Literature Review



From heroes to burnout: How we failed our frontline health workers

03/20/25 at 03:00 AM

From heroes to burnout: How we failed our frontline health workers MedPage Today's KevinMD.com, and excerpt from Health Care Nation; by Tom Lawry; 3/15/25 Of all the lessons learned from fighting a pandemic, none was more frightening or important than discovering how dependent the system is on how we treat our doctors, nurses, and frontline caregivers.  They were already in short supply, with burnout on the rise, when the pandemic hit. As multiple waves of COVID-19 variants washed over us, frontline health workers stepped in at great risk and personal sacrifice to care for highly infectious patients. ... Some witnessed more deaths on a double shift than they did in a normal year. They delivered the bad news to families and managed end-of-life care. They were often the last face and warm voice a COVID-19 victim saw and heard. In the end, they not only saved lives but saved the system from total collapse. ... We called them heroes. And we promised to do better in how we treated them once the COVID-19 crisis passed. Promises made should be promises kept. While we continue to talk about workforce burnout using polite terms with concern in our voices, let us be clear: A system with a mission of healing continues to harm in record numbers the very people in short supply who are there to take care of the rest of us. ... [Click on the title's link for more.]

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Impacting end-of-life care with new healthcare legislation: Patient-Directed Medical Orders (PDMO) in advance care planning

03/20/25 at 03:00 AM

Impacting end-of-life care with new healthcare legislation: Patient-Directed Medical Orders (PDMO) in advance care planningAmerican Nurse - State Nurses Associations - Florida News Journal; by Meredith Fischer, BSN, RN, CHPN; 3/19/25 Over the summer, a friend’s elderly father underwent resuscitation and intubation because his nursing facility could not locate his Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNRO) or Advanced Directive (AD). ... New legislation is being filed for a Patient-Directed Medical Order (PDMO) document designed to address the shortcomings of the ADs and DNRO forms—currently the primary tools for addressing end-of-life care preferences in Florida. The PDMO form originates from the POLST paradigm, which has been adopted by most states since its inception in Oregon in the early 1990s (National POLST, 2022). Healthcare professionals recognized that many individuals were not receiving the end-of-life care outlined in their ADs and DNROs due to accessibility, clarity, and practicality (National POLST, 2022).

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Certified nurses at Mount Sinai: Representing a commitment to excellence and to their profession

03/20/25 at 03:00 AM

Certified nurses at Mount Sinai: Representing a commitment to excellence and to their profession Mount Sinai Today - Featrued, Nursing; 3/18/25 Nursing Certification is an important, independent validation of specialized nursing knowledge and expertise that meet or exceed professional standards. In fact, empirical evidence shows an association between nursing certification and better patient outcomes, ... Across the Mount Sinai Health System, an impressive near 50 percent of nurses have earned board certification in their chosen specialties. Their patients, families, colleagues, and teams are the direct beneficiaries of nursing expertise that is recognized as meeting or exceeding the highest professional standards. ... [From Carla Alves-Miraldo, MS, MSN-Ed, RN, CHPN, KP6,] "Becoming a Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse is a reflection of my commitment to ensuring every patient receives comfort, dignity, and compassionate care during life’s most challenging moments. This certification is more than a title—it represents my dedication to guiding patients and families with expertise, empathy, and unwavering support."

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Dr. Sean O’Mahony aims to expand UTMB’s Division of Palliative Care

03/20/25 at 03:00 AM

Dr. Sean O’Mahony aims to expand UTMB’s Division of Palliative Care UTMB Health - The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston;  3/18/25 Palliative care should be more accessible, bridge gaps in health care environment. ... Dr. Sean O’Mahony, director of the Palliative Medicine division, came to UTMB in June, having served as professor and Director of Supportive Oncology and Section Chief at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, and in key roles at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. ... O’Mahony said, “I was attracted to UTMB’s commitment to underserved patients, its prison health population, and its large population of underinsured patients. I’m also interested in the opportunity to develop palliative medicine from the ground up in the mainland hospitals.” ... 

