Literature Review
How DispatchHealth’s CEO plans to change the face of in-home care
05/13/25 at 03:00 AMHow DispatchHealth’s CEO plans to change the face of in-home careModern Healthcare; by Diane Eastabrook; 5/7/25DispatchHealth CEO Jennifer Webster said the company is eyeing new markets and care models after its acquisition of hospital-at-home provider Medically Home is complete. Denver-based DispatchHealth announced a definitive agreement in mid-March to acquire Boston-based Medically Home. Webster said the deal is still on track to close in a couple of months, but there is a lot of work to be done first. That includes integrating operations and technology, as well as senior leadership.
John Whyte, MD, MPH, selected as the AMA’s new CEO
05/13/25 at 03:00 AMJohn Whyte, MD, MPH, selected as the AMA’s new CEO American Medical Association (AMA), Chicago, IL; by Staff News Writer; 5/9/25 The AMA Board of Trustees has chosen John Whyte, MD, MPH, a nationally renowned public health advocate, physician executive, corporate strategist and communication expert, as its next executive vice president and CEO. Dr. Whyte ushers in a new era of leadership for the 178-year-old institution amid strong membership growth and a renewed focus on solving challenges that affect physicians and patients. Dr. Whyte’s tenure will begin July 1. Dr. Whyte brings extensive corporate, governmental and clinical experience to his role leading the day-to-day operations of the AMA. A board-certified internal medicine physician for nearly 30 years, Dr. Whyte joins the AMA from WebMD, where he has served as chief medical officer (CMO) since 2018 and helped grow the media company’s strategic partnerships, influence and vision.
Today's Encouragement: We make a living by what we get. We make a life by ...
05/13/25 at 03:00 AMWe make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give. ~ Winston Churchill
Celebrating National Nurses Month with 62 years of nursing excellence: Meet Alma Flowers, hospice nurse
05/13/25 at 03:00 AMCelebrating National Nurses Month with 62 years of nursing excellence: Meet Alma Flowers, hospice nurse Jacksonville News - JAXChamber, Jacksonville, FL; 4/30/25 This month, we are proud to spotlight Ms. Alma Flowers, a dedicated Registered Nurse at Community Hospice & Palliative Care, whose remarkable career spans an impressive 62 years. Alma's journey began at the Brewster Duval School of Nursing in Jacksonville in 1959, marking the start of a lifelong commitment to compassionate care and professional excellence. Alma's career has been a testament to the evolution of nursing, encompassing diverse roles from acute psychiatric units to the compassionate realm of hospice care. Throughout her journey, Alma has adapted to and contributed to advancements in healthcare practices and policies. ... As we celebrate National Nurses Month, we are reminded of nurses' profound impact on patient care, healthcare innovation, and community well-being. Alma Flowers' journey is a testament to the enduring spirit of nursing excellence at Community Hospice & Palliative Care.Editor's note: What a beautiful tribute to Alma, especially when describing her journey as a "testament to the evolution of nursing." Imagine changes ahead for today's student nurses: 62 years from now will be the year 2087. While we struggle to keep up with the current barrage of nursing workforce challenges, we can draw inspiration from Alma's life-long commitments, flexibility, and immeasurable contributions.
Time’s 100 most influential people in health: 5 notes
05/13/25 at 03:00 AMTime’s 100 most influential people in healthBecker's Hospital Review; Kellly Gooch; 5/8/25 Time released its second annual Time100 Health list May 8, highlighting the 100 most influential individuals in health.
Psilocybin in serious illness: James Downar, Ali John Zarrabi and Margaret Ross
05/13/25 at 03:00 AMPsilocybin in serious illness: James Downar, Ali John Zarrabi and Margaret RossGeriPal podcast; by Eric Widera, Alex Smith, James Downar, Ali John Zarrabi, Margaret Ross; 5/8/25We’ve covered psychedelics on the podcast before — first in 2019 with Ira Byock, where we explored their potential role in medicine, and then again in 2023 with Stacy Fischer, Brian Anderson, and Theora Cimino, focusing on the reasons to approach psychedelic use in patients with caution. In today’s episode, we’re taking a closer look at the current state of the science around one specific psychedelic: psilocybin. We’ll discuss three recent clinical trials involving patients with serious illness, joined by our guests James Downar, Ali John Zarrabi, and Margaret Ross.
National Alliance: Medicaid cuts would adversely impact home-, community-based services
05/13/25 at 03:00 AMNational Alliance: Medicaid cuts would adversely impact home-, community-based services Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 5/12/25 A tax bill currently before Congress could lead to Medicaid cuts that would inhibit access to home- and community-based services (HCBS). The bill, which promises sweeping tax and spending cuts, currently is undergoing a reconciliation process. The amount of tax cuts could reach $4.5 trillion, with spending cuts in the area of $4.5 billion, with a significant portion coming from Medicaid. However, the bill remains a work in progress for now with some resistance to the proposed cuts from both Democrats and a contingent of Republicans. The National Alliance for Care at Home released a statement Monday opposing the Medicaid reductions.
