Literature Review
[UK] "The system doesn't really cater for the trauma that Black people have experienced" - Experiences of grief and bereavement in Black British and Black Caribbean heritage communities in England: A qualitative study
01/10/26 at 03:00 AM[UK] "The system doesn't really cater for the trauma that Black people have experienced" - Experiences of grief and bereavement in Black British and Black Caribbean heritage communities in England: A qualitative studyDeath Studies; by Lucy E Selman, Oliver Clabburn, Yansie Rolston, Karl Murray, Tracey Stone, Lesel Dawson, Michelle Farr, Sabi Redwood, Debi Lewinson-Roberts; 12/25People from Black and other minoritized ethnic communities are known to experience health and social care inequities, including barriers to accessing bereavement support. This qualitative, co-produced study aimed to explore experiences of grief and bereavement among people of Black British and Black Caribbean heritage in England. Through community conversations and interviews with 35 participants, the study illuminates how structural inequities, cultural norms, and systemic racism intersect to shape grief experiences. Participants highlighted the importance of extended family and community in grief, which often clashed with the individualistic norms of white British society. Cultural customs that discouraged emotional expression made grieving harder, while rituals like Nine-Night and storytelling provided crucial communal support.
Together we remember: Using topic modeling and semantic networks to study obituaries and collective memories of contemporary United States
01/10/26 at 03:00 AMTogether we remember: Using topic modeling and semantic networks to study obituaries and collective memories of contemporary United States Omega - Journal of Death and Dying; Haojian Li, Chengfang Wang, and Ping Hu; 12/6/25 Obituaries have long served as an important source in recording memories and social values in the United States. However, prior research has focused primarily on celebrities or specific groups, often overlooking the narratives of ordinary citizens and neglecting broader discussions of their collective memories. This study addresses these gaps by applying large-scale data analysis and computational methods. ... Overall, this study contributes new insights to obituary research and introduces a novel framework for examining collective memory through large-scale commemorative texts.
Saturday newsletters
01/10/26 at 03:00 AMSaturday newsletters focus on headlines and research - enjoy!
“Can We Talk?” A community-based training to improve serious illness communication
01/09/26 at 03:00 AM“Can We Talk?” A community-based training to improve serious illness communication Home Healthcare Now; by Ashley Kaminski Petkis, DNP, APRN, AGACNP-BC and Eric Hackenson, DPT; Jan/Feb 2026 Serious illness conversations (SICs) are often delayed or avoided in community-based healthcare due to clinician discomfort and lack of training. Given that many patients wish to die at home, yet often do not, there is a need for structured communication training in home care and hospice settings to ensure the care we provide aligns with patient and family preferences. ... By embedding SIC training within a community-based organization, this work demonstrated how modest interventions can catalyze a change in practice, reinforcing the idea that SICs are a standard of quality care rather than an optional enhancement.
Choose a word, change your trajectory, lead with intention
01/09/26 at 03:00 AMChoose a word, change your trajectory, lead with intention Teleios Collaborative Network (TCN); by Chris Comeaux; 1/7/26 A new year often feels like a clean slate, yet most resolutions fade because they add complexity instead of clarity. In this episode, Chris Comeaux makes the case for a simpler, more enduring tool: choosing One Word as your theme for the year. A single word sharpens focus, clarifies tradeoffs, and guides daily decisions without a bloated checklist. Leadership is about changing trajectories—not reacting to noise—and a clear theme helps leaders stop drifting and start leading with intention.
St. Croix Hospice expands care across five new locations
01/09/26 at 03:00 AMSt. Croix Hospice expands care across five new locations Investors Hangout; by Addison Perry; updated 1/6/26 St. Croix Hospice has taken a significant step forward in enhancing their hospice care services by opening five new branches. These locations are vital in expanding patient access to high-quality end-of-life care in different regions. ... The newly opened locations are:
This is a new year. A new beginning. And ...
01/09/26 at 03:00 AMThis is a new year. A new beginning. And things will change. ~ Taylor Swift
End-of-life care behind bars: A periodic literature search - January 2026
01/09/26 at 03:00 AMEnd-of-life care behind bars: A periodic literature search - January 2026Personal communication; 1/8/26Thee current issue includes:
‘A hug from the community’: Pikes Peak Hospice seeks red, white and blue blankets for veteran patients
01/09/26 at 03:00 AM‘A hug from the community’: Pikes Peak Hospice seeks red, white and blue blankets for veteran patients The Colorado Springs Gazette, Colorado Springs, CO; by O'Dell Isaac; 1/7/25 Last year, as part of an ongoing effort to honor local military veterans, Pikes Peak Hospice and Palliative Care performed more than 100 “bedside salutes” and pinning ceremonies for veteran patients. The ceremonies include the gift of a handmade red, white and blue blanket, sewn or crocheted by a volunteer. ... Each year, Pikes Peak Hospice provides care to more than 2,200 patients and their families in the region, nearly 25% of whom are former service members, according to veteran liaison Sonya Bergeron.Editor's Note: This is a beautiful example of community gratitude in action. These handmade red, white, and blue blankets offer comfort, honor service, and often remain with families long after a veteran has died. What percentage of your hospice’s patients are veterans, and how do you honor them?