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Weinstein Hospice launches innovative VR initiative: : The program will allow residents to enjoy "bucket list" experiences

03/20/25 at 03:00 AM

Weinstein Hospice launches innovative VR initiative: The program will allow residents to enjoy "bucket list" experiences Atlanta Jewish Times; by AJT Staff; 3/12/25 Jewish HomeLife and Weinstein Hospice are pioneering a new way to bring joy, comfort, and meaningful experiences to hospice patients through the groundbreaking Weinstein Hospice VR Initiative. This transformative program harnesses the power of virtual reality (VR) to fulfill unforgettable “bucket list” experiences, offering patients moments of joy and cognitive stimulation that transcend their physical limitations. For Vicki and Ed A., this initiative has been nothing short of miraculous. ... One of the most profound moments for Ed came when he was able to experience Scuba diving again—virtually. ...

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The biggest lessons of the last 12 months, according to 36 C-suite execs

03/20/25 at 03:00 AM

The biggest lessons of the last 12 months, according to 36 C-suite execs Becker's Hospital Review; by Mariah Muhammad; 3/19/25 Becker’s asked C-suite executives from hospitals and health systems across the U.S. to share their biggest lesson from the past year. Question: What is the biggest lesson you learned in the last year, and why?

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More care doesn't equal happier patients in traditional Medicare

03/20/25 at 03:00 AM

More care doesn't equal happier patients in traditional Medicare American Journal of Managed Care (AJMC); by Maggie L. Shaw; 3/17/25 The extremes of health care contact days—having too few or more than average—among community-dwelling beneficiaries 65 years and older of traditional Medicare have been associated with unnecessary care, misdirected care coordination, and excessive care outside the home, according to new research published online today in JAMA Internal Medicine. Health care contact days are days spent receiving care outside of the home. ... “Clinicians, researchers, and policymakers could use contact days to evaluate interventions and reduce excess contact days for patients,” the authors conclude, “by avoiding unnecessary care, improving care coordination, and shifting care to the home.”

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Salutes hospice staff, volunteers

03/20/25 at 02:30 AM

Salutes hospice staff, volunteers The Messenger, Fort Dodge, IA; Letter to the Editor by Mary E. Larson; 3/19/25 My heart was saddened when I heard that the Paula J. Baber Hospice Home is closing. I was the volunteer coordinator for UnityPoint Hospice volunteers from 2003-2022. A lot of our volunteers spend many hours in our wonderful Hospice Home helping our patients, their families and guests and staff. This home is such a blessing to our community. When our patients would come to the hospice home, our staff would care for them so their loved ones could spend more time being with them in their final days. ... It will be a huge loss for our community when it closes. Mary E. Larson

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The challenges ahead with Jeanne Chirico, HPCANYS President/CEO

03/20/25 at 02:00 AM

The challenges ahead with Jeanne Chiricohallenges ahead with Jeanne Chirico, HPCANYS President/CEO

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Alliance Statement on MACPAC Report

03/19/25 at 03:00 AM

Alliance Statement on MACPAC Report National Alliance for Care at Home, Alexandria, VA and Washington, DC; Press Release; 3/18/25 On Thursday, March 13th, the Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC) released its semi-annual report, which included three chapters and five recommendations. (See analysis from the National Alliance for Care at Home HERE and HERE.) Two recommendations in the MACPAC report concern home and community-based services (HCBS):

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Mannford nursing home quickly evacuated seniors as wildfire neared

03/19/25 at 03:00 AM

Mannford nursing home quickly evacuated seniors as wildfire neared2 News Oklahoma, Mannford, OK; by Douglas Braff; 3/15/25Our crews have seen selflessness on full display in Mannford after March 14’s wildfires. ... As the wildfire was approaching nearby neighborhoods, staff at Cimarron Point Care Center in Mannford had to act quickly to get the 44 seniors living there out of harm’s way. “There are lots of things that need to be done, and it takes a lot of teamwork,” Frank Sullivan [the owner of CPCC] pointed out. ... Luckily, he said local authorities gave him an early heads up so the nursing home would have time. ... While most residents were transported by school bus, he noted, “Several had to be transported by ambulances. Some of 'em are on hospice ... and their condition is dire.”

