Literature Review
Sunday newsletters
04/12/26 at 03:00 AMSunday newsletters focus on headlines and top read stories of the last week (in order) - enjoy!
Feds charge 15 in SoCal hospice fraud crackdown
04/12/26 at 03:00 AMFeds charge 15 in SoCal hospice fraud crackdown MyNewsLA.com, Los Angeles, CA; by Contributing Editor; 4/2/26 A Covina married couple — a psychologist and a registered nurse — were among 15 defendants facing federal charges Thursday in Los Angeles as part of a crackdown on health care fraud schemes such as sham hospice facilities that pay people without terminal illnesses to pose as dying Medicare beneficiaries. ... Three nurses, a chiropractor, and the Covina psychologist were among eight defendants recently arrested in the investigation local law enforcement dubbed “Operation Never Say Die.”Editor's Note: For more details about the Covina married couple's case, continue reading for "Hospice where staggering 97% of terminal patients survive is accused of defrauding Medicare for $7.45 million."
I am of certain convinced that the greatest heroes are those who ...
04/11/26 at 03:55 AMI am of certain convinced that the greatest heroes are those who do their duty in the daily grind of domestic affairs whilst the world whirls as a maddening dreidel. ~Florence Nightingale
Racial disparities in non-stigmatized supportive care medication use in pancreatic cancer
04/11/26 at 03:25 AMRacial disparities in non-stigmatized supportive care medication use in pancreatic cancerJournal of Pain & Symptom Management; by Olga Monika Trejos Kweyete, Chardaé Whitner, David L. Deremer, Yi Guo, Jiang Bian, Lisa Scarton, Sherise C. Rogers, Diana J. Wilkie, Xiwei Lou, John M. Allen; 3/26Pancreatic cancer (PC) is associated with a high symptom burden that contributes to reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and adverse clinical outcomes. This study examined racial and ethnic differences in the use of non-stigmatized SCMs [supportive care medications] during end-of-life care among patients with PC. SCM use was defined as at least one outpatient prescription claim for antiemetics, appetite stimulants, cognitive aids, headache aids, or sleep aids. Racial and ethnic disparities persist in the use of non-stigmatized SCMs among patients with PC at the end of life. These findings extend prior evidence on inequities in cancer symptom management and underscore the need for interventions that promote equitable access to supportive care medications across diverse populations.
A scoping review of breakthrough cancer pain: Mapping the evidence landscape
04/11/26 at 03:20 AMA scoping review of breakthrough cancer pain: Mapping the evidence landscapeSupportive Care in Cancer; Mellar Davis, Russell Portenoy, Andrew Davies, Sebastiano Mercadante, Akhila Reddy, M R Rajagopal, Eduardo Bruera; 3/26Breakthrough pain (BTP) in cancer populations is characterized by heterogeneous definitions, assessment approaches, and management strategies. This scoping review mapped the available evidence to characterize BTP concepts, describe the evidence base, and identify knowledge gaps. This scoping review maps heterogeneous evidence characterized by inconsistent definitions, selected populations, short-term outcomes, and geographic concentration. Key knowledge gaps include: standardized operational definitions, patient-centered functional outcomes, long-term efficacy and safety data, evidence from diverse settings and populations, and integration of pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches. The review provides a descriptive landscape but does not assess evidence quality or support treatment recommendations.
Spiritual distress screening by nurses to increase comprehensive spiritual support of patients
04/11/26 at 03:10 AMSpiritual distress screening by nurses to increase comprehensive spiritual support of patientsJournal of Hospice & Palliative Nursing; by Nair, Archana; Patterson, Dorothy; Hauver, Bethany; Labadie, Chelsey; 4/26This project aimed to address a gap in nurses’ awareness of spiritual care and comprehensive spiritual support of patients in a breast oncology clinic at a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center through interdisciplinary collaboration with chaplaincy. Following education, nurses screened patients during their initial visit to the breast surgical oncology clinic who were experiencing moderate to severe distress for related existential themes of distress using an assessment tool and referred them to chaplaincy or social work based on the screening results. Nurse-initiated chaplain referrals increased significantly during the study period, with the most common distress themes being stress, hopes/fears, and assistance/help. Patient acceptance of referrals averaged 18.7% for chaplaincy and 33.1% for social work. By enhancing nurses’ understanding of spiritual care and the role of chaplaincy, the clinic was able to improve the provision of comprehensive spiritual support, contributing to holistic patient care.
