Literature Review
Hospice care standards are important. Congress must be careful tinkering with them.
08/30/24 at 03:00 AMHospice care standards are important. Congress must be careful tinkering with them. NorthJersey.com, Special to the USA TODAY Network; by Patrick Maron; 8/28/24... As hospice care grows, real attention needs to be paid to the differences between nonprofit and for-profit centers. [A] staggering 73% of hospice programs today are for-profit and are driven by financial motives, ... Rep. Earl Blumenauer, D-Oregon, is drafting legislation that, if enacted, would represent the most significant reforms to date for hospice payment and oversight. Though Blumenauer’s bill, the Hospice Care Accountability, Reform, and Enforcement — or Hospice CARE — Act, is still in development, key provisions will likely include a new payment mechanism for high-acuity palliative services, changes to the per-diem payment process and actions to improve quality and combat fraud. The bill would also implement a temporary, national moratorium on the enrollment of new hospices into Medicare, to help stem the tide of fraudulent activities ... However, there are significant challenges for nonprofit freestanding inpatient hospice facilities like Villa Marie Claire in Saddle River. Most important, the proposed five-year moratorium on enrolling new hospice programs into Medicare could limit our ability to expand services, straining resources of the Villa ... What’s more, the legislation mandates more frequent inspections and enhanced oversight, which could lead to operational stress and higher costs. [Click on the title's link to continue reading.]
Illinois Medicaid launches Program of All-Inclusive Care for the elderly
08/30/24 at 03:00 AMIllinois Medicaid launches Program of All-Inclusive Care for the elderly Open Minds, Gettsburg, PA; 8/28/24 On August 15, 2022, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) announced the launch of the Medicare-Medicaid Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) in five regions. The Illinois PACE contracts were awarded in June 2024 by HFS and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). PACE is a Medicare and Medicaid risk-based care program that offers comprehensive, team-based medical and social services for adults age 55 and older through collaborating health care agencies.
‘Keep going’: Wish to ride horse granted for woman with cancer
08/30/24 at 03:00 AM‘Keep going’: Wish to ride horse granted for woman with cancer WDTN Dayton, Huber Heights, Ohio; by Allison Gen; 8/28/24 A Miami Valley woman with terminal cancer got a little help to check a goal off her bucket list. She wanted to ride a horse again. Wednesday afternoon, her wish was granted at the Carriage Hill MetroPark Riding Center. Brenda Garramone has stage four bone cancer. ... “I’m out here for everybody else that’s got cancer,” Garramone said. A few weeks ago she was taken into the care of Grace Hospice. Garramone grew up around horses on a dairy farm in Oregon. That’s why after her terminal diagnosis, she wanted to have a chance to ride again. “We learned through her interactions with her nurse that her last wish was to spend time with a horse again,” Emily O’Flynn, Grace Hospice office manager and social work intern, said.
$83M fraud case against nursing home group may proceed, with no defendants excused
08/30/24 at 03:00 AM$83M fraud case against nursing home group may proceed, with no defendants excusedMcKnight's Long-Term Care News; by Jessica R. Towhey; 8/27/24A New York Supreme Court judge threw out all arguments from lawyers for an embattled group of nursing homes that sought to have charges dismissed in a case accusing the owners and operators of $83 million in Medicare and Medicaid fraud. Judge Melissa Crane ruled that the owners of Centers Health Care, along with numerous other individuals, did not make sufficient arguments for dropping charges of fraud, “saddling” nursing homes with “excessive debts,” colluding to pay “sham vendors,” and paying themselves “inflated” salaries.
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Awards and Recognitions: August 2024
08/30/24 at 03:00 AMAwards and Recognitions: August 2024 We congratulate these honorees and celebrate their contributions to our collective hospice and palliative care mission, vision, and compassionate care throughout our world. Do you know any of these leaders? We encourage you to forward this to them or to find another way to celebrate their success. (We are piloting this as a monthly feature in Hospice & Palliative Care Today.)