Spotlight on 2026 Medicare policy changes
01/09/26 at 03:00 AMSpotlight on 2026 Medicare policy changes American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC); by Renee Dustman; 1/6/26 A new year always means policy changes in healthcare. In 2026, as in past years, there are changes to medical coding, payer policies, fee schedules, federal regulations, and just about everything else. Here are highlights of several pertinent changes that will affect Medicare-enrolled providers this year.
Senior living executive forecast 2026: ‘Step up or get stepped on’
01/09/26 at 03:00 AMSenior living executive forecast 2026: ‘Step up or get stepped on’ Senior Housing News; by Austin Montgomery; 1/7/26 ... Today, senior living providers are focused on precision in operations, able to define value to customers, maintain attractive price points and manage rates that can strategically improve margin while not forcing out residents. ... Today, senior living providers are focused on precision in operations, able to define value to customers, maintain attractive price points and manage rates that can strategically improve margin while not forcing out residents.
How to build an AI-augmented workforce: The CIO's guide
01/09/26 at 03:00 AMHow to build an AI-augmented workforce: The CIO's guide TechTarget; by Kinza Yasar; 1/5/26 As artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes industries, forward-thinking CIOs are shifting their strategies from automation-first to augmentation-first. Their goal is to equip employees with AI tools that strengthen their judgment, spark creativity and boost productivity. In an AI-augmented workforce, humans and AI systems work collaboratively, not competitively. Rather than replacing employees, AI is used to enhance human capabilities, automate routine tasks and provide insights that help people make more informed decisions and focus on higher-value work.
Update: Hospice plaintiffs drop suit against Baxter Health
01/09/26 at 03:00 AMLawsuit against Baxter Health by former Hospice board members dismissed KTLO - Mountain Lakes Broadcasting Corporation, Mountain Home, AR; by Staff; 1/6/26 The nearly 2 month legal dispute between now former members of the board of the Hospice of the Ozarks and Baxter Health, CEO Ron Peterson and newly appointed board members came to an end Monday with the dismissal of the lawsuit and resignations of the original 11 member board. ... The original suit was filed on November 21, 2025 and sought to restrain 14 newly appointed board members by Baxter Health from taking any actions on behalf of Hospice or from voting at any Hospice board meeting. The lawsuit alleged the action to appoint the new board members taken recently by the hospital was fraudulent and done to seize control and power from the then current 11 member Hospice board.
Novel AI tool offers prognosis for patients with head and neck cancer
01/09/26 at 03:00 AMNovel AI tool offers prognosis for patients with head and neck cancerDana-Farber Cancer Institute; 12/23/25A team led by investigators at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Mass General Brigham has developed and validated an artificial intelligence (AI)–based noninvasive tool that can predict the likelihood that a patient's oropharyngeal cancer—a type of head and neck cancer that develops in the throat—will spread, thereby signaling which patients should receive aggressive treatment. The research is published in Journal of Clinical Oncology.
NPHI organizes listening tour on hospice program integrity with CMS leaders Dr. Oz and Kim Brandt
01/09/26 at 02:00 AMNPHI organizes listening tour on hospice program integrity with CMS leaders Dr. Oz and Kim BrandtNational Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI); Press Release; 1/8/26On Thursday [1/9], Dr. Mehmet Oz, Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and Kim Brandt, CMS Chief Operating Officer ... are visiting Nathan Adelson Hospice in Las Vegas as part of a listening session and on-site tour. On Friday, the tour continues in California, where NPHI is supporting discussions with federal leaders and providers in the state focused on fraud and abuse challenges impacting hospice care. These conversations are intended to help federal leaders better understand what providers are seeing on the ground and explore how CMS and the provider community can work together to strengthen program integrity while protecting access to high-quality, mission-driven care.
Superior Health Holdings expands Louisiana hospice footprint with acquisition of Hope Healthcare & Hospice (Bayou Country)
01/08/26 at 03:00 AMSuperior Health Holdings expands Louisiana hospice footprint with acquisition of Hope Healthcare & Hospice (Bayou Country) Business Wire; Press Release; 1/7/26 Superior Health Holdings (“Superior”) ... announced the acquisition of the Bayou Country hospice operations of Hope Healthcare and Hospice BC, LLC ("Hope Hospice"), a community-based hospice provider headquartered in Houma, Louisiana. This acquisition expands Superior’s integrated care capabilities and deepens its presence in Southern Louisiana. Hope Hospice serves a broad area throughout the Bayou Region and offers all Medicare-defined levels of hospice care, including routine home care, general inpatient care, continuous home care, and respite services. The organization delivers care in patients’ homes as well as in assisted living communities, nursing facilities, memory care centers, and partner hospitals.
