26. The One Question That Humanizes Patient Care with Dr. Harvey Chochinov

Send us Fan MailEpisode DescriptionWhat if one simple question could transform healthcare? In this episode, Lisa talks with Dr. Harvey Max Chochinov, the renowned psychiatrist who developed the Patient Dignity Question: "What do I need to know about you as a person in order to take the best care of you possible?"Dr. Chochinov shares the research and stories behind this deceptively simple yet profound question, explaining how it shifts healthcare from treating a diagnosis to caring for a whole person. Through moving stories—including one about his sister Ellen—he illustrates the "platinum rule": doing unto patients as they would have done unto themselves, not as we would want for ourselves.Key TopicsThe Patient Dignity Question and its impact on careThe platinum rule vs. the golden rule in healthcareSeeing patients as whole people, not just diagnosesThe story of Ellen: why personhood matters in medical decisionsPreventing iatrogenic (healthcare-caused) suffering through dignityMemorable Quotes"What do I need to know about you as a person in order to take the best care of you possible?""If we fail to see our patients as persons, we're going to be letting them down and complicit in iatrogenic suffering.""He can see her blood gases falling and her scoliosis, but he can't see Ellen."ResourcesCanadian Virtual HospiceBook: In Search of DignityRelated: Episode with Dr. Sammy WinemakerAbout Dr. ChochinovDistinguished professor of psychiatry at the University of Manitoba and senior scientist at CancerCare Manitoba Research Institute. Developer of Dignity Therapy and co-founder of Canadian Virtual Hospice. Officer of the Order of Canada and Canadian Medical Hall of Fame inductee (2020).Latest Book: In Search of Dignity: A Lifetime of Reflections (Oxford University Press).  Listen to the recorded book launch:  https://www.mcnallyrobinson.com/event-18875/Harvey-Max-Chochinov-Book-LaunchConnect with Dr. Chochinov:Websites:  dignityincare.ca  and virtualhospice.caLinkedIn:  Harvey Max ChochinovX @HMChochinovHow do you capture your own essence? To connect with Lisa, text using the link above in this EpThank you for listening!Do you have a question or a topic related to "capturing essence for care" that you would like discussed on the podcast?  Email:  [email protected] use the "Send us Fan Mail" link at the top of the Episode Description to text the show!Interested in learning more?  Check out my Etsy ShopVisit my YouTube channel or websiteIntro and outro music with thanks:  Upbeat and Sweet No Strings by Musictown Lisa brings over 25 years of experience working in healthcare settings with older adults. The perspectives shared on this podcast are her own and do not represent the views of any past or current employer. Patient/resident stories are shared only with explicit permission or as anonymized composites for educational purposes.