Grief Memoir: ‘It was my turn to do everything for her’
08/30/24 at 03:00 AMGrief Memoir: ‘It was my turn to do everything for her We Are The Mighty; by Jessica Hall; 8/28/24 ... I joined the phone call with the doctor where he told us all the worst news. The cancer was growing everywhere along the spine. ... He told us that it was time for hospice. ... Even though I had been preparing for this for months, I was truly not ready to go from child to caretaker. ... For my entire life, my mom had cared for me. She had been there when I was sick or hurt. She cleaned my house (sometimes to my chagrin). She cooked my favorite meals and she let me take breaks. Now it was my turn to do everything for her. It hit me like a ton of bricks, but I also just knew that I had to do it. We all had to do everything for her to make her final days easy for her. Hospice came by to get everything set up. ... [Click on the title's link to continue reading this beautiful, personal story.]Editor's Note: Calling all hospice executive leaders who do not have clinical, direct patient care experience--read this article to grasp common family dynamics, decisions, actions, emotions, and life-changing moments for each patient you serve. Multiply this out for the many family members of each patient you serve. How do your hospice services tune into and support these family members?
TCN podcast: Mapping the Future via the Mission with John McBeth
08/30/24 at 03:00 AMTCN podcast: Mapping the Future via the Mission with John McBeth Teleios Collaborative Network (TCN); podcast hosted by Chris Comeaux, with John McBeth; 8/28/24 In this episode of the Anatomy of Leadership podcast, John McBeth, Former Co-founder and CEO of Next Century Corporation, shares his journey in the technology industry, from software engineer to CEO roles. McBeth emphasizes the importance of creating high-performance organizations and having a great and worthy purpose. He discusses his experience with Vistage where he met Dr. Lee Thayer and the profound impact of working with Dr. Thayer had on him and his organizations. McBeth also shares the inspirational story of starting Next Century Corporation and their mission to protect the country and save lives through real-time actionable information. The conversation emphasized the importance of mission and purpose in mapping the future for both individuals and organizations.
This was the year advanced practice nurses thought they’d get full practice authority in NC. They were wrong.
08/30/24 at 03:00 AMThis was the year advanced practice nurses thought they’d get full practice authority in NC. They were wrong.NC Health News - NC Board of Nursing; by TwumasiD-Mensah; 8/29/24 Every so often, Megan Conner, a nurse anesthetist in Greenville said she sees a patient who’s driven for hours to come for a screening colonoscopy but who instead has to be sent to the emergency department. ... It frustrates Conner that so many patients, who have to travel sometimes hours for care in eastern North Carolina, end up not getting it because of common ailments they can’t get treated closer to home.That’s why Conner is a big believer in the Safe, Accessible, Value-directed and Excellent Health Care Act (SAVE Act), which would give advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) like her full practice authority. She argues the data show that more nurse practitioners would provide primary care in rural North Carolina if the state would give them autonomy to practice, bringing care to small burgs that often go without. And now, the demands for care are being driven by hundreds of thousands of patients newly eligible for care because of Medicaid expansion. Along with a growing number of lawmakers who believe the legislation is overdue, advanced practice nurses thought this would be the year that the SAVE Act finally passed. They were wrong. [Click on the title's link to continue reading.]
Rounds with Leadership: Focusing on the outcomes of NP practice
08/30/24 at 03:00 AMRounds with Leadership: Focusing on the outcomes of NP practice American Association of Colleges of Nursing - The Voice of Academic Nursing; by American Colleges of Nursing (AACN); 8/28/24 ... In a synopsis of more than 50 research studies, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners found that patients under the care of NPs have fewer unnecessary hospital readmissions, higher patient satisfaction scores, and fewer unnecessary emergency room visits than patients under the care of physicians only. Recent studies have shown that ... NPs engaging in end-of-life care had fewer hospitalizations and higher hospice use; ... Despite such compelling evidence, challenges to NP education and practice continue. More than 20 states have yet to grant full scope of practice authority to NPs, denying these expert clinicians the opportunity to exercise the full range of their clinical expertise.
