Literature Review
Does sedation affect patients’ spiritual experience at the end of life? An intersection between medicine and spirituality
05/17/25 at 03:05 AMDoes sedation affect patients’ spiritual experience at the end of life? An intersection between medicine and spiritualityJournal of Pain and Symptom Management; by Anne L. Dalle Ave, Daniel P. Sulmasy; 1/25Spirituality, consciousness, sedation, end-of-life, end-of-life care, spiritual experiences Key Message This article explores the role of sedation with respect to the patient’s spiritual experiences at the end of life. As healers, healthcare professionals offer compassionate care to body and soul. While drugs with sedative effects may be an answer to some bodily and psychological suffering, other forms of care, such as spiritual care or counseling, may better address other forms of suffering, particularly the fear of death.
[Philippines] Virtual mourning: How Filipinos utilize Facebook to express grief and seek support – A hermeneutic phenomenological study
05/17/25 at 03:05 AM[Philippines] Virtual mourning: How Filipinos utilize Facebook to express grief and seek support – A hermeneutic phenomenological studyMarc Kenneth F. Cabañero, Ma. Teresa Tricia Guison-Bautista; 4/25This study explores how grieving Filipinos use Facebook to cope with loss and seek support, integrating traditional mourning practices with digital expressions of grief. Using a hermeneutic phenomenological approach, in-depth interviews were conducted with ten bereaved Filipinos to examine their online grieving experiences. Thematic analysis identified three key themes: the blending of traditional mourning rituals with Facebook for emotional support, the validation and relief provided by online interactions, and the role of digital mourning in fostering healing. Findings suggest that social media enhances Filipino bereavement practices by strengthening community connections and preserving cultural traditions. The study emphasizes the need for culturally sensitive digital spaces and grief support services that integrate both online and offline mourning.
End-of-life care and health care spending for Medicare beneficiaries with dementia in accountable care organizations
05/17/25 at 03:00 AMEnd-of-life care and health care spending for Medicare beneficiaries with dementia in accountable care organizationsJAMA Network; Jessica J. Zhang, David B. Reuben, Anne M. Walling, David S. Zingmond, Cheryl L. Damberg, Neil S. Wenger, Haiyong Xu, Ryo Ikesu, Gillian S. Kaneshiro, Alexandra Klomhaus, Hiroshi Gotanda, Yusuke Tsugawa; 5/9/25This study of 162,034 Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries who died from 2017 through 2020 found no evidence of differences in end-of-life care processes, outcomes, or spending between beneficiaries in ACO vs non-ACO. These findings suggest that alternative payment models to ACOs may be needed to coordinate high-quality care with lower health care spending for Medicare beneficiaries with dementia at the end of life.
[Australia] Overtreatment of older people near end of life: A qualitative scoping review of modalities, drivers, and solutions
05/17/25 at 03:00 AM[Australia] Overtreatment of older people near end of life: A qualitative scoping review of modalities, drivers, and solutionsOmega-Journal of Death and Dying; Samantha Fien, Emily Plunkett, Daniel Wadsworth, Magnolia Cardona; 4/24This study aimed to understand the drivers better to help minimise further risks of overtreatment for older people near the end of life (dysthanasia). Determinants included healthcare system factors, patient-centered care, family and caregiver, and clinician perspectives. This review confirms that despite almost two decades of recognition of the potential harms of overtreatment near the end of life, society, patients, and health systems have a role to play in reducing and addressing the determinants. We offer a range of solutions for clinicians, health service managers, and members of the public to consider.
Creating a workplace violence safety committee [free webinar 5/22/25]
05/16/25 at 03:00 AMCreating a workplace violence safety committee [webinar 5/22/25]CHAP webinar; 5/15/25The focus of this webinar is on the critical role of a multidisciplinary Safety Committee in proactively addressing workplace violence within home-based care... Participants will gain practical strategies for implementing proactive safety measures, including risk identification, technology integration, and fostering a culture of safety and accountability to empower staff and mitigate the risks inherent in the unique challenges of providing care in patients' homes.
[United Kingdom] For, against, undecided: Three GPs give their views on assisted dying
05/16/25 at 03:00 AM[United Kingdom] For, against, undecided: Three GPs give their views on assisted dying BBC News; by Catherine Burns and Vicki Loader; 5/13/25 If you ask these three doctors about being GPs, their answers are remarkably similar. "It can be the best job in the world," one tells me. It's "a privilege" another says. They all talk about how they love getting to know their patients and their families. But all three have different views on assisted dying. Right now, the law here is clear: medics cannot help patients to take their own lives. But that could change. The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill is being debated in Parliament. And if it goes through, it will give some terminally ill patients in England and Wales the option of an assisted death. Here, three doctors - Abdul Farooq, Susi Caesar and Gurpreet Khaira, who all have a different view on assisted dying - tell us how they feel about the proposals.
