Literature Review
Major health systems undergoing COO transitions in 2025
08/19/25 at 03:00 AMMajor health systems undergoing COO transitions in 2025 Becker's Hospital Review; by Kelly Gooch; 8/15/25 Several major U.S. health systems have appointed COOs this year — some to newly created positions — amid a resurgence of the COO role. While some systems have tapped internal veterans as successors, others have chosen new COOs from outside their organizations. Here are 11 COO changes to know: ...
Do you care about your legacy? 54% of Americans want to leave mark on the world
08/19/25 at 03:00 AMDo you care about your legacy? 54% of Americans want to leave mark on the world Study Finds, New York, NY; by StudyFindsAnalysis, reviewed by Steve Fink; 8/15/25 Getting older changes everything, including what we care about most. A new survey of 2,000 Americans reveals ...
[United Kingdom] Dying patients bundled into ambulances and transferred in their final hours after 'cruel' managers shut hospice without warning
08/19/25 at 03:00 AM[United Kingdom] Dying patients bundled into ambulances and transferred in their final hours after 'cruel' managers shut hospice without warning Daily Mailm United Kingdom; by Liz Hull; 8/15/25 Dying patients were bundled into emergency ambulances and moved in their final hours after managers shut down a hospice without warning. Nurses on duty at the Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice, in Leeds, were left in tears after being told to ring relatives of end-of-life patients with the distressing news that their loved ones were being immediately transferred. ... One woman died within five hours of being moved, while another two patients had passed away within 48 hours. At least two families lodged formal complaints about their treatment in the aftermath.
Hands
08/19/25 at 03:00 AMHands Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA); by R. Jordan Williams, MD, MPH; 8/13/25Lend me your hand Callused or calaminedWrinkled or plump,Nails bittenNails extendedSplintered and pittedNails neatly or never cropped.Lend me your hand Strong or weak Cold or warmingSwollen and swanned; Gnarled in knots ...Editor's Note: Continue reading this powerful poem. Additionally, JAMA published this description of the poem, "Poetry and the Medicine of Touch" by Rafael Campo, MD, MA: "In this deeply felt poem, the hand becomes a potent metaphor for our shared humanity ... Aspiring clinicians are still taught to assess, to palpate, to diagnose through touch. Yet, as “Hands” reminds us, patients’ hands hold far more than clinical signs—they reflect stories, histories, fears, and hopes. ..."
35 years of palliative care progress: What lies ahead for society engagement?
08/19/25 at 03:00 AM35 years of palliative care progress: What lies ahead for society engagement? Journal of Pain & Symptom Management; by Vilma A Tripodoro, Marie-Charlotte Bouësseau, Stephen Connor, Carlos Centeno; 8/14/25This special article presents a narrative synthesis of key policy milestones, conceptual transitions, and global indicators in the development of palliative care. It contrasts two WHO-endorsed public health models: the 2007 "Umbrella" strategy and the 2021 "House" framework, analysing their complementarities and global relevance. ... The future of global palliative care depends on political will, fair allocation of resources, robust monitoring, and meaningful community participation. ...
Today's Encouragement: It is in your hands to ..
08/19/25 at 03:00 AMIt is in your hands to create a better world for all who live in it. ~ Nelson Mandela
YoloCares: A caring coalition for California
08/19/25 at 03:00 AMYoloCares: A caring coalition for California The Davis Enterprise; by Craig Dresang; 8/15/25 In his closing remarks at a 2016 stakeholder meeting, hosted by the National Academy of Medicine, Dr. Victor Dzau (academy president) said, “We need a coalition, a movement, a critical mass. We need to work together so that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. We need to come together to develop resources for policy and communication. We need to improve our communication — to patients and families, healthcare providers, government, and the public.” His words perfectly captured the founding spirit of the Coalition for Compassionate Care of California. ... The group is a small but mighty powerhouse that works closely with healthcare systems and providers, patient advocacy groups, professional associations and policy — and lawmakers to promote high-quality care for seriously ill Californians.
Aveanna beefs up advocacy efforts, leans into preferred payer strategy
08/19/25 at 03:00 AMAveanna beefs up advocacy efforts, leans into preferred payer strategy Home Health Care News; by Joyce Famakinwa; 8/15/25 Amid an uncertain reimbursement environment and sea of recent policy updates, Aveanna Healthcare Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: AVAH) remains focused on the strategies that have been helping the company achieve success. ... This means ramping up the company’s efforts around advocacy, as well as actively working with various state Medicaid programs. Home Health Care News caught up with Jim Melancon at last month’s National Alliance for Care at Home Financial Summit to learn more. Melancon serves as senior vice president of government affairs at Aveanna. ... The company has 327 locations across 34 states.
How to strategically integrate AI without falling for the hype
08/19/25 at 03:00 AMHow to strategically integrate AI without falling for the hype Forbes; by Mammon Baloch; 8/14/25 In the current business environment, companies must develop a clear and strategic understanding of how to leverage AI effectively. As the leader of an organization focused on AI and SaaS integrations, I've seen a pervasive and harmful myth take hold: the notion that AI is a plug-and-play miracle, capable of solving every business challenge on its own. This misconception breeds inflated expectations and distracts from the real, achievable strategic advantages that AI offers.
