Pierre Gagnon

Pierre Gagnon, MD

Chairman and professor, Department of psychiatry and neurosciences, Faculty of medicine, Laval University
Director, Réseau québécois de recherche en soins palliatifs et de fin de vie, Fonds de recherche du Québec – Santé (FRQ-S)
Researcher, Cancer Research Center (CRC and CHU de Québec – Université Laval - L’Hôtel-Dieu de Québec - oncology research area)
Consultant psychiatrist in psycho-oncology and palliative care, CHU de Québec – Université Laval - L’Hôtel-Dieu de Québec

Biography

Dr. Gagnon, MD, FRCPC, is a psychiatrist specializing in psycho-oncology, psychosomatic medicine, and geriatric psychiatry. He is a clinical researcher at the Centre for Cancer Research, and is director of the Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences at the Faculty of Medicine at Laval University. In addition to being a clinician at the CHU of Quebec – Laval University, CIUSSS-CN and Maison Michel-Sarrazin, he began his research career in 1994 a psycho-oncology fellowship at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York. He received a research fellowship from the National Cancer Institute of Canada (NCIC) and received the NCIC’s Dorothy J. Lamont Award for his significant contribution to psychosocial oncology research. He has been the lead investigator of major operating grants for the Canadian Cancer Society, and of a grant for a new emerging palliative care team from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). Since 2000, Dr. Gagnon has led the Michel-Sarrazin research team in psychosocial oncology and palliative care at Laval University, and has been the director of the Quebec Research Network in Palliative and End-of-Life Care at FRQS since its creation in 2017.

Academic and Research Interests

Delirium associated with cancer
Psychotherapy (especially existential)
Palliative care
Psychiatric complications of cancer
Use of psychotropic drugs in palliative care and oncology