Year-over-year health spending growth highest ‘by far’ for home healthcare
08/30/24 at 03:00 AMYear-over-year health spending growth highest ‘by far’ for home healthcare McKnights Senior Living; by Lois A. Bowers; 7/28/24 Year-over-year growth in national health spending in June was highest “by far” for home healthcare, at 20.9%, compared with other major healthcare categories, according to a brief issued late Tuesday by Altarum. Most of the growth, 18.5 percentage points, was due to changes in utilization rather than price, George Miller, PhD, Altarum fellow and research team leader, told the McKnight’s Business Daily. “Nursing home care spending was a distant second, at 10.0% year-over-year growth,” Miller said. By comparison, year-over-year spending growth was 8.3% for prescription drugs, 8.2% for hospital care, 7.3% for dental services and 6.6% for physician and clinical services, according to the report. Overall, spending on healthcare goods and services grew by 8.1% between June 2023 and June 2024, with utilization growth continuing to outpace price growth.
Hospice patient publishes first poetry book
08/30/24 at 02:00 AMHospice patient publishes first poetry book BBC News, Derby, United Kingdom; by Jude Winter; 8/26/24 A woman receiving end-of-life care has fulfilled an ambition by publishing a book of poems. Sarah Colina started writing the poems more than 40 years ago but never got round to getting her work published despite encouragement from friends and family. The 60-year-old has been receiving care at Ashgate Hospice since being admitted to its Inpatient Unit in Old Brampton, Chesterfield. ... he added staff at the hospice had been "so supportive" and is selling 50 of her books to raise money to support their work. "I’m hoping it will be nicely received and people will enjoy reading my poems", said Ms Colina. She added: "Some of the poems are very dark, but some make you laugh. "I'm hoping it gives people an insight into their inner person."
Today's Encouragement: August ...
08/29/24 at 03:00 AMAugust: When we discover that even the sun can have an attitude problem. ~ Anonymous
Majority of Mission nurses pledge support for strike vote
08/29/24 at 03:00 AMMajority of Mission nurses pledge support for strike vote The Biltmore Beacon, Asheville, NC; by Andrew R. Jones; 8/28/24 Nursing leaders at Asheville’s Mission Hospital said they have the pledges needed to call for a strike vote, increasing the likelihood of a significant labor action at the HCA Healthcare-owned facility if an agreement wasn’t reached this week. Local nursing representatives said that more than 800 of the approximately 1,600 registered nurses, including members of the Mission Hospital United union and non-union members, signed pledges agreeing to vote on a possible strike at the Asheville hospital, the only Level II trauma center in WNC. The vote will be held over four days, Aug. 25, 26, 28, and 29. Nurse union leaders told Asheville Watchdog that they anticipate most of the nurses covered by the union contract will authorize a strike that could last from one to three days. ... Several other unions at HCA hospitals across the nation — including those in Nevada, Florida, Texas and Kansas — are moving toward strike votes right now, nurses said. ...
How 3 health systems decide when to buy or build AI
08/29/24 at 03:00 AMHow 3 health systems decide when to buy or build AIModern Healthcare; by Gabriel Perna; 8/27/24As health systems invest in artificial intelligence, executives are deciding when they should buy a vendor's AI product and when they should build their own models... “AI requires more of a data science experience, which is very expensive in the market,” Pupo said. “It also requires a lot of actual data and many hospitals do not have that or are able to afford access to large amounts of data.” Here is how three health systems are weighing their options.