Flu, COVID-19 vaccination rates falling among health care workers
08/19/25 at 03:00 AMFlu, COVID-19 vaccination rates falling among health care workers WWLP, Springfield, IL, originally Boston, MA; by Alison Kuznitz; 8/14/25 The rate of Massachusetts health care workers vaccinated against the flu and COVID-19 is declining, despite state officials pushing for the vast majority of providers to get their shots in order to stunt the spread of illnesses. The Department of Public Health’s goal is to achieve an annual flu and COVID immunization rate of 90% or higher among eligible health care personnel at all licensed facilities and emergency medical services. ... During the 2024-25 respiratory virus season, an average of 83.5% of providers in acute care hospitals were vaccinated against the flu, ... That compares to ... 52.3% in nursing homes, 68.7% in rest homes, 52.2% in adult day health programs, 21.2% in EMS and 65.4% in hospice. Editor's Note: Is 65.4% high enough for health care workers who consistently tending many of the most vulnerable persons receiving health care? What are the vaccination rates for your organization?
The future of work: Prioritizing human connection with Ryan Jenkins
08/18/25 at 03:00 AMThe future of work: Prioritizing human connection with Ryan Jenkins Teleios Collaborative Network (TCN) - Anatomy of Leadership; podcast/video by Chris Comeaux with Ryan Jenkins; 8/13/25 "Connection isn't new, it's just neglected. And it's neglected now more than ever." These powerful words from Wall Street Journal bestselling author Ryan Jenkins set the stage for a transformative conversation about what might be our most critical yet overlooked human need. Despite our hyperconnected world of social media, texting, and endless digital communication, genuine connection continues to slip through our fingers. Jenkins reveals the crucial distinction between mere communication and true connection – explaining how our brains process these experiences differently and why it matters so profoundly.
We need a care revolution: Victor Montori
08/18/25 at 03:00 AMWe need a care revolution: Victor MontoriGeriPal podcast; by Eric Widera, Alex Smith, Victor Montori; 7/31/25In his book, “Why We Revolt,” Victor Montori decries the industrialization of healthcare. We’ve become a healthcare factory, beholden to health systems motivated by profit. In particular, he laments the loss of the “care” aspect of healthcare.
McGill Palliative Care National Grand Rounds: Dignity, Personhood and Intensive Caring: New Insights into Patient Suffering - Dr. Harvey Max Chochinov
08/18/25 at 03:00 AMMcGill Palliative Care National Grand Rounds: Dignity, Personhood and Intensive Caring: New Insights into Patient Suffering - Dr. Harvey Max ChochinovMcGill Palliative Care announcement; 8/13/25This free presentation has the following objectives:
Federal Register: United States, et al. v. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated, et al.; Proposed Final Judgment and Competitive Impact Statement
08/18/25 at 03:00 AMFederal Register: United States, et al. v. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated, et al.; Proposed Final Judgment and Competitive Impact Statement Federal Register - U.S. Government - A Notice by the Antitrust Division; by the Department of Justice Antitrust Division; 8/14/25 Notice is hereby given pursuant to the Antitrust Procedures and Penalties Act, 15 U.S.C. 16(b)-(h), that a proposed Final Judgment, Stipulation, and Competitive Impact Statement have been filed with the United States District Court for the District of Maryland in United States of America et al. v. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated, et al., Civil Action No. 1:24-cv-03267. [Formal document, in the midst of many articles about the ruling.]
BrightSpring taking modest approach to M&A in 2025
08/18/25 at 03:00 AMBrightSpring taking modest approach to M&A in 2025 Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 8/15/25 BrightSpring Health Services (Nasdaq: BTSG) is taking a slow and steady look at acquisition opportunities through the remainder of the year. The company is allowing the dust to settle on the divestiture of its community living business to Setiva for $835 million before once again investing heavily in acquisitions, according to CEO, President and Chairman Jon Rousseau. The divestiture is expected to close in the fourth quarter. But that doesn’t mean that BrightSpring is out of the market for deals.
In the face of ALS, Raleigh 33-year-old faces hospice journey with joy
08/18/25 at 03:00 AMIn the face of ALS, Raleigh 33-year-old faces hospice journey with joyWRAL News [NC]; by Grace Hayba; 8/11/25The first thing on Olivia “Whitford” Wooten’s mind isn’t her terminal diagnosis, it’s December 13th. That's her sister’s due date. “I really want to meet him,” she said. “That’s the goal.” Each day for the Raleigh 33-year-old is a fight against time. Just two years after being diagnosed with ALS, she is now in hospice... “ALS doesn’t define me. It’s not who I am, it’s just a small portion of my testimony and who I am,” said Whitford.