Building an ethical culture: Leadership’s role in corporate integrity
05/13/25 at 03:00 AMBuilding an ethical culture: Leadership’s role in corporate integrity The Wall Street Journal; by Lori Pressler, Michael Rossen and Miira Velia; 5/7/25 Built from the top down, a strong ethical culture can help mitigate risk by weaving ethics into decision-making at every level. Much of the time, a single moment or lapse in judgment does not precipitate a crisis. Instead, corporate scandals tend to spring from systemic failures in corporate culture, specifically around ethics. However, within many organizations, ethics are often discussed in theoretical terms—lofty yet nebulous aspirations or nice-to-haves. ... Given its potential for harm, organizations may not be giving ethical risk the attention it deserves, particularly from the top down.
DOJ reportedly rejects Amedisys’ divestiture plan as part of UnitedHealth Group deal
05/13/25 at 03:00 AMDOJ reportedly rejects Amedisys’ divestiture plan as part of UnitedHealth Group deal McKnights Home Care; by Adam Healy; 5/12/25 The Department of Justice reportedly has rejected Amedisys’ plan to divest more than 100 locations in its plan to be acquired by UnitedHealth Group subsidiary Optum, according to CTFN, which tracks mergers and acquisitions. The DOJ decision could spell trouble for the future of Amedisys’ deal with Optum. The Department of Justice reportedly has rejected Amedisys’ plan to divest more than 100 locations in its plan to be acquired by UnitedHealth Group subsidiary Optum, according to CTFN, which tracks mergers and acquisitions. The DOJ decision could spell trouble for the future of Amedisys’ deal with Optum.
End-of-life care behind bars: A periodic literature search - May 2025
05/13/25 at 03:00 AMEnd-of-life care behind bars: A periodic literature search - May 2025Personal communication; 5/8/25Regular reviews of articles and reports on key issues in prison hospice and palliative care.
Decoding the 2026 Proposed Hospice Rule
05/13/25 at 02:00 AMDecoding the 2026 Proposed Hospice RuleCHAPcast podcast;by Jennifer Kennedy, Kim Skehan; 5/6/25Join CHAP’s Jennifer Kennedy and Kim Skehan as they break down the fiscal year 2026 proposed hospice rule.
Hospice of Midland opens new Community Center to expand local support
05/12/25 at 03:15 AMHospice of Midland opens new Community Center to expand local support Midland Reporter-Telegram, Midland, TX; by B. Kay Richter; 5/8/25 After years of envisioning a community center next door to Hospice of Midland headquarters, the day is finally here. The commercial building, located at 901 W. Texas Ave., will serve as a space for various community needs, including professional and student educational support, bereavement support, memorial services, volunteer gatherings and even collaborations with other nonprofit organizations. Deborah Goodman, chief executive officer of Hospice Midland, said that the building was initially purchased by Midlander Ted Johnson and was renovated with community support. The one-story building offers 3,000 square feet of space and is equipped with a new commercial kitchen.
Cobb named new director for Frederick Health Hospice
05/12/25 at 03:00 AMFrederick Health Hospice hires new director Longview News-Journal, Frederick, MD; by Frederick Health; 5/7/25 Frederick Health Hospice is excited to announce that Korey Cobb has joined the nonprofit organization as its new Director, only the third director since the hospice was founded in 1980. Frederick Health Hospice has served the Frederick community as a non-profit agency for more than four decades. The organization was one of the earliest hospices formed in the U.S. and has been providing compassionate care for patients since before the Medicare Hospice Benefit was made permanent by Congress in 1986. Heather Kirby, Vice President of Integrated Care Delivery & Chief Population Health Officer at Frederick Health, helped lead the search committee ... [and described,] "Korey prides himself on creating a positive team culture, a strong sense of community involvement, and volunteerism. ..."
Donate Life Ceremony celebrates organ donors and their families
05/12/25 at 03:00 AMDonate Life Ceremony celebrates organ donors and their families Vanderbilt University Medical Center; by Matt Batcheldor; 5/6/25 In addition to honoring organ donors and their families, the ceremony salutes hospital staff who care for donors and transplant recipients. Seventy-one individuals donated their organs at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in 2024, and they and their families were saluted on April 30 at the annual Donate Life Ceremony. “Those 71 donors resulted in 235 lives that were saved,” said C. Wright Pinson, MBA, MD, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Health System Officer for VUMC. ... In addition to that, there were another 191 individuals who made the remarkable gift of tissue donation … which restored sight to the blind, enhanced the lives of burn victims, and gave mobility to those with bone and joint injuries.” ... The ceremony, held in the lobby of Langford Auditorium, was part of a national effort to raise awareness about the need for organ and tissue donors.
