27/why-is-being-a-patient-such-a-difficult-pill-to-swallow.html
Cancer.Net- How People With Advanced Cancer Can Find Meaning Toward the End of Life: An Expert Perspective: https://www.cancer.net/blog/2023-07/how-people-with-advanced-cancer-can-find-meaning-toward-end-life-expert-perspective
Cancer.Net- How People With Advanced Cancer Can Find Meaning Toward the End of Life: An Expert Perspective: https://www.cancer.net/blog/2023-07/how-people-with-advanced-cancer-can-find-meaning-toward-end-life-expert-perspective
Why is Being a Patient Such a Difficult Pill to Swallow/ National Public Radio/Academic Minute: https://academicminute.org/2023/04/harvey-chochinov-university-of-manitoba-why-is-being-a-patient-such-a-difficult-pill-to-swallow/
Better Patient Care Calls for a ‘Platinum Rule’ to Replace the Golden One. Scientific American https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/better-patient-care-calls-for-a-platinum-rule-to-replace-the-golden-one/
Letter to the Editor: Response to Downar et al. Medical Assistance in Dying and Palliative Care: Shared Trajectories https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/jpm.2023.0455
Funding
Currently Held Funds
2021 – 2024 Bylund C, Bluck S, Wilkie DJ, Kittelson S, Yao Y, Handzo G, Chochinov H, Emanuel L, Fitchett G, Hauser J. Dignity therapy for elderly cancer patients: Identifying mechanisms to promote desired outcomes. R01CA253330-01A1, $1,032,069.
2021 – 2022 Sapna Oberoi, Ian Scott, Chochinov HM, Dhasni Muthumuni, Sheila Garland, Fiona Schulte, Heather Palmer. Feasibility and Acceptability of a Virtual ‘Coping with Brain Fog’ Intervention for Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer. CancerCare Manitoba Foundation $480
2021 – 2023 Chochinov HM, Lewis K, Bolton J. Dignity Related Distress amongst Patients Requesting Medical Assistance in Dying. Department of Psychiatry Awards Program. $8,610
2020 – 2021 Riel S, Kredenster M, Chochinov HM, El-Gabalawy R, Hiebert T, Moussavi Z. Canadian Virtual Hospice Centre for Aging and Brain Health Innovation Knowledge Mobilization Partnership Program. $40,000
2020 – 2021 Chochinov HM, Bolton J, Hensel, J, Olafson K, Reynolds K, Kredentser M. Death, Dying and Dignity in the time of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Research Manitoba COVID-19 rapid response. $235,676
2018 – 2020 Kim C, Daeninck P., Goldenberg B, Chochinov HM, Lix L, McClement S. The impact of early palliative care on the quality of life of patients with advanced pancreas cancer: A case-crossover study. CancerCare Manitoba Foundation Operating Grant ($120,000).
2016- 2021 Emanuel, L. (MPI), Wilkie, D.J. (contact MPI), Fitchett, G. (MPI), Handzo, G. (Co-I), Chochinov, H. (Co-I), and Site PIs–Delgodo Guay, M.O., Rabow, M., O’Mahony, S., Houser, J., Quest, T., & Kittelson, S. Dignity Therapy RCT led by Nurses or Chaplains for Elderly Cancer Outpatients. National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, 1R01CA200867-01, $3,917,265.
2016 – 2020 Sinclair SA, Hack TF, Sawatzky RG (Co-Principal Investigators); Co-Investigators: Barwich DB, Baxter S, Chochinov HM, et al Development and Validation of a Patient-Reported Measure of Compassionate Care. Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Health Services and Policy Research Project Grant ($636,356).
2014 – 2018 Thompson G, McClement S, Chochinov HM, Hack T, Harlos M, Funk L, Pereira A, Labun N. (Collaborators Klaasen K. & Derksen J.) Excellence in delivering person-centered intimate care: What makes the difference. Canadian Institutes of Health Research ($519,912).
2013 – 2018 Montross L, Chochinov HM, Jeste D, von Gunten C, Zisook S, Golshan S, Steinhauser K, Irwin S. Positive Outcomes of a Psychotherapy for End-of-Life Care, American Cancer Society, Career Development Award, $714,000.
2012 – 2018 Chochinov HM, McClement S, Hack T, Lobchuk M, Thompson G, Harlos, M. Dignity Talk: a novel palliative care intervention for patients and their families, CIHR, $200,383.