Literature Review
Today's Encouragement
10/20/24 at 03:00 AMEducation is the ability to listen to almost anything without losing your temper or your self-confidence. ~Robert Frost
Sunday newsletters
10/20/24 at 03:00 AMSunday newsletters focus on headlines and top read stories of the last week (in order) - enjoy!
Music therapist helps patients navigate end-of-life journey on Long Island
10/20/24 at 03:00 AMMusic therapist helps patients navigate end-of-life journey on Long Island CBS New York / YouTube; by Jenna DeAngelis; 10/15/24 The healing power of music is being brought to hospice patients on Long Island, by Yuzuko DeGrottole, LCAT, MT-BC, a board-certified music therapist with MJHS Hospice. “Everyone has a song that takes them to a special place. “Are you going to sing with me?” [Sings a beautiful Jewish song.] That's the power of music. It moves us. It connects us, and for Sarah Jacobowitz it just makes her feel good. “I like it. It makes me happy.” The 95-year-old Holocaust Survivor is proud of her Jewish Heritage which she celebrates in song since she's bedridden. Yuzuko brings the music to her, even learning to sing in many languages for her patients. Music communicates with you directly to your heart. Music brings up a lot of emotion, with or without words. … Sarah's son who often sits bedside says music therapy hits all the right notes. Sarah is attentive instead of just sleeping all day or just doing nothing. Music brings back memories and it gives her pleasure just to be alive.Editor's note: Having a board-certified music therapist is significantly more valuable--therapeutically, clinically, meaning-making, mission-oriented--than simply having musicians play music. For more information visit "Facts for Music Therapy in Hospice Care" by American Music Therapy Association and the Certified Board for Music Therapists.
[Australia] Online plain language tool and health information quality-A randomized clinical trial
10/19/24 at 03:55 AMOnline plain language tool and health information quality-A randomized clinical trialJAMA Network Open; Julie Ayre, PhD; Carissa Bonner, PhD; Danielle M. Muscat, PhD; Erin Cvejic, PhD; Olivia Mac, MPH; Dana Mouwad, MHSc (Nsg); Heather L. Shepherd, PhD; Parisa Aslani, PhD; Adam G. Dunn, PhD; Kirsten J. McCaffery, PhD; 10/24National and international policies recognize that health literacy—a person’s capacity to access, understand, and act on health information—is a critical source of inequity in our health systems. Low health literacy contributes to higher mortality, morbidity, rates of hospitalization, emergency department visits, and medication errors independently of other social determinants of health, such as age, education, and socioeconomic disadvantage. In this randomized clinical trial, the Health Literacy Editor helped users simplify health information and apply health literacy guidelines to written text. The findings suggest the tool has high potential to improve development of health information for people who have low health literacy.
Today's Encouragement
10/19/24 at 03:55 AMOne of the most important things you can do on this Earth is to let people know they are not alone. ~ Shannon L. Adler
[Canada] Aerobic physical activity and depression among patients with cancer-A systematic review and meta-analysis
10/19/24 at 03:50 AM[Canada] Aerobic physical activity and depression among patients with cancer-A systematic review and meta-analysisJAMA Network Open; Matthew Kulchycki, MD; Henry Ratul Halder, MSc; Nicole Askin, MLIS; Rasheda Rabbani, PhD; Fiona Schulte, PhD; Maya M. Jeyaraman, MD; Lillian Sung, MD, PhD; Deepak Louis, MD; Lisa Lix, PhD; Allan Garland, MD, MA; Alyson L. Mahar, PhD; Ahmed Abou-Setta, PhD; Sapna Oberoi, MD, MSc; 10/24A cancer diagnosis increases the risk of anxiety, depression, and emotional distress among patients. Depression prevalence among patients with cancer ranges from 13% to 27%, which is 2 to 3 times higher than the general population. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, APA [aerobic physical activity]was associated with modest short-term and long-term reductions of depression among adults with cancer. Future studies should discern the effectiveness of APA in combination with other strategies for managing depression across various populations of patients with cancer.