Navian Hawaii receives $400K grant
05/12/25 at 03:00 AMNavian Hawaii receives $400K grant Pacific Business News - Health Care, O'ahu, HI; by Christina O'Connor; 5/8/25Hospice and palliative care services nonprofit Navian Hawaii, formerly known as Hospice Hawaii, recently received a $400,000 grant from the Zilber Family Foundation to expand its palliative care program. The Honolulu-based nonprofit said on Wednesday the program features personalized care plans focused on improving quality of life for individuals with serious illnesses. It addresses physical symptoms, as well as emotional distress and planning for next steps, and includes access to nurses, physicians and social workers. This donation follows a $4.3 million gift from the Weinman Foundation earlier this year. That funding is going toward growing residential care. [The full article is behind a payall.]
[New Zealand] Nelson Airport Trees of Remembrance returns with new sponsorship tiers to support Nelson Tasman Hospice
05/12/25 at 03:00 AM[New Zealand] Nelson Airport Trees of Remembrance returns with new sponsorship tiers to support Nelson Tasman Hospice Nelson Tasman Hospice, Nelson, New Zealand; Press Release; 5/9/25 The much-loved Nelson Airport Trees of Remembrance activation is returning this holiday season, offering businesses a unique opportunity to give back to the community while boosting their brand visibility during the busiest travel period of the year. This year’s campaign introduces an exciting new structure with three sponsorship tiers—Gold, Silver, and Bronze—allowing even more businesses to take part in this heartwarming tradition that supports Nelson Tasman Hospice. The Trees of Remembrance campaign has been a cherished part of the Nelson Tasman community for over 30 years, offering individuals and businesses a meaningful way to honour loved ones while contributing to free hospice services. Sponsored Christmas trees will once again illuminate Nelson Airport from December 2025 through January 2026, spreading festive cheer to the thousands of locals and travellers passing through during the holiday season.Editor's note: Fall/Winter fund raising plans are surely underway for nonprofit hospices and foundations. What ideas does this article generate? What might you adapt for your community?
Newly Available: Improving Dying
05/12/25 at 03:00 AMNewly Available: Improving Dying Hospice Foundation of America, Washington, DC; Press Release, contact Lisa Veglahn; 5/7/25 Virtual reality, physical therapy, music therapy, pet care, and even a haircut are therapeutic, innovative, and practical ways to improve the quality of life for people with terminal illness and are profiled in a new book and continuing education course recently released by Hospice Foundation of America (HFA). “End-of-life care providers are doing amazing work that rarely gets the attention it deserves,” said Amy Tucci, HFA’s president and CEO. “With Improving Dying, HFA’s goal is to recognize their efforts and provide models that can be replicated to enhance care for dying and the bereaved.”
National Alliance for Care at Home unveils new website to enhance member experience
05/12/25 at 03:00 AMNational Alliance for Care at Home unveils new website to enhance member experience The National Alliance for Care at Home, Washington, DC; Press Release; 5/5/25 The National Alliance for Care at Home (the Alliance), the leading advocate and educator for the care at home community, is proud to announce the launch of its newly redesigned website, AllianceForCareAtHome.org. The new site reflects the Alliance’s commitment to innovation, accessibility, and delivering enhanced value to member organizations and all care at home stakeholders. ... “We’re excited to introduce our new website as a digital reflection of who we are and where the Alliance is headed,” said CEO Dr. Steve Landers. ... Key features of the new website include:
Visiting Nurses Foundation awards over $23K in scholarships to future health care professionals
05/12/25 at 03:00 AMVisiting Nurses Foundation awards over $23K in scholarships to future health care professionals The Chronicle, Centralia, WA; Press Release; 5/7/25 The Visiting Nurses Foundation will award a total of $23,250 of its annual scholarship awards to support local students pursuing careers in health care. These scholarships are a reflection of the foundation's ongoing mission to fund education and assistance for Home Health and Hospice patients and their families. Each scholarship recipient demonstrated not only academic excellence but a deep sense of purpose, a desire to care for others, strengthen communities and make a lasting impact in the lives of patients and families, according to a Visiting Nurses Foundation news release.
Today's Encouragement: It irritates me to be told ...
05/12/25 at 03:00 AMIt irritates me to be told how things have always been done. I defy the tyranny of precedent. I cannot afford the luxury of a close mind. ~ Clara Barton, nurse during the American Civil War, founder of the Red CrossEditor's note: Today completes 2025 National Nursing Week. Mark your calendars for 2026, always May 6-12.
