Literature Review

Executive Summary: Society of Critical Care Medicine Clinical Practice Guidelines on Adult End-of-Life Care in the ICUCritical Care Medicine; by Mary Faith Marshall, F Daniel Davis, Patricia A Fogelman, Simon Oczkowski, Julie C Reid, Daniel Arellano, Rebecca A Aslakson, Joshua Campbell, Katherine Courtright, Katarine Egressy, Elizabeth Epstein, Ebonye Green, May Hua, Preeti R John, Erin K Kross, Niels D Martin, Bethany A Melo, Susanne Muehlschlegel, Silvia Perez-Protto, Ben Roberts, Daniel Shalev, Jennifer Wescoe Singley, Shawna L Strickland, Karen A Korzick; 12/25[Recommendations include:]

Use of nebulized tranexamic acid (TA) in combination with nebulized recombinant coagulation factor VIIa to treat hemoptysis in pediatric patients with cancer at end-of-life (EOL)Journal of Pain and Symptom Management; by Santosh Yatam Ganesh, Nelda Itzep, Eduardo Bruera; 2/26Hemoptysis is a distressing symptom for both patients and families at end of life (EOL). In the acute care setting, this can be managed surgically or medically. However, research regarding interventions, such as nebulized tranexamic acid (TA) and nebulized factor VIIa, for palliative management of hemoptysis at EOL is limited. In our case series, we found that combination of nebulized recombinant factor VIIa and nebulized TA relieved hemoptysis in both pediatric cancer patients at the end of life. This case series highlights the potential use of this combination to reduce suffering and distress secondary to hemoptysis in the palliative setting.

Values considerations in telemedicine: Pause before shiftingJournal of Pain and Symptom Management; by Meaghann S. Weaver, Kenneth A. Berkowitz; 12/25As a contingency standard of care, telemedicine use surged during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Medicare telehealth flexibilities introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic expired in September 2025. Any ongoing sustained pivot to telemedicine warrants purposeful attentiveness to ethical considerations and not just technology use as an end unto itself. Telemedicine has the potential to complement face-to-face care practices and enhance clinical interactions when its use is based on shared values. Values such as access, equity, justice, compassion, autonomy, and dignity warrant thoughtful use of telemedicine. Patients and families need to be able to trust that clinicians and health systems will place patient welfare and shared values above technical convenience. As demonstrated in this case description, upholding values fundamental to the practice of medicine in telemedicine can enhance patient connection and foster trustworthy postpandemic practices.

[Japan] Ethics based educational interventions on end-of-life care for undergraduate nursing students: A scoping reviewInternational Journal of Nursing Studies advances; by Saeko Kutsunugi,Satoko Ono, Misae Ito, Kaho Suda, Siu Ling Chan, John Tai Chun Fung, Claudia Kam Yuk Lai, Kyoko Murakami; 6/26Nurses face various ethical dilemmas and conflicts in end-of-life care; however, there is no evidence of effective undergraduate ethics education on the topic settings to address them. The results suggest that while lectures are effective for acquiring ethical knowledge and attitudes related to EOLC based on ethical competency, simulations are more effective for acquiring practical skills such as communication, self-efficacy, and reflection. Incorporating ethical issues in simulations is hoped to broadly develop ethical practice competencies.

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You're only given a little spark of madness. You mustn't lose it. ~Robin Williams

Love hurts: Leadership, quality, and the future of hospice & palliative care | part one Teleios Collaborative Network (TCN Talks); podcast by Chris Comeaux with Dr. Alex Smith and Dr. Eric Widera; 3/4/26 TCNtalks / Anatomy of Leadership host Chris Comeaux and co-host Cordt Kassner join forces with Dr. Eric Widera and Dr. Alex Smith of the GeriPal Podcast, leaders in Palliative Care and Hospice innovation discuss emerging quality measures, data-driven hospice analytics, research challenges, and the leadership needed to guide healthcare organizations through change. For professionals working in healthcare leadership and serious illness care, the conversation offers valuable insight into the policies, research, and innovations shaping the future of Hospice and Palliative Medicine.

Investigating the role of occupational therapy in palliative care a literature review Home Healthcare Now; by Carlie Liseo, OTD, OTR/L and Daniel Martin, D.Sc., MS, OTR/L; March/April 2026 ... Three themes regarding the provision of occupational therapy (OT) services to palliative care (PC) patients were identified: engaging in meaningful activities to increase quality of life (QOL), symptom management and comfort, and supporting caregivers and client environments. OT can play a pivotal role in catering to PC clients’ needs by promoting occupational engagement, alleviating symptoms, and modifying environments. This review offers recommendations for OT service provision in palliative care, clarifying the profession’s role within multidisciplinary home healthcare teams.

Irish man completes 30,000km charity cycle to Australia RTE | 100; by Cara McHugh and Sinéad Hussey; 2/7/26 A Roscommon man has finished a cycling challenge which began almost two years ago and saw him travel over 30,000km across three continents to Australia. Fergal Guihen, from Arigna, arrived in Sydney earlier today marking the completion of a mammoth challenge of endurance which began in March 2024. The 27-year-old set out on the arduous 'Rossie to Aussie' challenge with the goal of raising awareness and funds for both the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation and NorthWest STOP suicide prevention services. He has raised almost €170,000 to date. 

Demystifying the end: Hospice care impact on the Black community Word In Black | Houston Defender; by Laura Onyeneho; 3/2/26 ... For African American, Afro-Caribbean and African immigrant families, generational trauma and a lack of trust in the healthcare system often lead to delayed decisions about hospice care. “There’s been a historical gap in access and trust,” said [Monica James, Community Engagement Coordinator for Houston Hospice]. “Our goal is to show up consistently, to listen and to let these communities know they have options and that they’re not alone.” ... “For communities of color, we have to meet people where they are. That means understanding family dynamics, faith and what dignity means to different people,” she said. 

Deprescribing at the End of Life: Jennifer Tjia, Jon Furuno, Simon MooijaartGeriPal podcast; by Eric Widera, Alex Smith, Jennifer Tjia, Jon Furuno, Simon Mooijaart; 2/26/26In this episode of the GeriPal Podcast, we tackle the pressing topic of deprescribing at the end of life with expert guests Jennifer Tjia, Jon Furuno, and Simon Mooijaart. The conversation focuses on identifying medications that should almost always be discontinued—such as statins, osteoporosis meds, finasteride, and vitamins, which offer minimal benefit for patients with limited life expectancy. We also delve into more nuanced cases, such as antithrombotics, which present complex decisions that challenge clinicians, particularly when prognosis spans the many weeks to months range. Finally, we explore practical strategies for engaging patients and families in deprescribing conversations.