Ethical considerations in the design and conduct of clinical trials of artificial intelligence
10/19/24 at 03:45 AMEthical considerations in the design and conduct of clinical trials of artificial intelligenceJAMA Network Open; Alaa Youssef, PhD; Ariadne A. Nichol, BA; Nicole Martinez-Martin, JD, PhD; David B. Larson, MD, MBA; Michael Abramoff, MD, PhD; Risa M. Wolf, MD; Danton Char, MD, MS; 9/24In this qualitative study, interviews with 11 investigators involved in clinical trials of AI [artificial intelligence] for diabetic retinopathy screening confirmed the applicability of current ethical principles but also identified unique challenges, including assessing social value, ensuring scientific validity, fair participant selection, evaluation of risk-to-benefit ratio in underrepresented groups, and navigating complex consent processes. These results suggest ethical challenges unique to clinical trials of AI, which may provide important guidance for empirical and normative ethical efforts to enhance the conduct of AI clinical trials. These considerations call for further guidance on where to focus empirical and normative ethical efforts to best support conduct clinical trials of AI and minimize unintended harm to trial participants.
Effectiveness of a mobile app (Meds@HOME) to improve medication safety for children with medical complexity: Protocol for a randomized controlled trial
10/19/24 at 03:40 AMEffectiveness of a mobile app (Meds@HOME) to improve medication safety for children with medical complexity: Protocol for a randomized controlled trialJMIR Research Protocols; Nicole E Werner, Makenzie Morgen, Sophie Kooiman, Anna Jolliff, Gemma Warner, James Feinstein, Michelle Chui, Barbara Katz, Brittany Storhoff, Kristan Sodergren, Ryan Coller; 9/24The Meds@HOME mobile app provides a promising strategy for improving PCG [primary caregiver] medication safety for CMC [children with medical complexity] who take high-risk medications. In addition, this protocol highlights novel procedures for recruiting SCGs [secondary caregivers] of CMC. In the future, this app could be used more broadly across diverse caregiving networks to navigate complex medication routines and promote medication safety.
Physician altruism and spending, hospital admissions, and emergency department visits
10/19/24 at 03:35 AMPhysician altruism and spending, hospital admissions, and emergency department visitsJAMA Health Forum; Lawrence P. Casalino, MD, PhD; Shachar Kariv, PhD; Daniel Markovits, JD, DPhil; Raymond Fisman, PhD; 10/24This cross-sectional study found that Medicare patients treated by altruistic physicians had fewer potentially preventable hospitalizations and emergency department visits and lower spending. Policymakers and leaders of hospitals, medical practices, and medical schools may want to consider creating incentives, organizational structures, and cultures that may increase, or at least do not decrease, physician altruism. Further research should seek to identify these and other modifiable factors, such as physician selection and training, that may shape physician altruism. Research could also analyze the relationship between altruism and quality and spending in additional medical practices, specialties, and countries, and use additional measures of quality and of patient experience.
Racial differences in pain assessment and false beliefs about race in AI models
10/19/24 at 03:30 AMRacial differences in pain assessment and false beliefs about race in AI modelsJAMA Network Open; Brototo Deb, MD, MIDS; Adam Rodman, MD, MPH; 10/24Physicians undertreat Black patients’ pain compared with White patients, irrespective of setting and type of pain, likely from underassessment of pain and undertreatment of pain on recognition. Large language models (LLMs) encode racial and ethnic biases and may perpetuate race and ethnicity–based medicine. Although LLMs rate pain similarly between races and ethnicities, they underestimate pain among Black individuals in the presence of false beliefs. Given LLMs’ significant abilities in assisting with clinical reasoning, as well as a human tendency toward automation bias, these biases could propagate race and ethnicity–based medicine and the undertreatment of pain in Black patients. Mitigating these biases involves many strategies during dataset preparation, training, and posttraining stages.
