Literature Review

Explore the enormous benefits of multigenerational living in this essential guide for the modern American familyNewsDirect; 2/5/24In today's rapidly evolving world, the modern American family encounters unprecedented challenges without a roadmap for guidance. Addressing this pressing need, Under One Roof (River Grove Books, Feb. 5, 2024) emerges as a comprehensive guidebook authored by Emily K. Graham, Angel L. Vargas, and John L. Graham. With a wealth of experience and insights, the authors present innovative approaches to multigenerational living, shedding light on its opportunities and complexities.

Mass General Brigham pilot: AI tool helped optimize palliative care utilizationFierce Healthcare, by Anastassia Gliadkovskaya; 2/2/24Artificial intelligence can help identify easy to miss patients who might be good candidates for a palliative or hospice care referral, a recent pilot at Mass General Brigham (MGB) revealed. ... Over the course of the pilot, 9% of 1,522 MSSP ACO patients were recommended for a consult by the tool, with 40 receiving inpatient palliative consults. An estimated 17 of those would have been missed without the Radial tool. 

Hospice provider BrightSpring begins trading on NASDAQHospice News, by Jim Parker; 1/29/24BrightSpring Health Services, Inc. has begun trading on the NASDAQ under the stock symbol BTSG. BrightSpring is a home- and community-based health care services platform that serves more than 400,000 patients daily.Notable mentions: Jon Rousseau, CEO BrightSpring.

Rising workplace violence against nurses: A pressing issue in the healthcare sector Medriva, by Zara Nwosu; 2/5/24According to a report published by National Nurses United, there has been a disturbing increase in violence against nurses in their workplace, with a staggering 81.6% of nurses reporting experiences of violence. ... It negatively impacts recruitment and retention, with 60% of nurses stating that the experience of violence has influenced their decision to change jobs, leave jobs, or even consider leaving the profession.

NC report defines healthcare worker shortage and recommends solutionsNC Newsline, by Lynn Bonner; 1/29/24The healthcare workforce has a lot of gaps. The report from DHHS and Commerce focused on nursing, behavioral health, and direct care, saying these areas are the most urgent.

Marijuana is big business in U.S., but inconsistent regulations persistForbes, by Joshua Cohen; 2/2/24Marijuana is big business these days in the U.S. Revenues could reach $40 billion this year, as the drug is now legal in 37 states for medical purposes while 23 states permit recreational use. However, there’s no federal oversight and an inconsistent, patchy set of state regulations persist.

3 Reasons Continuous Home Care utilization is fallingHospice News, by Jim Parker; 2/2/24Utilization continuous home care has dropped precipitously during the past decade, with labor pressures, regulatory scrutiny and billing challenges as contributing factors. Continuous home care (CHC) represented 0.9% of hospice care days during 2022, according to the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO). This is down from 1.8% in 2013.Notible mentions: Sarah Simmons and Patrick Harrison, NHPCO.

Spending in home care outpaces other healthcare sectorsMcKnights Senior Living, by Kathleen Steele Gaivin; 2/2/24Spending in home healthcare outpaced other healthcare sectors in November, according to Altarum’s monthly Health Sector Economic Indicators brief, released Wednesday. “In November 2023, year-over-year spending on home healthcare grew the fastest among major spending categories, at 12.9%,” Altarum Fellow and Senior Researcher George Miller told the McKnight’s Business Daily. ... Spending on nursing home care grew 7.9%; prescription drug 12.2%; dental services 5.8%; hospital care 5.9%; Overall, personal spending on healthcare goods and services was 7.3% in November, year over year.

Strategies for positive change in opioid prescribingPharmacy Times; 2/1/24This is a video synopsis/summary of a Practice Pearls featuring Ryan Haumschild, PharmD, MS, MBA, CPEL; Megan Mitchell, PharmD, MS; Stephanie Abel, PharmD, BCPS; and Jennifer Grate, CPhT. Haumschild discusses the importance of positive change in opioid stewardship. 

When a spouse goes to the nursing homeThe New York Times, by Paula Span; 2/5/24After moving his partner of 33 years to a memory care residence, Joseph Drolet, a retired lawyer in Atlanta, said his fear of what would happen to her if he died or became disabled has abated.

I was my grandmother's caretaker before moving to the US to follow my dreams. She died 6 months later and I still feel guiltyBusiness Insider, by Erma Kershaw; 2/4/24... Grieving while living in a different country has been incredibly difficult. The moment I learned she'd died will stay with me forever. ... While my grandmother's passing didn't come as a surprise, the time since then has still been the most challenging period of my life. Grief is already a hard process for several reasons, but living 3,000 miles away from your loved ones makes it even harder. 

The desire to reach for the stars is ambitious. The desire to reach hearts is wise. – Maya Angelou

Colorado’s paid leave program just launched. Here’s why that’s good for the state.U.S. Department of Labor Blog, by Gayle Goldin; 2/5/24Today marks the 31st anniversary of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), landmark federal legislation that provides eligible workers unpaid, job-protected leave for specific family and medical reasons. ... But the FMLA is not enough. The lack of a paid leave standard means that many people cannot afford to take time away from work, even when they need it. That’s why we’re celebrating Colorado’s new paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program (FAMLI), which began accepting applications on Jan. 1.