[United Kingdom] Assisted dying bill: further protections for nurses proposed
05/12/25 at 03:00 AM[United Kingdom] Assisted dying bill: further protections for nurses proposed Nursing Times, London, UK; by Edd Church, source Roger Harris, House of Commons; 5/7/25 No nurse who declines to aid in assisted dying procedures will be at risk of “any detriment” to their careers under a new amendment to the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, the MP behind the draft legislation has claimed. Kim Leadbeater, MP for Spen Valley, announced earlier this week that she would be proposing to extend the “opt-out” provisions in her bill for healthcare workers who work in settings where assisted dying may take place. Ms. Leadbeater said, in a statement released this week, that she understood that “not all people working in and around” healthcare would want to participate in the provision of assisted dying. "Nobody will be at risk of any detriment to their careers if, for any reason at all, they chose not to take part." The bill currently already states that healthcare professionals can conscientiously object to taking part and that employers “must not” subject employees to detriment for exercising this right.
Illinois plan calls for annual report on hospice, palliative care for prisoners
05/12/25 at 03:00 AMIllinois plan calls for annual report on hospice, palliative care for prisoners WAND TV News, Springfield, IL; by Mike Miletich; 5/8/25 The Illinois House Restorative Justice & Public Safety Committee passed a bill Thursday [5/8] to require the Illinois Department of Corrections report data on hospice care available for prisoners. Over 1,000 Illinois prisoners are 65 or older, and a growing number of those people are in need of end-of-life care and support services. The Department of Corrections does not have a formal hospice program, as end-of-life care is provided on a prison-by-prison basis. Although, sponsors and advocates said this has led to inconsistent care for prisoners diagnosed with terminal illnesses or who are expected to reach the end of their life.
It's time to talk about LGBTQ+ elder care
05/12/25 at 02:15 AMIt's time to talk about LGBTQ+ elder care Psychology Today - Caregiving; by Stephanie Sarazin, M.P.P.; 5/6/25 A once-hidden story is helping us think about queer kinship and caregiving. Key points:
'Patients just get violent' | Louisville healthcare workers describe attacks on the job, calling it a crisis
05/12/25 at 02:00 AM'Patients just get violent' | Louisville healthcare workers describe attacks on the job, calling it a crisis ABC WHAS-11, Louisville, KY; by Shay McAlister, Joseph Garcia, Phillip Murrell, and MIchelle Zelli Right now Louisville’s nursing community is facing a crisis, saying they are under attack while on the job. Since March, police have been called to three different Louisville hospitals after a nurse was assaulted. But those are only the attacks that are reported, several nurses told WHAS11 they face dangerous situations daily without the necessary support. ... The three incidents of violence against nurses sit on a map of hundreds of crimes reported at or near Louisville hospitals and nearby parking garages over the last year. According to LMPD’s crime data portal, 17 assaults were reported at Norton Hospital, 10 at Jewish Hospital, and 28 at the UofL Hospital parking garage over the last 12 months. ... “Many healthcare professionals that are harmed don't report it, and they don't report it because they don't think anybody will listen. And then there are others who think that it's part of the job. It is not part of the job,” CEO of the Kentucky Nurses Association Delanor Manson said. In 2023, Manson worked with lawmakers to formalize language requiring healthcare facilities to track incidents of violence and implement violence prevention strategies. It's a crisis for the career field.
Dying ‘Beautifully’ in the Rio Grande Valley: Rivera-Burciaga embeds end-of-life nursing into UTRGV curriculum: National Nurses Week is May 6-12
05/12/25 at 02:00 AMDying ‘Beautifully’ in the Rio Grande Valley: Rivera-Burciaga embeds end-of-life nursing into UTRGV curriculum: National Nurses Week is May 6-12 UTRGV, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley - The Newsroom, Rio Grande Valley, TX; by Karen Villarreal; 5/9/25 Death, for the most part, makes people uncomfortable. But not UTRGV’s Dr. Andrya Rivera-Burciaga. After a personal loss early in her nursing career drove her to seek advanced certification in hospice and palliative care, she has made it her life’s work to normalize conversations about death and dying. ... While Rivera-Burciaga’s efforts successfully have woven palliative care into the UTRGV nursing curriculum, her Ph.D. research on the unique cultural perspective of death and dying among Mexican Americans aims to further tailor the care that nurses provide to end-of-life patients in South Texas. ... Through clinical interviews, Rivera-Burciaga found that many individuals of the Mexican American culture are afraid to die – despite engaging in Día de los Muertos, a celebration of death every November. “We've built a compassionate community for the dying, yet we don't say it by name. Many Mexican Americans in the United States believe that to talk about death invites it. Or, that we don't have time to be depressed, or that even in mourning men don't cry,” she said.