Website

Publications

Cléophat JE, Marin A, Pelletier S, Joly T, Gagnon P, Déry A, Chiquette J, Gagnon B, Roy L, Bitzas V, Nabi H, Dorval M. (2019). What do cancer patients’ relatives think about addressing cancer family history and performing genetic testing in palliative care? European Journal of Human Genetics: 1-9. doi: 10.1038/s41431-019-0505-3
Cleophat JE, Pelletier S, Joly Y, Gagnon P, Déry A, Marin A, Chiquette J, Gagnon B, Roy L, Bitzas V, Nabi H, Dorval M. (2019). Addressing cancer family history at the end of life: How frequent, relevant, and feasible is it? A survey of palliative care providers. Palliative Medicine 33(7) : 856-858. doi: 10.1177/0269216319845826
Gagnon P, Dumont S, Cohen R, Gauthier LR, Savard J, Tardif F, Maranda-Pelletier S. (2018). Création d’une force majeure de recherche en soins palliatifs au Québec: le RQSPAL. Les cahiers francophones de soins palliatifs. 18(1): 88-93.
Gilbert E, Savard J, Gagnon P, Savard M-H, Ivers H, Foldes-Busque G. (2018). To be or not to be positive: Development of a tool to assess the relationship of negative, positive, and realistic thinking with psychological distress in breast cancer. Journal of Health Psychology 25(5): 731-742. doi: 10.1177/1359105316681062
Gonthier C, Pelletier S, Gagnon P, Marin A, Chiquette J, Gagnon B, Roy L, Cléophat JE, Joly Y, Dorval M. (2017). Issues related to family history of cancer at the end of life: A palliative care providers' survey. Familial Cancer 17(2) : 303-307. doi : 10.1007/s10689-017-0021-y
Aubin M, Vézina L, Verreault R, Simard S, Desbiens JF, Tremblay L, Dumont S, Fillion L, Dogba MJ, Gagnon P. (2017). Effectiveness of an intervention to improve supportive care for family caregivers of patients with lung cancer: a randomized controlled trial. Trials 18(1) : 304-314. doi : 10.1186/s13063-017-2044-y
Wilson KG, Dalgleish TL, Chochinov HM, Chary S, Gagnon PR, Macmillan K, De Luca M, O’Shea F, Kuhl D, Fainsinger RL. (2016). Mental disorders and the desire for death in patients receiving palliative care for cancer. BMJ Supportive and Palliative Care 6(2): 170-177. doi : 10.1136/bmjspcare-2013-000604 [Epub 2014 Mar 4]
Blais M-C, Gagnon P, Ivers H, Boisvert J-M. (2015). L’activation comportementale pour améliorer l’humeur chez les survivants du cancer : Étude de cas uniques. Revue Francophone de Clinique Comportementale et Cognitive 20(3) : 56-75.
Bernatchez MS, Collin J, Gagnon P, Hamel M, Hervouet S, Leis A, Savard J. (2015). La gestion des symptômes en soins palliatifs au-delà de la médication. Les Cahiers francophones de soins palliatifs 15(2) : 33-51.
Gagnon P, Fillion L, Robitaille MA, Girard M, Tardif F, Cochrane JP, Le Moignan Moreau J, Breitbart B. (2015). A cognitive-existential intervention to improve existential and global quality of life in cancer patients: a pilot study. Palliative and Supportive Care 13(4): 981-990. doi : 10.1017/S147895151400073X [Epub 2014 Jul 22]
Gagnon P. (2014). La dernière leçon du Dr Pierre Allard. Les Cahiers francophones de soins palliatifs 14(1) : 79-89.
Bush SH, Kanji S, Pereira JL, Davis DHJ, Currow DC, Meagher D, Rabheru K, Wright D, Bruera E, Agar M, Hartwick M, Gagnon PR, Gagnon B, Breitbart W, Regnier L, Lawlor PG. (2014). Treating an established episode of delirium in palliative care: expert opinion and review of the current evidence base with recommendations for future development. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management 48(2): 231-248. doi : 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2013.07.018 [Epub 2014 Jan 28]
Bedard G, Hawley P, Zhang L, Slaven M, Gagnon P, Bisland S, Bennett M, Tardif F, Chow E (2013). A survey of Canadian cancer patients’ perspectives on the characteristics and treatment of breakthrough pain. Supportive Care in Cancer 21(9): 2557-2563. doi : 10.1007/s00520-013-1817-4 [Epub 2013 May 2]