High Desert PACE Program launches in Victorville to provide comprehensive care for seniors
08/29/24 at 03:00 AMHigh Desert PACE Program launches in Victorville to provide comprehensive care for seniors Victor Valley News Group (VVNG), Victorville, CA; 8/25/24 The Victor Valley region now has a new, innovative resource for its senior population with the launch of the High Desert PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly). This new program is dedicated to offering comprehensive and personalized care to elderly individuals, helping them maintain their independence and quality of life while living in the comfort of their own homes.
Editorial: Palliative care can drive change via new payment models
08/29/24 at 03:00 AMEditorial: Palliative care can drive change via new payment models Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 8/27/24 A range of emerging payment model demonstrations are integrating principles traditionally associated with “palliative care” into their structures, but without using that term. The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation’s (CMMI) has unveiled a series of models that incorporate elements designed to provide patient-centered care to improve seriously ill patients’ quality of life. Examples include the Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE), the Kidney Care Choices and Enhancing Oncology models. The GUIDE model, for example, includes language requiring “person-centered care meant to improve quality of life, delivered by interdisciplinary teams.” Thus, one could argue that palliative care principles are becoming more integrated into the larger system, even if stakeholders are not using the same terminology. ...
The DEI Dilemma: Separate teams or embedded methods?
08/29/24 at 03:00 AMThe DEI Dilemma: Separate teams or embedded methods? Clinical Leader; by Denise N. Bronner, PhD; 8/28/24 In recent years, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) has become a focal point in many industries, with the pharma sector being no exception. As political forces shift the societal climate to be increasingly DEI-averse, pharma sponsors face critical decisions regarding the implementation of DEI initiatives: Should DEI efforts be managed by a separate, dedicated DEI team or woven into the fabric of existing processes and departments? To answer that question, we must examine the advantages and drawbacks of both strategies, focusing on key factors like resource allocation, implementation efficiency, cultural integration, and the long-term impact on trial inclusivity. ... Integrating DEI into all aspects of a business is a complex task that requires careful planning and coordination. Without a clear strategy, efforts can become fragmented and ineffective.Editor's Note: While this DEI discussion is written to the pharma industry, its DEI structures, strategies and outcomes apply to hospice and palliative care services.
LifeTouch Hospice still providing end-of-life care in South Arkansas
08/29/24 at 03:00 AMLifeTouch Hospice still providing end-of-life care in South ArkansasEl Dorado News-Times; by Keturah Smith; 8/28/24LifeTouch Hospice said Monday they would like the South Arkansas community to know the company remains fully operational and continues to offer care to terminally ill patients after merging with Little Rock-based Arkansas Hospice last year. "There has been some misconception in El Dorado with the closing of the hospice house," said Hannah Odell, LifeTouch provider relations representative, at the El Dorado Rotary Club meeting. "LifeTouch Hospice is very much still around." While the physical location of LifeTouch has closed, Odell mentioned their services can be provided at the nursing home, local hospital, assisted living, home or wherever care is needed. "We're contracted with South Arkansas Regional Hospital for [general inpatient care] for the most critical patients," Odell said. ...
Not intervening as a form of care: Negotiating medical practices at the end-of-life
08/29/24 at 03:00 AMNot intervening as a form of care: Negotiating medical practices at the end-of-life AnthroSource, by the American Anthropological Association; by Simon Cohn, Eric Borgstrom, and Annelieke Driessen; 8/27/24 ... The story of Keith, a patient living with multiple sclerosis but now with limited time left, introduces a common feature of biomedicine; once set on a particular trajectory, clinicians are often committed to a cascade of options without really questioning their ultimate value: "When I saw the doctor, the first thing he said was, ‘Oh, we can do this, or we can do that…’ So I said, ‘No, you won't. You won't do any of those things, thank you very much.’ And then when he suggested a drug that will give me ‘an extra few months’, I replied ‘Does that give me an extra few months now, or an extra few months at the end? Because I want the few months now, I don't want them at the end.’" Here, Keith recounts how his doctor seemed compelled to suggest one treatment after another with the intention of prolonging his life, rather than acknowledge that because he was dying, a different approach might be more appropriate. ...
