Literature Review
Avow Hospice fights new rival in Naples
03/15/26 at 03:55 AMAvow Hospice fights new rival in Naples Naples Today | Health; 3/5/26 Avow Hospice, a long-standing hospice provider in Naples, Florida, is objecting to the state's preliminary approval of a new hospice entity, Preferred Care Hospice, that Avow says would be detrimental to its operations of over 40 years in the community. Avow has filed a petition for an administrative hearing to try to overturn the state's approval of the new hospice. ... The battle between Avow Hospice and the new Preferred Care Hospice highlights the competitive nature of the hospice industry, especially in growing markets like Naples.
Hospice News 50: Hospice News Provider Rankings and Annual Trends Report
03/15/26 at 03:50 AMHospice News 50: Hospice News Provider Rankings and Annual Trends Report Hospice News; 3/10/26 Second Annual Hospice News Provider Rankings and Trends ReportThe hospice sector continues to evolve rapidly, driven by shifting ownership structures, demographic demand and new approaches to caring for seriously ill populations. For the second annual Hospice News 50 report, we partnered with Hospice Analytics to rank the largest hospice chains by 2024 Medicare claims. Drawing on proprietary data — including Medicare payments, corporate disclosures, acquisition activity and SEC filings — the report provides a detailed view of how consolidation, investment patterns and emerging players are reshaping the industry. Explore the latest data and analysis to understand the market forces driving hospice transformation — and what they mean for providers in 2026 and beyond.
Palliative care for multiple sclerosis: Managing progressive disease with compassion
03/15/26 at 03:45 AMPalliative care for multiple sclerosis: Managing progressive disease with compassion Ashland localtownpages, Aubrey, TX; by Press Services; 3/5/26 Multiple sclerosis presents unique challenges that require specialized support throughout the disease journey. Patients experience unpredictable symptoms including fatigue, pain, mobility issues, and cognitive changes. These symptoms shift and intensify over time, affecting daily life for both patients and their families. Sovereign Hospice addresses these complex needs through palliative care and hospice at home service across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.
Residential Home Health and Hospice acquires Covenant [Home Health in Pennsylvania]
03/15/26 at 03:40 AMResidential Home Health and Hospice acquires Covenant [Home Health in Pennsylvania] Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 3/10/26 Residential Home Health and Hospice has acquired Covenant Home Health in Pennsylvania for a confidential amount. Covenant provides home health, private duty and supportive services throughout nine counties in its home state. The transaction will bring Residential’s footprint to two new counties and add density in seven others. ... Residential provides skilled home health, palliative and hospice care in communities across Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio and Pennsylvania.
Christina McNally appointed President & CEO of Carolina Caring
03/15/26 at 03:35 AMChristina McNally appointed President & CEO of Carolina Caring Carolina Caring, Newton, NC; Press Release; 2/9/26 Effective immediately, Christina McNally, MPH has been appointed President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Carolina Caring. Prior to this appointment, McNally served Carolina Caring in key leadership roles, including Executive Director of the Carolina Caring Foundation, Chief Strategy Officer, and Interim Chief Executive Officer. ... As CEO, McNally will oversee all of Carolina Caring’s clinical programs and support services, which are provided to more than 11,000 patients each year.
Deprescribing at the End of Life: Jennifer Tjia, Jon Furuno, Simon Mooijaart
03/15/26 at 03:30 AMDeprescribing 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.
Cambia Health Foundation releases comprehensive evaluation of Sojourns Scholar Leadership Program
03/15/26 at 03:25 AMCambia Health Foundation releases comprehensive evaluation of Sojourns Scholar Leadership Program Business Wire, Portland, OR; Press Release; 3/3/26 Cambia Health Foundation today released the results of a comprehensive evaluation of its Sojourns Scholar Leadership Program, demonstrating the significant impact of a 10-year, $25 million investment in developing the next generation of palliative care leaders. ... The program’s goals were measured against more than 175 sources, as well as 18 individual interviews, 5 focus groups and a comprehensive written survey completed by 117 individuals, including program participants and industry experts. Notable findings include:
Granite VNA names James Culhane President and CEO
03/15/26 at 03:20 AMGranite VNA names James Culhane President and CEO Granite VNA, Concord, NH; Press Release; 3/5/26 After a rigorous and comprehensive executive search, Granite VNA, New Hampshire’s largest not-for-profit home health and hospice agency, has named James Culhane as its next President and CEO. He will succeed Beth Slepian, who has served in that role since 2015, upon her retirement in June 2026. Culhane has served as President and CEO of Lake Sunapee Region VNA & Hospice in New London, New Hampshire, since 2015.