Applying a health equity lens to better understand end-of-life prognostication
10/19/24 at 03:25 AMApplying a health equity lens to better understand end-of-life prognosticationAMA Journal of Ethics; by Newsha Nikzad, Joelle Robertson-Preidler, Faith E. Fletcher; 10/24Racial and ethnic inequity exists throughout the lifespan, including at the end of life (EOL). Although prognostication is inherently fraught with uncertainty, many underrepresented minorities get prognoses that are overly optimistic, which can exacerbate inequity by depriving patients of details needed to make informed decisions and plan for EOL care. This article applies a health equity lens to facilitate better ethical and clinical understandings of how to care for patients of color more equitably at the EOL.
Annual wellness visits and early dementia diagnosis among Medicare beneficiaries
10/19/24 at 03:20 AMAnnual wellness visits and early dementia diagnosis among Medicare beneficiariesJAMA Network Open; Huey-Ming Tzeng, PhD; Mukaila A. Raji, MD, MS; Yong Shan, PhD; Peter Cram, MD, MBA; Yong-Fang Kuo, PhD' 10/24Optimal dementia care depends on early recognition of cognitive impairment and timely diagnosis of Alzheimer disease and related dementias (ADRD). Optimal dementia care should reflect what matters most to patients and adhere to evidence-informed ADRD stage-specific health care. These findings indicate that AWV [annual wellness visit] recipients had a timelier first MCI [mild cognitive impairment] diagnosis than those who did not receive an AWV, but first ADRD diagnosis differed little. This study suggests that the Medicare AWV health policy may increase MCI identification, prompting more specialized care.
Home health care and place of death in Medicare beneficiaries with and without dementia
10/19/24 at 03:15 AMHome health care and place of death in Medicare beneficiaries with and without dementiaGerontologist; Hyosin Dawn Kim , Paul R Duberstein, Anum Zafar, Bei Wu, Haiqun Lin , Olga F Jarrín; 11/24Home health care supports patient goals for aging in place. Use of home health care during the last 3 years of life was associated with reduced rates of inpatient death without hospice, and increased rates of home death with hospice. Increasing affordable access to home health care can positively affect end-of-life care outcomes for older Americans and their family caregivers, especially those with dementia.
Telehealth vs in-person early palliative care for patients with advanced lung cancer-A multisite randomized clinical trial
10/19/24 at 03:10 AMTelehealth vs in-person early palliative care for patients with advanced lung cancer-A multisite randomized clinical trialJAMA; Joseph A. Greer, PhD; Jennifer S. Temel, MD; Areej El-Jawahri, MD; Simone Rinaldi, ANP-BC; Mihir Kamdar, MD; Elyse R. Park, PhD, MPH; Nora K. Horick, MS; Kedie Pintro, MS; Dustin J. Rabideau, PhD; Lee Schwamm, MD; Josephine Feliciano, MD; Isaac Chua, MD, MPH; Konstantinos Leventakos, MD, PhD; Stacy M. Fischer, MD; Toby C. Campbell, MD; Michael W. Rabow, MD; Finly Zachariah, MD; Laura C. Hanson, MD; Sara F. Martin, MD; Maria Silveira, MD; Laura Shoemaker, DO; Marie Bakitas, DNSc; Jessica Bauman, MD; Lori Spoozak, MD; Carl Grey, MD; Leslie Blackhall, MD; Kimberly Curseen, MD; Sean O’Mahony, MB, BCh, BAO; Melanie M. Smith, MD; Ramona Rhodes, MD; Amelia Cullinan, MD; Vicki Jackson, MD; for the REACH PC; 9/24 The delivery of early palliative care virtually vs in person demonstrated equivalent effects on quality of life in patients with advanced NSCLC [non-small cell lung cancer], underscoring the considerable potential for improving access to this evidence-based care model through telehealth delivery. [These] findings underscore the potential to increase access to evidence-based early palliative care through telehealth delivery.