For-profit Idaho home health powerhouse seeks expansion in Oregon
08/29/24 at 03:00 AMFor-profit Idaho home health powerhouse seeks expansion in OregonThe Lund Report; by Nick Budnick; 8/27/24Pennant Group wants to acquire home health and hospice agencies from Signature Group, an affiliate of Avamere Health. State health officials are reviewing a giant for-profit Idaho-based home health care company’s $80 million effort to buy home care and hospice companies around Oregon operated by Signature Group, also known as Avamere Health Care. Officials in the Health Care Market Oversight office of the Oregon Health Authority announced a 30-day public comment period on Aug. 23.
CareXM and Enhabit increase clinician capacity by 250% using virtual visits amid staffing shortages
08/29/24 at 03:00 AMCareXM and Enhabit increase clinician capacity by 250% using virtual visits amid staffing shortages GlobeNewswire; by CareXM; 8/27/24 CareXM ... is proud to announce some of the exciting results with Enhabit in their quick connect Virtual Visits platform. ... “We saw an increase in clinician capacity, allowing us to do more with less,” says Vice President of Care Management Shelley Baker of Enhabit, which provides care annually to 228,000 patients. “Completing visits virtually, when appropriate, has freed up our clinicians to better manage their schedules so they can be with patients who need hands-on care.” "While virtual visits do not replace the need for in-home visits, they do offer the ability to connect with patients more frequently, supplementing the visits that do need to be in-person,” said Si Luo, CEO at CareXM, “We see a growing need not just for visit utilization but for visit prioritization- let’s save our field nurses for those visits that truly do need to be in-person. ..."
[UK] Couple marry at hospice hours before husband dies
08/29/24 at 03:00 AM[UK] Couple marry at hospice hours before husband diesBBC; by Chris Craddock; 8/24/24A couple were married in Jersey Hospice’s garden hours before the husband died. David and Alison Bothwell had a ceremony on 15 August with family, friends and staff in attendance. Mrs. Bothwell said it was "absolutely wonderful" and the "perfect ending for his life". She has praised hospice staff for organising the wedding on just a few hours' notice after Mr. Bothwell proposed towards the end of his life.
Unity Hospice expands service into Outagamie and Winnebago counties
08/29/24 at 03:00 AMUnity Hospice expands service into Outagamie and Winnebago counties Seehafernews.com; by Ryan Brahm; 8/27/24 De Pere-based healthcare provider is expanding its service into two nearby counties. Unity Hospice recently announced that they would begin providing services in Outagamie and Winnebago Counties beginning September 1st. The expanded territory enables Unity to support patients and families wherever they call home, including private residences, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities.Unity Executive Director Alisa Gerke said of the expansion, “We’re excited to expand our footprint to enhance the quality of life for more patients and families. Our experienced, local care team knows the community well and is aligned with area pharmacies and agencies to ensure outstanding, prompt, and dignified care.”
LobsterFest raises more than $115,000 for a good cause
08/29/24 at 02:30 AMLobsterFest raises more than $115,000 for a good cause Steamboat Pilot & Today; by Eli Pace; 8/28/24 Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the Rotary Club of Steamboat Springs served up more than 300 fresh lobsters Saturday at the Steamboat Springs Airport as Rotarians held to tradition while supporting Northwest Colorado Health’s Home Health and Hospice Services. Northwest Colorado Health is the only provider of Home Health and Hospice in the Yampa Valley, ... “In an average year, we care for more than 250 patients and provide support to their family members,” said Steph Einfeld, CEO of Northwest Colorado Health. ... The Rotarians had 310 lobsters flown in Thursday evening from Maine for the event that sells out every year, and a silent and live auction augmented table sales and sponsorships. According to the Rotary Club, this year’s LobsterFest raised more than $100,000 to support Northwest Colorado Health’s program and $15,000 for other Rotary charities.