Love hurts: Leadership, quality, and the future of hospice & palliative care | part one
03/15/26 at 03:15 AMLove 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.
Demystifying the end: Hospice care impact on the Black community
03/15/26 at 03:10 AMDemystifying 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.
Oregon legislature passes bill Stop Bad Actors from Taking Advantage of Hospice Patients
03/15/26 at 03:05 AMOregon legislature passes bill Stop Bad Actors from Taking Advantage of Hospice Patients OregonLegislature.gov, Salem, OR; Press Release, Office of Senator Deb Patterson; 3/4/26 Hospice began as a movement to provide end-of-life care for terminally ill patients. However, corporate investors have started buying up hospice agencies and reducing services as they try to maximize profits. In some states, this has led to patterns of fraud, abuse, and neglect. Today, the Oregon Legislature passed the Protecting the Dying Act (SB 1575), which enhances state oversight of hospice agencies. ... Senator Patterson began work on this issue after it was brought to her by a local hospice provider in her community. Iria Nishimura, CEO of Willamette Vital Health in Salem, said, “Hospice serves patients and families during the most vulnerable time of life. The state has a responsibility to ensure that providers entering this field are qualified, ethical, and capable of deliver high-quality care.”
C-TAC report: From metrics to momentum - accelerating the spread of community-based palliative care
03/15/26 at 03:00 AMC-TAC report: From metrics to momentum - accelerating the spread of community-based palliative care The John A. Hartford Foundation, Washginton, DC; 3/4/26 The Coalition to Transform Advanced Care (C-TAC) and and The John A. Hartford Foundation (JAHF) have released a report, "From Metrics to Momentum: Accelerating the Spread of Community-Based Palliative Care." The report summarizes discussion from a September 2025 C-TAC national convening of clinical, policy, payer, and delivery system leaders that was focused on accelerating the spread of community-based palliative care and identifying meaningful approaches to measuring access.
Sunday newsletters
03/15/26 at 03:00 AMSunday newsletters focus on headlines and top read stories of the last week (in order) - enjoy!
How wonderful it is...
03/14/26 at 03:55 AMHow wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world. ~Anne Frank
Corticosteroid use and risk of adverse events in metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer
03/14/26 at 03:40 AMCorticosteroid use and risk of adverse events in metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancerThe Prostate; by Umang Swami, Qiujun Shao, Tamuno Alfred, Maelys Touya, Frank Cao, Pinal Kamdar, Jasmina Ivanova, Johanna Celli, David Nimke; 2/26Among the approved therapies for metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC), abiraterone and docetaxel are administered concomitantly with corticosteroids. This study evaluated the association between corticosteroid use and risk of adverse events among patients with mHSPC. Our findings suggest that patients exposed to corticosteroids are at increased risk of adverse events, hospitalization, and death. As not all mHSPC treatments require concomitant use of corticosteroids, these findings may help to inform treatment decision-making.
Religion and spirituality in pediatric end-of-life: A systematic review
03/14/26 at 03:35 AMReligion and spirituality in pediatric end-of-life: A systematic reviewJournal of Pediatric Psychology; by Kara Jackson, Alyssa Marchetta, Barry Nierenberg, Jessica M Valenzuela; 2/26Spirituality is a recognized element of palliative care, with documented benefits for adult patients. However, limited research exists on how religion and spirituality affect children at end-of-life (EOL) and their parents. Findings revealed diverse religious and spiritual practices among families, including faith stability, spiritual care use, and prayer. Key outcomes associated with spirituality included enhanced coping, acceptance, meaning-making, hope, caregiver spiritual well-being, decision-making, and improved parent-child communication. Across studies, spiritual support emerged as a vital component of the pediatric EOL experience.
A narrative review of attitudes and beliefs toward hospice and palliative care in South Asian Muslim communities
03/14/26 at 03:30 AMA narrative review of attitudes and beliefs toward hospice and palliative care in South Asian Muslim communitiesJournal of Palliative Medicine; by Adeela Mushtaq, Mona Tareen, Renato V Samala, Susan B LeGrand; 2/26This article presents two case narratives illustrating reservations toward HPC [hospice and palliative care] in South Asian Muslim (SAM) communities, highlighting challenges and proposing strategies for culturally sensitive care. The first case demonstrates that, even with evidence-based and empathetic approaches, hesitancy toward HPC may persist. This underscores the need for (1) community-level initiatives leveraging religious and cultural platforms to educate and engage communities, and (2) greater awareness among healthcare professionals of these values to minimize conflict and reduce provider distress. In the second case, Islamic scholars were consulted regarding the use of sedative medicines at the end of life. They agreed such use is permissible under the principle of medical necessity, emphasized deference to medical expertise, and stressed preserving the patient's ability to recite the Shahadah (testimony of faith) in their final moments.