Socioeconomic trends in palliative care: A six-year study
10/19/24 at 03:05 AMSocioeconomic trends in palliative care: A six-year studyCureus; by Andrej Sodoma, Muhammad Wahdan Naseeb,Samuel Greenberg, Nicholas J. Knott, Jonathan Arias, Argirios Skulikidis, Mary Makaryus; 10/24Our study investigates trends in PC utilization, focusing on socioeconomic characteristics. The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) from 2015 to 2020 was used to identify adults hospitalized in the United States (US). International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10), was used for PC encounters, code Z51.5. An equal number of random records, stratified by year and without this code, were selected to serve as controls [5.2M visits]. Men were more likely to receive PC consults. Medicare/Medicaid holders’ PC access was limited compared to private insurance holders. Racial minorities, particularly Hispanics and Blacks, were less likely to engage in PC. Compared to urban teaching hospitals, rural hospitals had a decreased rate of PC utilization. Smaller hospitals had significantly fewer PC referrals than large hospitals. A lower socioeconomic status was associated with a reduced propensity to utilize PC services compared to an upper socioeconomic status.
Saturday newsletters
10/19/24 at 03:00 AMSaturday newsletters focus on headlines and research - enjoy!
Low rates of hospice utilization in blood cancer patients
10/19/24 at 03:00 AMLow rates of hospice utilization in blood cancer patientsCU Anschutz News; by Tari Advani; 10/24Patients with hematologic malignancies enroll in hospice at significantly lower rates than patients with solid malignancies and are more likely to die in the hospital. Cost of transfusions in comparison to standard per diem reimbursement for hospice is greatest limitation to hospices offering transfusions to blood cancer patients and this lack of option for transfusion is limiting hospice utilization by patients with blood cancers overall and leading to late enrollment when it happens. It is felt that innovative hospice payment models to improve end-of-life care for patients with blood cancers would be the most useful course of action.
As IV shortage continues after hurricane, U.S. invokes wartime power to speed recovery
10/18/24 at 03:15 AMAs IV shortage continues after hurricane, U.S. invokes wartime power to speed recovery CBS News; by Alexander Tin; 10/15/24 The Biden administration says it has invoked the wartime powers of the Defense Production Act to speed rebuilding of a major American factory of intravenous fluids that was wrecked by Hurricane Helene last month. Damage to the plant in North Carolina has worsened a nationwide shortage of IV fluids, and hospitals say they are still postponing some surgeries and other procedures as a result. Some 60% of the nation's IV supplies had relied on production from the plant, run by medical supplier Baxter, before it was damaged by the storm. "Ensuring people have medical supplies they need is a top priority of the Administration. It's exactly why we are working closely with Baxter to support cleanup and restoration of the facility, including invoking the Defense Production Act to help production resume as quickly as possible," an official with the Department of Health and Human Services told CBS News on Tuesday.
Family and friends deliver early Christmas cheer to woman in final days of her life
10/18/24 at 03:10 AMFamily and friends deliver early Christmas cheer to woman in final days of her life CBS News, Antioch, IL; by Dana Kozlov and Tracy O'Brien; 10/16/24 Driving by a home in the far northwest suburbs, you might wonder what happened to Halloween, as each day more Christmas decorations keep showing up. The answer is a touching tribute to a loving mom, wife and friend; with a special message for everyone. Voices of holiday cheer rang outside a home on a warm fall day in Antioch during a festive gathering for Jamie Haley, a woman loved by many, watching from the front window. "It couldn't be better. I could not be happier," Jamie said. Hearing those words, you wouldn't realize Haley is in the final stages of her life, with hospice coming daily. Known for her lifelong love of Christmas, her family is bringing the joy of the season to her in a big way. "Everybody is showing up and strangers are showing up," said her daughter, Anna. "It's Christmas for as long as it can be. We just love her so much. … We are going to love her until we have to miss her." ... [Click on the title's link to continue reading this beautiful story.]