Restructuring for risk: How home-based care providers build frameworks that boost profits
05/16/25 at 03:00 AMRestructuring for risk: How home-based care providers build frameworks that boost profits Home Health Care News; by Joyce Famakinwa; 5/14/25 In the home-based care world, building a business that is equipped to take on risk-based reimbursement arrangements can be easier said than done. While no simple feat, taking on risk is an attractive option that allows home-based care providers to align incentives between their organizations, payer sources and patients. Providers that have found success with risk-based agreements have done so by addressing retention challenges, investing in data and more.
Medicaid hospice payments for room-and-board to resume in California
05/16/25 at 03:00 AMMedicaid hospice payments for room-and-board to resume in California Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 5/15/25 After years of nonpayment, the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) has instructed Medicaid managed care plans to pay hospices for nursing home room and board. The issue pertains to patients who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. When caring for patients in nursing homes, hospices typically pay for their room and board with the expectation that they will be reimbursed by Medicaid for those expenses. However, due to confusion among managed care plans that oversee Medicaid in most states, those hospices have not been receiving those payments.
Finding her strength in silence: CSU Pueblo student graduates twice, carrying her mother’s dream
05/16/25 at 03:00 AMFinding her strength in silence: CSU Pueblo student graduates twice, carring her mother's dream Colorado State University Pueblo, Pueblo, CO; by Soni Brinsko; 5/14/25 The porch was still new when the professors arrived that late November evening. Hand-laid tiles, each one carefully placed by a father during what should have been vacation time. He’d built it for his wife so she could sit outside, feel the Colorado breeze one more time. That night, the porch became something else entirely. It became a stage for a graduation ceremony that wasn’t supposed to happen until May. Alondra Solis Ayala is about to walk across the commencement stage at Colorado State University Pueblo this week. It will be her second graduation. The first one happened in her family’s living room, with her dying mother watching from a chair, too weak to stand but strong enough to declare “esa es mi hija”—that’s my daughter—as faculty members in full regalia handed over a diploma cover and stole in what became an impromptu, deeply personal ceremony.
Executive Personnel Changes - 5/16/25
05/16/25 at 03:00 AMExecutive Personnel Changes - 5/9/25
Dying at home becomes more common for patients with history of ischemic stroke
05/16/25 at 03:00 AMDying at home becomes more common for patients with history of ischemic stroke NeurologyToday; by Susan Fitzgerald; 5/15/25 In contrast to earlier studies showing a decline in stroke prevalence and mortality, a new study found that the rates are going up and more people, particularly Black Americans, are either dying at home or arriving to the hospital dead on arrival. Experts speculate that the trend may be driven by the lack of access to hospice services and care, in general.
Unintended, percolated work: Overlooked collaborative opportunities during end-of-life care
05/16/25 at 03:00 AMExploring overlooked collaborative opportunities during end-of-life care Medical Xpress; by Institute of Science Tokyo; 5/14/25 [This study's researchers describe:] "Bereaved family members broadly recollected the mixed regretful actions and decisions that should have been taken during the end-of-life care process. Coordination and cooperation challenges that existed between health care professionals and family caregivers emerged as factors that impeded these actions at the time." [They identified three types of] unintended, percolated work (UPW). ...
Today's Encouragement: Kind words can be ...
05/16/25 at 03:00 AMKind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless. ~ Mother Teresa
The future of dying with Dr. Ira Byock | Pop 1205
05/16/25 at 03:00 AMThe future of dying with Dr. Ira Byock | Pop 1205 Practice of the Practice; podcast by Joe Sanok with Dr. Ira Byock; 5/14/25 How can we embrace conversations about death and dying? What is the healing power of forgiveness and connection in end-of-life care? When we face morality, how can we transform fear into meaningful connections? In this podcast episode, Joe Sanok speaks about the future of dying with Dr. Ira Byock. .. In this podcast:
UnitedHealth Group is under criminal investigation for possible Medicare fraud
05/16/25 at 02:00 AMUnitedHealth Group is under criminal investigation for possible Medicare fraud The Wall Street Journal; by Christopher Weaver and Anna Wilde Mathews; 5/15/25 The Justice Department is investigating UnitedHealth Group for possible criminal Medicare fraud, people familiar with the matter said. The healthcare-fraud unit of the Justice Department’s criminal division is overseeing the investigation, the people said, and it has been an active probe since at least last summer. While the exact nature of the potential criminal allegations against UnitedHealth is unclear, the people said the federal investigation is focusing on the company’s Medicare Advantage business practices. UnitedHealth said in a statement it hadn’t been notified by the Justice Department of the criminal investigation. The statement said the company stands “by the integrity of our Medicare Advantage program.” A DOJ spokesman declined to comment.