Burden and well-being among dementia caregivers in Puerto Rico: The role of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia
03/14/26 at 03:25 AMBurden and well-being among dementia caregivers in Puerto Rico: The role of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementiaThe Journals of Gerontology; by Junyub Lim, Ross Andel, Frank Puga, María P Aranda, Maricruz Rivera-Hernandez, Ana Luisa Dávila-Roman, Michael Crowe; 2/26Dementia is more prevalent in Puerto Rico than in the U.S. mainland, increasing demands for caregiving. We examined caregiver burden and depressive symptoms among Puerto Rican dementia caregivers while also considering behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). Caregivers were 63 ± 10 years of age on average, and 77% were women. In this Puerto Rico-based sample, perceptual disturbances/apathy, and appetite/eating symptoms specifically, were most likely to magnify the caregiver burden-depressive symptoms link.
"I don't get to feel this good very often:" Virtual reality intervention for veterans receiving end-of-life care
03/14/26 at 03:20 AM"I don't get to feel this good very often:" Virtual reality intervention for veterans receiving end-of-life careJournal of Palliative Medicine; by Megan E Gately, Steven D Shirk, Anastasia Canell, Alexandra Laffer, Melanie Corle, Kristen Dillon; 2/26We explored the use of VR [virtual reality] with patients receiving inpatient HPC [hospice and palliative care]. Twenty-five veterans with complex medical and psychiatric comorbidities at a Veterans Affairs hospital participated. Data related to self-reported pain and well-being, as well as session feedback, were gathered. Despite some challenges with setup, 91% reported enjoyment, and 90% would participate again. Travel experiences were most popular, allowing reminiscence and touring of bucket-list destinations. Program feedback suggested improvements in anxiety, mood, and boredom.
Physicians are not providers: The ethical significance of names in health care: A policy paper from the American College of Physicians
03/14/26 at 03:15 AMPhysicians are not providers: The ethical significance of names in health care: A policy paper from the American College of PhysiciansAnnals of Internal Medicine; by Lois Snyder Sulmasy, Jan K. Carney, for the ACP Ethics, Professionalism and Human Rights CommitteeMore than 25 years ago, Pellegrino and Relman noted the increasing commercialization of the learned professions, anticipating what many physicians are increasingly experiencing today: an impairment of their ability to practice in accordance with standards of medical ethics and professionalism. These hurdles to the physician’s ability to do right by the patient contribute to what leaders in medicine and the American College of Physicians have called deprofessionalization. An example is the use of the term provider to describe physicians and other health professionals. The use of this terminology has been reviewed in medical journal articles but has not been adequately explored as a matter of ethics and professionalism. Through that lens, this paper examines the trends, significance, and implications for patients, physicians, and health care of the use of the term provider.
Bridging the differences in care for grieving people: Worden's differentiation between grief counseling and grief therapy
03/14/26 at 03:10 AMBridging the differences in care for grieving people: Worden's differentiation between grief counseling and grief therapyDeath Studies; by Mark D de St Aubin, William G Hoy; 2/26Worden's (1982, 2018) landmark textbook on caring for bereaved individuals differentiated grief counseling from grief therapy, defining the former as the efforts of both professional and lay caregivers to support bereaved people in normal grief. Grief therapy, he posited, is the more structured intervention offered by credentialed caregivers to support individuals coping with a more complicated experience of mourning. In this article, the authors explain Worden's perspective, describe his types of complicated mourning for which grief therapy might be warranted, and offer clinical application to the approaches Worden takes.
What does moral agency mean for nurses in the era of artificial intelligence?
03/14/26 at 03:05 AMWhat does moral agency mean for nurses in the era of artificial intelligence?Hastings Center Report; by Connie M Ulrich, Oonjee Oh, Sang Bin You, Maxim Topaz, Zahra Rahemi, Liz Stokes, Lisiane Pruinelli, George Demiris, Patricia Flatley Brennan; 2/26Being a moral agent was once thought to be an irreplaceable, uniquely human role for nurses and other health care professionals who care for patients and their families during illness and hospitalization. Today, however, artificial intelligence systems are often referred to as “artificial moral agents,” “agentic,” and “autonomous agents.” As these systems begin to function in various capacities within health care organizations and to perform specialized duties, the question arises as to whether the next step will be to replace nurses and other health care professionals as moral agents. Focusing primarily on nurses, this essay explores the concept of moral agency, asking whether it remains exclusive to humans or can be conferred on AI systems. We argue that AI systems should not supplant nurses’ moral agency, as patients come to hospitals or any other health care setting to be heard, seen, and valued by skilled professionals, not to seek care from machines.