5 reasons why green burial services are a growing trend
10/18/24 at 03:00 AM5 reasons why green burial services are a growing trend The LaGrange Daily News; by Syndication Cloud; 10/17/24 Times are quickly changing throughout the country, and many of our common rituals are beginning to shift. The conventional funeral involving an expensive casket, embalming services, flowers and other costly expenses are no longer as popular as they once were. Instead, individuals and families are turning toward eco-friendly burial services, which are known as green burials. The green burial services Springfield Ohio specialists at Jackson, Lytle & Lewis ... have supported countless families with this growing trend. Below are five reasons why green burials are continuing to grow in popularity throughout the United States.
Today's Encouragement: Advice from a pumpkin ...
10/18/24 at 03:00 AMAdvice from a pumpkin: be well-rounded, get plenty of sunshine, give thanks for life's bounty, have thick skin, keep growing, be outstanding in your field, think big! ~ Unknown
Estes Park's only hospital joining UCHealth System
10/18/24 at 03:00 AMEstes Park's only hospital joining UCHealth System Fort Collins Coloradoan; by Kelly Lyell; 10/17/24 Estes Park Health has started the process of joining the UCHealth System, with an expected starting date in the spring of 2025, the two organizations announced in a joint news release Wednesday. ... Estes Park Health has been financially challenged in recent years to maintain its services, the news release said, citing problems hospitals across the country have had keeping up with “dramatically increasing expenses, rising uncompensated care and minimal increases in reimbursements from Medicare and Medicaid.” As a result, the only hospital serving the Estes Valley, including visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park, has had to transfer or reduce its obstetrics, home health and hospice services.Editor's note: We've been following this story as but one of many examples of rural healthcare examples that result in reduced utilization for hospice services.
Update on 3 nonprofit hospices impacted by Helene
10/18/24 at 03:00 AMUpdate on 3 nonprofit hospices impacted by Helene Hospice & Palliative Care Today; Chris Comeaux with Cordt Kassner and Joy Berger; 10/17/24Chris Comeaux shared updates on hospices impacted by the recent natural disaster. While no patients or staff were lost, some completely lost their homes or experienced significant property damage. The final loss of life remains uncertain due to unaccounted people. Hospices nationally have shown unity in supporting local counterparts through financial aid, supplies, and volunteer efforts coordinated by many nonprofits. Certain areas may lack electricity until March. Hospices face challenges like displaced skilled nursing facilities, but resources are being mobilized. Chris announced a tabletop discussion in November to learn from this experience and highlighted the need for continued patient monitoring, especially in evacuation zones. To read more and contribute:
AAHPM Board President: Telehealth access ‘critical’ for hospice patients
10/18/24 at 03:00 AMAAHPM Board President: Telehealth access ‘critical’ for hospice patientsHospice News; by Jim Parker; 10/17/24 The forthcoming expiration of telehealth flexibilities implemented during the pandemic could have a devastating impact on vulnerable populations, including those receiving hospice or palliative care. This is according to Dr. Holly Yang, board president of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM). Currently, temporary federal rules allowing for greater access to telehealth are set to expire on Dec. 31. While legislation is in play to extend them, the outcome is uncertain, and the end of the year is approaching. Hospice News sat down with Yang to discuss the importance of these flexibilities and how their impending departure could impact patients and families, particularly those in rural areas or with limited mobility, poor health equity or social determinants of health needs.
Forbes Leadership Strategy: 5 reasons you should seek to work with people who think differently
10/18/24 at 03:00 AMForbes Leadership Strategy: 5 reasons you should seek to work with people who think differently Forbes; by Kate Vitasek; 10/17/24 One of the most common pitfalls we see in the business world is when organizations exclusively work with people who think like they do. While at first glance, this could seem like it would help the organization become more unified, in the long run, it can actually do more harm than good. Instead, you should seek to work with people who think differently from you. By bringing in people with unique perspectives and backgrounds, you can unlock a host of valuable benefits that will serve you well in both the short- and long-term.