Mark Swillinger makes $1.5m donation to FAU College of Nursing
08/18/25 at 03:00 AMMark Swillinger makes $1.5m donation to FAU College of Nursing Boca Magazine, Boca Raton, FL; by Christiana Lilly; 8/13/25 What was expected to be a typical speech turned into one that called for a round of applause: A $1.5 million donation would be made to Florida Atlantic University College of Nursing by local attorney Mark Swillinger in honor of his late wife, Marilyn. The announcement came during FAU President Adam Hasner’s speech at the 15th annual White Coats-4-Care reception at The Addison, an event that supports FAU’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine. ... Not only is it a hefty amount, but the donation will create a hospice and palliative care program in FAU’s Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing. Swillinger says he was inspired after seeing the attentive care his wife received in 2023, when she died from lung cancer.
Today's Encouragement: It is better to have one person working with you than ...
08/18/25 at 03:00 AMIt is better to have one person working with you than three people working for you. ~ Dwight D. Eisenhower
Palliative care plays an essential role in heart failure care
08/18/25 at 03:00 AMPalliative care plays an essential role in heart failure care Cardiovascular Business; by Michael Walter; 8/13/25 Palliative care should play a significant role in the day-to-day management of heart failure (HF) patients, according to new recommendations from the Heart Failure Society of America (HFSA). HF patients are associated with high mortality and a considerably worse quality of life, the group wrote. Care teams should be doing everything in their power to help patients control their symptoms and live the best lives possible. The HFSA guidance is available in full in the Journal of Cardiac Failure. ... “When using a guide, conversations are more likely to be feasible, acceptable and associated with positive experiences for both patients and clinicians,” the authors wrote.
A gentle goodbye: The hospice chaplain sees patients to life’s end
08/18/25 at 03:00 AMA gentle goodbye: The hospice chaplain sees patients to life’s endLovin' Life [AZ]; by Karen Schaffner; 8/5/25As a long-time hospice chaplain Patrick Cunningham has to answer a lot of hard questions. In his years working with the dying and their families, he has discovered that they all trickle down to one unanswerable, universal desire: to know. “(They) ask me the existential question, which if you know anything about what you’re doing, I would never answer a question like, ‘What in the world, with all those people who I have loved who have died, why am I still here?’” he said. Walking people to death’s door for nearly the entirety of your adulthood will without question provide a unique perspective on life. Cunningham has done the job for more than 40 years, most recently with Azorna Hospice in Marana. That’s long enough to know he doesn’t have the answer... If Cunningham’s chaplaincy job could be summed up in one word, it would be support. Despite the title, his job is to support the person who is headed to the door.
Patient deaths, inner scars, and physicians’ need to grieve
08/18/25 at 03:00 AMPatient deaths, inner scars, and physicians’ need to grieveMedscape; by Andrea Goto; 8/6/25In 2023, Molly Taylor, MD, MS, a pediatric oncologist and attending physician at Seattle Children’s, sat in her parked car with tears streaming down her face. She was preparing to attend the memorial service for an 8-year-old patient she had lost a week prior. The patient’s mother had asked Taylor if she could share a few words about the little girl... Taylor is not alone in experiencing grief tinged with guilt after losing a patient. Although the prevalence of provider grief hasn’t been widely examined, a JPSM review published in 2023 indicated that it’s a significant issue in many areas of medicine.
Unity receives $25,000 grant from K.C. Stock Foundation to expand home-based palliative care service
08/18/25 at 03:00 AMUnity receives $25,000 grant from K.C. Stock Foundation to expand home-based palliative care service The Chamber - Manitowoc County, WI; 8/14/25 Unity is honored to announce the award of a $25,000 grant from the K.C. Stock Foundation to support its Supportive Care Management (SCM) program, which provides compassionate, home-based palliative care to individuals in Northeast Wisconsin facing serious illness. “We are deeply grateful to the K.C. Stock Foundation for recognizing the growing need for accessible palliative care,” says Unity Executive Director Alisa Gerke. ... Unity’s Supportive Care Management program provides an extra layer of support and education for individuals and their family when living with a serious illness, delivering expert care wherever a patient calls home.
Long COVID and returning to work: A hard and frustrating road
08/17/25 at 03:55 AMLong COVID and returning to work: A hard and frustrating road Medscape; by Sara Novak; 8/5/25 ... Around 16 million workers have been affected nationwide by long COVID. Many who initially contracted the virus as a result of their jobs are left with the additional burden of proving that they acquired the condition in the workplace. Without it, they may be unable to file a claim for workers’ compensation insurance, which provides benefits to employees who are injured or become ill on the job.
Enhabit Home Health & Hospice announces CEO transition plan
08/17/25 at 03:50 AMEnhabit Home Health & Hospice announces CEO transition plan Business Wire, Dallas, TX; 8/6/25 Enhabit, Inc. (NYSE: EHAB), a leading home health and hospice provider, today announced that Barb Jacobsmeyer, president and CEO, and a member of the board of directors, intends to step down from these roles in July 2026, or upon the appointment of a successor. The company has initiated a leadership succession plan with Jacobsmeyer’s full support to ensure a smooth transition. The board has retained Russell Reynolds Associates, a leading executive search firm, to assist in a comprehensive search process to identify the company’s next CEO.