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Congress extends telehealth flexibilities: 5 notes

03/19/25 at 03:00 AM

Congress extends telehealth flexibilities: 5 notes Becker's Health IT; by Naomi Diaz; 3/17/25 Congress has passed a federal spending bill that extends telehealth provisions through Sept. 30, 2025. ... Here are five key telehealth-related elements of the bill:

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Create an everlasting memory of your loved one with an engraved brick at the Hospice Alliance Memorial Brick Walk

03/19/25 at 03:00 AM

Create an everlasting memory of your loved one with an engraved brick at the Hospice Alliance Memorial Brick WalkKenosha.com, Kenosha, WI; by Hospice Alliance; 3/28/25When you purchase an engraved brick, your tribute helps support Hospice Alliance's not-for-profit mission. Each summer, in June, Hospice Alliance hosts a gathering of staff, families, and friends to honor the loved ones who have passed in our care.  ... Special attention is given to those who have lost a loved one during the previous year, and to those who purchased a Memorial Brick laid at our Founders Hall brick walk during the past year. [Click on the title's link for a photo.]Editor's note: We post this as a meaningful example of legacy-based donor engagement. Other hospice organizations have this or similar, long-lasting, visible memorials, such as Bluegrass Navigators (formerly Hospice of the Bluegrass) in Lexington, KY. 

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Why aging parents make DNR choices before crisis strikes

03/19/25 at 03:00 AM

Why aging parents make DNR choices before crisis strikes Rolling Out 25; by Khalil Best; 3/17/25The conversation typically begins quietly. ... An aging parent mentions their desire for a Do Not Resuscitate order—commonly known as a DNR—and the atmosphere in the room shifts. For many adult children, this moment arrives unexpectedly, triggering complex emotions ranging from denial to grief. Yet these discussions, uncomfortable as they may be, represent one of the most meaningful exchanges families can share. Understanding why many elderly parents choose to sign DNR orders in advance illuminates not just practical healthcare concerns, but deeper values about dignity, autonomy, and what constitutes a meaningful life.

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Medicaid’s role in health and in the health care landscape: LDI expert insights and key takeaways from select publications

03/19/25 at 03:00 AM

Medicaid’s role in health and in the health care landscape: LDI expert insights and key takeaways from select publications Penn LDI - Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, Philadelphia, PA; by Julia Hinckley, JD; 3/17/25... Medicaid accounts for one-fifth of U.S. health care spending and covers more than a quarter of Americans. LDI researchers have examined the services it provides in supporting aging adults, people with disabilities, and children, as well as its role in health crises such as chronic disease and suicide. ... Below are select key findings from recent peer-reviewed research, along with expert insights for policymakers considering changes to Medicaid funding in the federal budget.

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Willow Point Nursing Center raises pay by nearly 20%

03/19/25 at 03:00 AM

Willow Point Nursing Center raises pay by nearly 20% WIVT Binghampton, Vestal, NY; by Samantha Rich; 3/17/25 A local nursing home is recognizing the selfless contributions of its employees by significantly increasing its pay scale. The Broome County Legislature recently approved 16-20% pay raises for multiple healthcare roles at Willow Point Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Vestal. The pay scale was raised for Supervising Nurses, Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). Willow Point has also added several new openings in each role.

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Today's Encouragement: Slush is frozen over. People say that winter lasts forever ...

03/19/25 at 03:00 AM

Slush is frozen over. People say that winter lasts forever, but it’s because they obsess over the thermometer. North in the mountains, the maple syrup is trickling. Brave geese punch through the thin ice left on the lake. Underground, pale seeds roll over in their sleep. Starting to get restless. Starting to dream green. ~ Laurie Halse AndersonGoodbye Winter! We welcome tomorrow's first day of Spring 2025.

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Oz does not rule out Medicaid cuts during Senate confirmation hearing

03/19/25 at 03:00 AM

Oz does not rule out Medicaid cuts during Senate confirmation hearing McKnights Home Care; by Adam Healy; 3/14/25 Mehmet Oz, MD, President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, did not give a direct answer when asked whether he was for or against Medicaid cuts Friday during a Senate Finance Committee hearing. “I cherish Medicaid and I’ve worked within the Medicaid environment quite extensively practicing at Columbia University,” Oz said when asked by Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) if he would oppose cuts to Medicaid. “I want to make sure that patients today and in the future have resources to protect them if they get ill. The way you protect Medicaid is by making sure it’s viable at every level, which includes having enough practitioners to afford the services, paying them enough to do what you request of them, and making sure that patients are able to actually use Medicaid.”