Palliative and end-of-life care during critical cardiovascular illness: A scientific statement from the American Heart Association
05/16/25 at 02:00 AMPalliative and end-of-life care during critical cardiovascular illness: A scientific statement from the American Heart Association American Heart Association; by Erin A. Bohula, MD, DPhil, Michael J. Landzberg, MD, Venu Menon, MD, FAHA, Carlos L. Alviar, MD, Gregory W. Barsness, MD, FAHA, Daniela R. Crousillat, MD, Nelia Jain, MD, MA, Robert Page II, PharmD, MSPH, FAHA, Rachel Wells, PhD, MSN, and Abdulla A. Damluji, MD, PhD, MBA, FAHA on behalf of the American Heart Association Acute Cardiac Care and General Cardiology Committee of the Council on Clinical Cardiology; and Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing; 5/15/25 Abstract: Cardiac intensive care units are witnessing a demographic shift, characterized by patients with increasingly complex or end-stage cardiovascular disease with a greater burden of concomitant comorbid noncardiovascular disease. Despite technical advances in care that may be offered, many critically ill cardiovascular patients will nevertheless experience significant morbidity and mortality during the acute decompensation, including physical and psychological suffering. Palliative care, with its specialized focus on alleviating suffering, aligns treatments with patient and caregiver values and improves overall care planning. Integrating palliative care into cardiovascular disease management extends the therapeutic approach beyond life-sustaining measures to encompass life-enhancing goals, addressing the physical, emotional, psychosocial, and spiritual needs of critically ill patients. This American Heart Association scientific statement aims to explore the definitions and conceptual framework of palliative care and to suggest strategies to integrate palliative care principles into the management of patients with critical cardiovascular illness.
A new era of healing: How home care is changing the healthcare landscape
05/16/25 at 02:00 AMA new era of healing: How home care is changing the healthcare landscape Repertoire Magazine; 5/13/25 Older adults often prefer receiving care in familiar surroundings, which enhances their comfort and quality of life. Home health services enable patients to age in place, reducing the need for institutional care, such as nursing homes. ... For the May issue, Repertoire Magazine spoke to several experts – from distributors to providers – on the current realities of the home care market and what’s in store in the years to come. ...
[June 12-18, 2025] Why celebrating CNA Week is a big deal
05/16/25 at 02:00 AM[June 12-18, 2025] Why celebrating CNA Week is a big deal ShiftMed; by Sarah Knight; 4/23/25 National Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Week, which kicks off on the Thursday of the second full week of June, is an annual tribute to the dedicated individuals who form the backbone of our healthcare system. So, as we approach CNA Week 2025, we must recognize their tireless efforts and unwavering commitment. ... CNA Week 2025 kicks off on Thursday, June 12 and runs through Wednesday, June 18. This year’s theme, “We Are the Champions,” celebrates CNAs as the unsung heroes of frontline care—professionals who ensure patients feel seen, heard, and truly cared for every single day. ...
Family Hospice opens Dublin office to serve veterans and families in need of end-of-life care
05/15/25 at 03:00 AMFamily Hospice opens Dublin office to serve veterans and families in need of end-of-life care }NBC WMGT-41, Dublin, GA; by Bre'Anna Sheffield 5/13/25 Family Hospice expands to Dublin to serve the area's large veteran population and provide compassionate care for patients and families navigating end-of-life decisions. Many families face difficult decisions when it comes to hospice care. To help meet that need, Family Hospice is opening a new office in the Dublin area. The newly appointed CEO, Charles Hall, says the large veteran population in Dublin made it the right place to expand their services.