Home-based care type II workplace violence nurse provider experience a literature review
01/08/26 at 03:00 AMHome-based care type II workplace violence nurse provider experience a literature review Home Healthcare Now; by LaDawna Goering DNP, APRN, ANP-BC, BC-ADM, CDP and Tracy Ashby, MLIS; Jan/Feb 2026 Home-based healthcare workers are at risk of violence from patients or visitors, known as Type II workplace violence (WPV). A review of studies from 2014 to 2024 found that WPV in home care is often underreported, and current training programs are not tailored for home settings. This leaves workers vulnerable to physical and psychological harm. The review suggests the need for specialized training for home care providers, focusing on patient screening, situational awareness, and de-escalation techniques. Future efforts should aim to create specific WPV prevention and reporting protocols to enhance safety and accountability in home healthcare.
Happy Thursday! May your ...
01/08/26 at 03:00 AMHappy Thursday! May your coffee be strong and your motivation stronger.
New hospice room at Crestview Manor helps homeless veterans
01/08/26 at 03:00 AMNew hospice room at Crestview Manor helps homeless veterans Crestview Bulletin, Crestview, FL; by Tony Judnich; 12/31/25 [On December 26,] a 60-year-old man who was a homeless military veteran became the first resident of the "Peoples Health Services Heroes Hospice Room" at the Creview Manor assisted-living facility. [The rest of the article is behind a paywall.]
More services at Central Missouri hospital fall victim to economic pressures
01/08/26 at 03:00 AMMore services at Central Missouri hospital fall victim to economic pressures News Tribune, Kansas City, MO; by Meg Cunningham; 1/4/26 Fitzgibbon Hospital, a Central Missouri health care system, announced recently that it would shutter some services effective Dec. 31, citing mounting financial pressures. The nonprofit hospital said the closures will affect about 30 employees and hundreds of patients. Fitzgibbon, located in Marshall, operates several primary and specialty care clinics in Central Missouri. Services that are closing include the Grand River Medical Clinic in Brunswick, Fitzgibbon Family Health in Fayette, the hospital's inpatient behavioral health unit, a home health and hospice agency and a pain management clinic.
Why great leaders focus on the details
01/08/26 at 03:00 AMWhy great leaders focus on the details Harvard Business Review (HBR) Executive - HBR IdeaCast; podcast with Scott Cook; 12/16/25 Senior executives are often told to focus on big-picture strategy while delegating the specifics of execution. But, according to Scott Cook, cofounder and former CEO of Intuit, smart leaders also spend time on the details of how the organization gets work done at every level, including the front lines. Working with Harvard Business School professor Nitin Nohria, he studied companies from Toyota to Amazon to better understand why hands-on leadership, from the CEO down, works and how to do it without micromanaging. They are coauthors of the HBR article “The Surprising Success of Hands-On Leaders.”
Kobacker program moves to Ohio’s Hospice in landmark partnership preserving future of quality nonprofit end-of-life care
01/08/26 at 03:00 AMKobacker program moves to Ohio’s Hospice in landmark partnership preserving future of quality nonprofit end-of-life care US National Times, Columbus, OH; Press Release; 1/7/26 The Kobacker family today announced that Kobacker House, central Ohio’s pioneering inpatient hospice facility founded in 1989, will move and continue its mission under Ohio’s Hospice, the state’s largest nonprofit hospice provider. As part of the announcement, the family published a guiding charter, The Kobacker Way, which details fundamental principles for quality nonprofit hospice care. The full document is available at www.TheKobackerWay.org.
Sue Ryder urges people to donate unwanted Christmas gifts to support hospice care
01/08/26 at 03:00 AMSue Ryder urges people to donate unwanted Christmas gifts to support hospice care RDG.Today, United Kingdom; by Staff Writer; 1/5/26 The charity Sue Ryder is encouraging people to donate unwanted Christmas presents to its local shops to help raise funds for palliative care and bereavement support. The national charity, which supports people facing terminal illness and grief, said items such as clothing, unused gadgets and home accessories could be given a second life by being donated rather than left unused at home. ... Sue Ryder has almost 400 shops across the UK, with money raised helping to fund palliative and end-of-life care in hospices and in people’s homes, as well as free bereavement support services.
Period of Enhanced Oversight for new hospices in Arizona, California, Nevada, Texas, Georgia & Ohio
01/08/26 at 03:00 AMPeriod of Enhanced Oversight for new hospices in Arizona, California, Nevada, Texas, Georgia & OhioCMS MLN Fact Sheet; 12/25CMS is placing newly enrolling hospices located in Arizona, California, Nevada, Texas, Georgia, and Ohio in a provisional period of enhanced oversight. We received numerous reports of hospice fraud, waste, and abuse. The number of enrolled hospices has increased significantly in these states, raising serious concerns about market oversaturation. What’s the Goal? The goal of enhanced oversight is to reduce hospice fraud, waste, and abuse.Publisher's Note: The recent addition of Georgia and Ohio is new. More information to follow.
Google AI overviews put people at risk of harm with misleading health advice
01/08/26 at 03:00 AMGoogle AI overviews put people at risk of harm with misleading health advice The Guardian; by Andrew Gregory; 1/2/26 People are being put at risk of harm by false and misleading health information in Google’s artificial intelligence summaries, a Guardian investigation has found. The company has said its AI Overviews, which use generative AI to provide snapshots of essential information about a topic or question, are “helpful” and “reliable”. But some of the summaries, which appear at the top of search results, served up inaccurate health information and put people at risk of harm. ...