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MedPAC 2025 Annual Report Released

03/19/25 at 03:00 AM

MedPAC 2025 Annual Report ReleasedMedPAC Report; 3/15/25 - sent 3/18/25 @ 3:00 PM ETFor fiscal year 2026, the Congress should eliminate the update to the 2025 Medicare base payment rates for hospice. In 2023, more than 1.7 million Medicare beneficiaries (including more than half of decedents) received hospice services from about 6,500 providers, and Medicare hospice expenditures totaled $25.7 billion.Please click the link above to download and read MedPAC's most recent Report to Congress - Hospice chapter.

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Assisted Living Facility owner indicted, facing numerous felony charges

03/19/25 at 03:00 AM

Assisted Living Facility owner indicted, facing numerous felony charges Knoxville Daily Sun; 3/17/25 ... In June 2024, after receiving a referral from Adult Protective Services, [the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Medicaid Fraud Control Division (TBI)] special agents began investigating allegations involving Wendy Henley, the owner of Sunset Gardens Assisted Living Facility in Mountain City. ... [Agents] learned that Henley used a patient’s insurance benefits card to purchase items for the facility. In July, ... they discovered that seventeen residents, including two hospice patients, had been left in the care of two juveniles who were not authorized to provide direct patient care. Agents requested an immediate response from the Tennessee Health Facilities Commission and evacuated the facility, transferring the residents to other local facilities to assure their safety and continued care.

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MedPAC recommends Congress tie physician pay to inflation for 2026

03/19/25 at 03:00 AM

MedPAC recommends Congress tie physician pay to inflation for 2026 Healthcare Dive; by Susanna Vogel; 3/17/25 Dive Brief:

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Hospice of Redmond presents a Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day Ceremony

03/19/25 at 02:30 AM

Hospice of Redmond presents a Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day CeremonyCascade Business News; by CBN; 3/18/25... Did you or someone you know serve in the military between 1955 and 1975? Hospice of Redmond would like to thank you for your service. This year marks the 50th anniversary for the end of the Vietnam War. The Scottish American Military Society will present veterans and their spouses with a Vietnam Lapel pin which was established in 2011 by Congress and administered by the DOD. Editor's note: Click here for more about this 50th Anniversary, National Vietnam War Veterans Day, March 29, 2025

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VITAS Healthcare is first hospice organization to earn American Heart Association Heart Failure Certification across all 15 states and DC

03/19/25 at 02:30 AM

VITAS Healthcare is first hospice organization to earn American Heart Association Heart Failure Certification across all 15 states and DC Florida News Guide, Miami, FL; Press Release; 3/18/25 ... VITAS has become the first nationwide hospice provider to earn the American Heart Association® Palliative/Hospice Heart Failure certification across all 15 states in which it operates. The certification applies to 56 unique VITAS service areas, including the District of Columbia. ... “Many patients with heart failure do not receive the hospice care that could significantly improve their final months of life,” said Joseph Shega, MD, executive vice president and chief medical officer at VITAS. “This certification affirms our commitment to providing evidence-based hospice care that helps patients and families navigate advanced heart disease with dignity, comfort and the right level of support.”

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Revamped tool can reliably assess pain symptoms in dementia patients: researchers

03/19/25 at 02:00 AM

Revamped tool can reliably assess pain symptoms in dementia patients: researchers McKnights Long-Term Care News; by Zee Johnson; 3/17/25 ... A team of researchers reconstructed the End-of-Life Dementia-Comfort Assessment in Dying, or EOLD-CAD, after a multifacility study showed that caregivers could adequately and reliably address a host of pain symptoms seen in end-of-life dementia patients. ... When clinicians working in the SNFs that were part of the trials used the EOLD-CAD, they were able to detect patterns in more than 600 residents that fell into four categories: physical distress, symptoms of dying, emotional distress, and well-being. Common symptoms observed across these categories were restlessness, shortness of breath, choking, gurgling, difficulty in swallowing, fear and anxiety. ...

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MedPAC 2025 Annual Report Released

03/18/25 at 04:00 AM

MedPAC 2025 Annual Report ReleasedMedPAC Report; 3/15/25 - sent 3/18/25 @ 3:00 PM ETPlease click the link above to download and read MedPAC's most recent Report to Congress - Hospice chapter.

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