Chochinov HM, McClement SE, Hack, TF, McKeen, NA, Rach, AM, Gagnon P, Sinclair S, Taylor-Brown J. (2013) Health care provider communication: an empirical model of therapeutic effectiveness. Cancer 119(9): 1706-1713. doi : 10.1002/cncr.27949 [Epub 2013 Jan 22]
Chochinov HM, McClement SE, Hack TF, McKeen NA, Rach AM, Gagnon P, Sinclair S, Taylor-Brown J. (2012). The Patient Dignity Inventory: applications in the oncology setting. Journal of Palliative Medicine 15(9): 998-1005. doi : 10.1089/jpm.2012.0066
Gagnon P, Allard P, Gagnon B, Mérette C, Tardif F. (2012). Delirium prevention in terminal cancer: assessment of a multicomponent intervention. Psycho-Oncology 21(2): 187-194. doi : 10.1002/pon.1881 [Epub 2010 Dec 19]
Brajtman S, Wright D, Hogan DB, Allard P, Bruto V, Burne D, Gage L, Gagnon P, Sadowski CA, Helsdingen S, Wilson K. (2011). Developing guidelines on the assessment and treatment of delirium in older adults at the end of life. Canadian Geriatrics Journal 14(2): 40-50. [Epub 2011 July 7]
Vanderspamk-Wright B, Fothergill-Bourbonnais F, Brajtman S, Gagnon P. (2011). Caring for patients and families at end of life: the experiences of nurses during withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment. Dynamics Winter 22(4): 31-35.
Gagnon P, Chochinov HM, Cochrane JP, Le Moignan Moreau J, Fontaine R, Croteau L. (2010). Psychothérapie de la dignité : une intervention pour réduire la détresse psychologique chez les personnes en soins palliatifs. Psycho-Oncologie 4(3): 169-175. doi : 10.1007/s11839-010-0267-1.
Élie D, Gagnon P, Gagnon B, Giguère A. (2010). Utilisation des psychostimulants chez les patients en fin de vie atteints de delirium hypoactif et de troubles cognitifs: une revue de littérature. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry 55(6): 386-393. doi : 10.1177/070674371005500608.
Fillion L, Duval S, Dumont S, Gagnon P, Tremblay I, Bairati I, Breitbart WS. (2009). Impact of a meaning-centered intervention on Job satisfaction and on quality of life among palliative care nurses. Psycho-Oncology 18(12): 1300-1310. doi : 10.1002/pon.1513.
Thompson GN, Chochinov HM, Wilson KG, McPherson CJ, Chary S, O'Shea FM, Kuhl DR, Fainsinger RL, Gagnon PR, Macmillan KA. (2009). Prognostic acceptance and the well-being of patients receiving palliative care for cancer. Journal of Clinical Oncology 27(34): 5757-5762. doi : 10.1200/JCO.2009.22.9799 [Epub 2009 Oct 13].
Wilson KG, Chochinov HM, Allard P, Chary S, Gagnon P, Macmillan K, De Luca M, O’Shea F, Kuhl D, Fainsinger RL. (2009). Prevalence and correlates of pain in the Canadian National Palliative Care Survey. Pain Research and Management 14(5): 365-370. doi: 10.1155/2009/251239.
Dumont S, Fillion L, Gagnon P, Bernier N. (2008). A new tool to assess family caregivers’ burden at end of life care. Journal of Palliative care 24(3): 151-161.
Tremblay A, Gagnon P. (2008). La puissance de la pensée : contre le cancer ou contre l’équilibre personnel? Les Cahiers francophones de soins palliatifs 9(1): 23-30.
Gagnon P, Girard M, Fillion L, Duval S, Robitaille MA, Blais MC, Croteau L, Tardif F. (2008). La recherche de sens à la suite d’un diagnostic de cancer : une intervention pour améliorer la qualité de vie existentielle et globale. Les Cahiers francophones de soins palliatifs 9(1): 57-69.
Gagnon PR. (2008). Treatment of delirium in supportive and palliative care. Current Opinion in Supportive and Palliative Care 2(1): 60-66. doi : 10.1097/SPC.0b013e3282f4ce05.
Fillion L, Gagnon P, Leblond F, Gélinas C, Savard J, Dupuis R, Duval K, Larochelle M. (2008). A brief intervention for fatigue management in breast cancer survivors. Cancer nursing 31(2): 145-159. doi : 10.1097/01.NCC.0000305698.97625.95
Wilson KG, Chochinov HM, McPherson CJ, Graham M, Allard P, Chary S, Gagnon P, Macmillan K, De Luca M, O’Shea F, Kuhl D, Fainsinger R, Karam AM, Clinch JJ. (2007). Desire for Euthanasia or Physician-Assisted Suicide in Palliative Cancer Care. Health Psychology 26(3): 314-323. doi : 10.1037/0278-6133.26.3.314
