Literature Review

Hospital study on AI identifies undiagnosed dementia patients coming from LTCMcKnights Senior Living, by Aaron Dorman; 1/16/24A high number of senior living and care residents have dementia on admission, or develop it during their stay, despite never receiving a formal diagnosis. When these “secret” dementia patients, however, have an emergency – say, a fall – and are hospitalized, they can catch the new care team unaware and struggling to make appropriate clinical decisions. To avoid this pitfall, new research is looking at electronic health records to flag individuals who might have dementia, possibly undiagnosed, so that when they arrive at a hospital, the care team is ready. 

Report adds to scrutiny of private equity-owned hospitalsModern Healthcare, by Mari Devereaux; 1/16/24Lifepoint Health and ScionHealth's ownership by Apollo Global Management is the focus of a report by a nonprofit formed to hold private equity buyers accountable for the impact their acquisitions have on services and communities.

Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce to celebrate regional business excellenceSanta Barbara Independent; 1/11/24Community Business of the Year – VNA Health. As the only certified nonprofit home healthcare and hospice agency in the region, VNA Health has been caring for the Santa Barbara community with a deep sense of dedication and excellence. Their services, ranging from skilled nursing and rehabilitation therapies to hospice and palliative care, have been pivotal in enhancing the quality of life for countless individuals and families.

Mount Carmel Health System and Anthem announce multi-year contract with enhanced value-based health care and improved data connectivityPress release; 1/11/24COLUMBUS, OHIO — January 11, 2024 — Mount Carmel Health System and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield announced today a new, multi-year provider network agreement. The agreement secures long-term access to affordable health care for Mount Carmel patients covered by Anthem Medicare, Medicaid, and employer-sponsored health plans. As part of the agreement, the two organizations will accelerate their collaboration on several innovative initiatives, including advance data connectivity and value-based care (VBC) models designed to improve health outcomes and better control costs for care for Mount Carmel patients covered by Anthem health plans.Notable mentions: Lorraine Lutton, Mount Carmel President & CEO.

Pediatric oncology hospice: A comprehensive reviewAmerican Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care, by Ali Tafazoli and Katharine Cronin-Wood; 1/15/24.Our systematic approach led to development of a well-organized structure introducing the foundational elements, highlighting complications, and uncovering hidden gaps in this critical area. This structured framework comprises nine major categories including general ideology, population specifications, role of parents and family, psychosocial issues, financial complications, service locations, involved specialties, regulations, and quality improvement. This platform can serve as a valuable resource in establishing a scientifically reliable foundation for future experiments and practices in pediatric oncology hospice.

Federal scientists conclude there is credible evidence for certain medical uses of marijuanaPolitico, by Natalie Fertig; 1/12/24The Department of Health and Human Services concluded that marijuana is less harmful than other dangerous drugs and that there is some evidence of its medical benefits in recommending loosening federal restrictions on the drug. For the last 60-plus years, cannabis has been classified as a Schedule I drug — the same as heroin — under the Controlled Substances Act, which means it’s a substance of high abuse potential and no accepted medical use. Bloomberg first reported in August that HHS had recommended marijuana be moved to Schedule III, and the release of these documents on Friday confirms that.Publisher note: The full FDA report can be found here.

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Hospice providers: CON laws need overhaul in some statesHospice News, by Holly Vossel; 1/12/24Some hospice providers have hit roadblocks when it comes to navigating needs determination methodologies certificate of need (CON) laws in certain states, citing outdated processes for assessing underserved populations.

Chattahoochee Hospice celebrates 40 yearsValley Times, by Charlotte Reames; 1/13/24Chattahoochee Hospice was founded in 1984 when hospice care became more prominent in the country. The hospice is a community-based nonprofit that strives to provide the highest quality care possible to patients in the community.

Walla Walla Valley uncorks history, hosts first Hospice du Rhône eventUnion-Bulletin, by Hannah McIntyre; 1/13/24Walla Walla Valley, home to 135 wineries, will host the Hospice du Rhône for the first time in the Pacific Northwest. Starting Wednesday, April 24, and running through Saturday, April 27, is a celebration of the Valley's Rhône-style grape varietals that thrive both in the soil of the Rocks District and the Walla Walla Valley AVA.

Despite Increased Awareness, Gender Bias Persists Across HealthcareForbes, by Amy Shoenthal; 1/12/24When a 50-year-old woman attorney noticed some chest pressure and had trouble maintaining endurance during regular exercise, she initially sought counsel from two doctors: her internist and her gynecologist. Both reassured her that she was experiencing perimenopausal symptoms along with the stress of a high-powered job. Her intuition suggested otherwise. Going up stairs was leaving her winded. So she searched for a third opinion ... It’s no secret that women’s symptoms are frequently dismissed or their ailments misdiagnosed by reputable medical professionals.

JVs a major growth engine for hospices in 2024Hospice News, by Jim Parker; 1/10/24Moving into 2024, more hospices see joint ventures or similar partnerships to be a major growth engine.

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