Dementia patient discharged from hospice over Medicare requirement. Here’s why it happened
05/15/25 at 03:00 AMDementia patient discharged from hospice over Medicare requirement. Here’s why it happened WKMG-6, Deltona, FL; by Erika Briguglio and Louis Bolden; 5/14/25A Volusia County family is left scrambling after their loved one is abruptly dropped from hospice care. To qualify for hospice, patients must have a life expectancy of six months or less. However, for dementia patients, the prognosis can be unpredictable. Hospice care can be extended as long as the patient continues to meet Medicare requirements. Unfortunately, these requirements are why Amy Yates lost coverage for her 91-year-old grandmother. ... “I think it’s she hasn’t died fast enough, and it’s costing them money that they don’t want to spend,” Yates told News 6. ... What Yates’ family is dealing with is what Medicare calls live discharge, and they are not alone. The Hospice Foundation of America reports that 17% of people in 2022 who were admitted to hospice care were discharged; about 6% of the total caseload was discharged because they no longer met Medicare requirements for care under the hospice benefit.Editor's note: What are your hospice stats for live discharges? For Length of Stay (LOS)? This factor--with the face-to-face recertification requirement--is crucial. Unfortunately, many hospices misused President Jimmy Carter's extraordinarily long LOS with misleading information about hospice care. They watered down "end-of-life" care and never mentioned anything about a basic recertification process. Warm, user-friendly language can be used with integrity, authenticity, and patient/caregiver support.
‘Surprisingly hopeful’ story emerges about LGBTQ+ rights, efforts in senior living
05/15/25 at 03:00 AM‘Surprisingly hopeful’ story emerges about LGBTQ+ rights, efforts in senior living McKnights Senior Living; by Kimberly Bonvissuto; 5/14/25 ... The Human Rights Campaign Foundation and LGBTQ+ elder advocacy group SAGE on Tuesday released its 2025 Long-Term Care Equality Index, a national benchmarking tool focused on LGBTQ+ inclusion in senior living and care. The key takeaway, the organizations said, is the “defiant progress” occurring despite political attacks against inclusion efforts. As cuts to the Medicaid program — which many LGBTQ+ older adults rely on — come more into focus, participation in the latest survey jumped 37% from the 2023 report, with 274 long-term care settings across 33 states expressing commitment to inclusive care for more than 29,000 residents and 18,000 staff members. Participants included independent living, assisted living, memory care, continuing care retirement / life plan and affordable housing communities, as well as skilled nursing facilities and hospice settings.
TCN Podcast: A Whole New Mind with Daniel H. Pink
05/15/25 at 03:00 AMTCN Video/Podcast: A Whole New Mind with Daniel H. PinkTeleios Collaborative Network (TCN); by Chris Comeaux with Daniel H. Pink; 5/14/25What makes us uniquely human in an age of artificial intelligence? Daniel H. Pink, the bestselling author of A Whole New Mind, offers a compelling framework for thriving in a world where machines increasingly perform tasks once thought exclusively human. In this episode, Pink, the world-renowned author of seven bestselling nonfiction books, discusses his interdisciplinary approach to understanding human motivation and the evolving work landscape in the AI age. Pink emphasizes the importance of empathy, creativity, and the need for individuals to augment machine intelligence rather than compete with it. He also explores the role of technology in healthcare, particularly in Hospice Care, and the significance of human connection and listening in providing care.
How grief transformed a psychiatrist’s approach to patient care
05/15/25 at 03:00 AMHow grief transformed a psychiatrist’s approach to patient care MedPageToday's KevinMD.com [reposted in AAHPM's newsletter]; by Devina Maya Wadhawa, MD; 5/12/25It is a routine Saturday morning—I am sitting in my office, looking at the snowflakes dropping outside my window. As I sip on my cup of Earl Grey tea preparing my psyche for a busy day of managing an on-call shift on an acute care psychiatry floor, I am suddenly washed over by grief. A very similar Saturday a year ago, I was saying goodbye to my father as he was being taken off life support in the intensive care unit after suffering a massive posterior myocardial infarction and ending up with a cardiac arrest at the very young age of 62. The year has been nothing short of trying, a year of firsts. ...
Living with grief caused by your child’s death
05/15/25 at 03:00 AMLiving with grief caused by your child’s death Bonner County Daily Bee, Sandpoint, ID; by Kathy Hubbard; 5/14/25 “The challenge for many people is to speak about their feelings after the death of a child,” Tami Feyen, RN, manager of Bonner Community Hospice said. “If you haven’t gone through it, you can’t imagine what it’s like.” We were talking about the “tree” with the heart-shaped “leaves” that “grows” in the Children’s Healing Garden. This memorial, designed by artist Betty Gardner was installed in 2019 with the idea that people who had lost a child would have a comforting place to come to remember their loved one(s).