Wilson KG, Chochinov HM, Graham MS, Allard P, Chary S, Gagnon P, Macmillan K, De Luca M, O’Shea F, Kuhl D, Fainsinger R, Karam A, Clinch J. (2007). Depression and anxiety disorders in palliative cancer care. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management 33(2): 118-129. doi : 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2006.07.016
Gaudreau JD, Gagnon P, Roy MA, Harel F, Tremblay A. (2007). Opioids medications and longitudinal risk of delirium in hospitalized cancer patients. Cancer 109(11):2365-2373. doi : 10.1002/cncr.22665
Wilson KG, Chochinov HM, McPherson CJ, LeMay K, Allard P, Chary S, Gagnon PR, Macmillan K, De Luca M, O’Shea F, Kuhl D, Fainsinger RL. (2007). Suffering with advanced cancer. Journal of Clinical Oncology 25(13): 1691-1697. doi : 10.1200/JCO.2006.08.6801
Savard J, Simard S, Giguère I, Ivers H, Morin CM, Maunsell E, Gagnon P, Robert J, Marceau D. (2006). Randomized clinical trial on cognitive therapy for depression in women with metastatic breast cancer: Psychological and immunological effects. Palliative and Supportive Care 4(3): 219-237. doi : 10.1017/S1478951506060305
Fillion L, De Serres M, Lapointe-Goupil R, Bairati I, Gagnon P, Deschamps M, Savard J, Meyer F, Bélanger L, Demers G. (2006). Implementing the role of patient-navigator nurse at a university hospital centre. Canadian Oncology Nursing Journal 16(1): 11-17
Fillion L, De Serres M, Lapointe-Goupil R, Bairati I, Gagnon P, Deschamps M, Savard J, Meyer F, Bélanger L, Demers G. (2006). Implantation d’une infirmière pivot en oncologie dans un centre hospitalier universitaire. Canadian Oncology Nursing Journal 16(1): 5-11
Dumont S, Turgeon J, Allard P, Gagnon P, Charbonneau C, Vézina L. (2006). Caring for a loved one with advanced cancer: determinants of psychological distress in family caregivers. Journal of Palliative Medicine 9(4): 912-921. doi : 10.1089/jpm.2006.9.912
Allard P, Gagnon P. (2006). La recherche en soins palliatifs au Canada et au Québec: Un bilan de situation. Les Cahiers de soins palliatifs 7(1): 49-69
Picard L, Dumont S, Gagnon P, Lessard G. (2006). Coping strategies among couples adjusting to primary breast cancer. Journal of Psychosocial Oncology 23(2-3): 115-135. doi : 10.1300/J077v23n02_08
Gaudreau JD, Gagnon P, Harel F, Roy MA. (2005). Psychoactive medications and risk of delirium in hospitalized cancer patients. Journal of Clinical Oncology 23(27): 6712-6718. doi : 10.1200/JCO.2005.05.140
Gaudreau JD, Gagnon P, Harel F, Tremblay A, Roy M. (2005). Impact on delirium detection of using a sensitive instrument integrated into clinical practice. General Hospital Psychiatry 27(3): 194-199. doi : 10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2005.01.002
Fillion L, Leblond F, Gélinas C, Gagnon P, Savard J, Savoie M. (2005). Intervention psycho-éducative pour diminuer la fatigue à la suite d’un cancer du sein : fondements, description du contenu et démarche évaluative. Francophone Journal of Psycho-Oncology 4(1): 45-52. doi : 10.1007/s10332-005-0055-5
Gaudreau JD, Gagnon P, Harel F, Tremblay A, Roy M. (2005). Fast, systematic and continuous delirium assessment in hospitalized patients: the nursing delirium screening scale. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management 29(4): 368-375. doi : 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2004.07.009
Gaudreau JD, Gagnon P, Roy MA, Harel F, Tremblay A. (2005). Association between psychoactive medications and delirium in hospitalized patients: A critical review. Psychosomatics 46(4): 302-316. doi : 10.1176/appi.psy.46.4.302
Gaudreau JD, Gagnon P. (2005). Psychotogenic drugs and delirium pathogenesis: the central role of the thalamus. Medical Hypotheses 64(3): 471-475. doi : 10.1016/j.mehy.2004.08.007
Gagnon P, Côté M, Bibeau M. (2003). Éducation thérapeutique et adaptation psychologique en cancérologie : expériences nord-américaines. Francophone Journal of Psycho-Oncology 2(4): 147-154
Fillion L, Gélinas C, Simard S, Savard J, Gagnon P. (2003). Validation evidence for the French Canadian Adaptation of the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory as a measure of cancer-related fatigue. Cancer Nursing 26(2): 143-54
Reich M, Gagnon P, Gaudreau P, Breitbart W. (2003). Revue des instruments d’évaluation de la confusion mentale (“delirium”) en cancérologie. Francophone Journal of Psycho-Oncology 2(1-2): 30-37
Gagnon P, Charbonneau C, Allard P, Soulard C, Dumont S, Fillion L. (2002). Delirium in advanced cancer: a psychoeducational intervention for family caregivers. Journal of Palliative Care 18(4): 253-261
Gagnon P, Habel M, Hervouet S, Moore L. (2002). Prévalence des troubles psychiatriques et variables associées au delirium chez des patients adressés à la consultation de psycho-oncologie. Bulletin du Cancer 89(12): 1093-1098
Gagnon P, Gaudreau PO, Charbonneau C. (2002). Les groupes cognitifs et éducatifs en psycho-oncologie. Francophone Journal of Psycho-Oncology 1(3-4): 65-71
Gagnon P, Hervouet S, Savard J, Fillion L, Tremblay A. (2002). Les caractéristiques de l’approche psycho-oncologique au Québec. Francophone Journal of Psycho-Oncology 1(1-2): 14-19
Fillion L, Kovacs AH, Gagnon P, Endler NS. (2002). Validation of the shortened cope for use with breast cancer patients undergoing radiation treatment. Current Psychology 21(1): 17-34. doi : 10.1007/BF02903157
Fillion L, Kohn P, Gagnon P, van Wijk M. (2001). The inventory of recent life experiences for cancer patients (IRLE-C): A decontaminated measure of cancer-based hassles. Psychology and Health 16(4): 443-459. doi : 10.1080/08870440108405518
Leduc J, Gagnon P, Morency BE. (2001). Les médecines parallèles en oncologie et soins palliatifs: traitement, symptôme ou maladie? Les Cahiers de soins palliatifs 2: 115-137
Gagnon P, Allard P, Mâsse B, DeSerres M. (2000). Delirium in terminal cancer: a prospective study using daily screening, early diagnosis, and continuous monitoring. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management 19(6): 412-426. doi : 10.1016/S0885-3924(00)00143-3
Dumont S, Dugas M, Gagnon P, Lavoie H, Dugas L, Vanasse C. (2000). Le fardeau psychologique et émotionnel chez les aidants naturels qui accompagnent un malade en fin de vie. Les Cahiers de soins palliatifs 2(1): 17-48
Gagnon P, Bois M. (1999). Les mécanismes du déni en cancer. Frontières 11(2): 10-14 [cited 0 time on July 2019]
Fillion L, Gagnon P. (1999). French adaptation of the shortened version of the Profile of Mood States. Psychological reports 84(1): 188-190. doi : 10.2466/pr0.1999.84.1.188
Montgrain N, Gagnon P, Dion A, Brochu M, Tosti R, Abdel-Baki A. (1999). La psychothérapie dans la formation de l'assistant. Psychothérapies, 19(3): 143-150
Gagnon P, Massie MJ, Kash KM, Gronert M, Simkovich Heerdt A, Brown K, Sullivan MD, Borgen P. (1996). Perception of breast cancer risk and psychosocial distress in women attending a surveillance program. Psycho-Oncology 5(3): 259-269. doi : 10.1002/(SICI)1099-1611(199609)5:3<259::AID-PON204>3.0.CO;2-O
Massie MJ, Gagnon P, Holland JC. (1994). Depression and suicide in patients with cancer. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management 9(5): 325-340. doi : 10.1016/0885-3924(94)90192-9
Gagnon P, Massie MJ, Holland JC. (1993). The woman with breast cancer: psychological considerations. Cancer bulletin 45: 538-542
Gagnon P. (1993). Le rôle de la famille dans le développement du trouble de la personnalité limite. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry 38(9): 611-616. doi : 10.1177/070674379303800909

Contact Information and Social Media

Email: pierre.gagnon@crchudequebec.ulaval.ca

Phone number: (418) 525-4444 extension 15808