Repeated exposure to trauma narratives and professional quality of life in palliative and end-of-life healthcare providers
04/11/26 at 03:05 AMRepeated exposure to trauma narratives and professional quality of life in palliative and end-of-life healthcare providersPalliative & Supportive Care; by Suzanne A Brier, Amy L Nadel, Charlotte Stone, Rebecca M Schwartz; 3/26This study examined how repeated exposure to trauma narratives influences professional quality of life, including burnout, secondary traumatic stress (STS), and compassion satisfaction (CS), among end-of-life healthcare providers. Conclusions: Repeated exposure to trauma narratives is a meaningful occupational stressor for end-of-life clinicians. Resilience and organizational support appear to protect against the negative impact of trauma exposure and promote CS, highlighting key multilevel targets for trauma-informed workforce interventions. Furthermore, by identifying specific resilience factors and support systems that buffer against psychological distress, these findings offer actionable insights for developing targeted interventions to mitigate long-term professional harm.
[Canada] How do children think about death? A narrative review of historical and recent developmental perspectives examining children's understanding of death
04/11/26 at 03:05 AM[Canada] How do children think about death? A narrative review of historical and recent developmental perspectives examining children's understanding of deathClinical Child Psychology & Psychiatry; by Zachary D Fry, Adrianna Mendrek, Lia Gieg, Terra Léger-Goodes, David Lefrançois, Jonathan Smith, Nathalie Maltais, Marie-Claude Geoffroy, Marc-André Éthier, Catherine Malboeuf-Hurtubise; 3/26This review sought to clarify what children understand about death and how they come to learn about it. Findings suggest that children develop an understanding of death through several key components across childhood. This knowledge may be acquired naturally through cognitive development and can also be shaped by direct exposure (e.g., the death of a loved one or pet) and/or indirect experiences (e.g., media depictions). When learned indirectly and without guidance, there is an increased risk of children formulating inaccurate or distressing attitudes toward death. Building on these insights, we offer developmentally adapted approaches for supporting children's understanding of death within pedagogical settings.
End-of-life decisions for unrepresented patients: Is the best interest standard best? Is the medical futility standard futile?
04/11/26 at 03:00 AM
Saturday newsletters
04/11/26 at 03:00 AMSaturday newsletters focus on headlines and research - enjoy!
[The Netherlands] How does a video feedback intervention work for people with dementia and challenging behaviour living in a nursing home, for whom and under which circumstances? A realist interview study
04/11/26 at 03:00 AMHow can more efficient data sharing improve patient care plans?
04/10/26 at 03:00 AMHow can more efficient data sharing improve patient care plans? HealthTech; by Christopher Mills; 4/8/26 The effective participation in health information exchanges requires a focus on data governance, interoperability and organizationwide buy-in. Health information exchanges are steadily gaining traction as healthcare organizations look for ways to improve care coordination, reduce costs and meet regulatory expectations. Organizations are seeking ways to use data to make better decisions, which reduces costs and increases revenue. This is especially important for health systems as the federal government cuts funding across the board.
Executive Personnel Changes - 4/10/26
04/10/26 at 03:00 AMExecutive Personnel Changes - 4/10/26
Sovereign Hospice shares what MS families should know about palliative care
04/10/26 at 03:00 AMSovereign Hospice shares what MS families should know about palliative care Press Services, Dallas/Fort Worth, TX; Press Release; 4/9/26 As National Healthcare Decisions Day approaches on April 16, 2026, Sovereign Hospice, a service area business based in Aubrey, Texas, is drawing attention to the care options available to families affected by multiple sclerosis. MS is a complex, progressive neurological condition, and many families reach critical decision points without a clear picture of what palliative care or hospice care can offer them.
The most connected hospice doctor in California
04/10/26 at 03:00 AMThe most connected hospice doctor in California CBS News Investigations; by Laura Geller, Rachel Gold, Adam Yamaguchi and Grace Manthey; 4/7/26 Physicians who oversee hospice clinics deliver a critical and delicate form of care to patients confronting terminal illness with the goal of helping them find dignity and comfort at the end of life. No active physicians oversaw more of these cases in California, or were reimbursed with more taxpayer money, than Dr. Rajiv Bhuva, according to federal records. ... Bhuva's name was listed on reimbursements for at least 2,800 patients across 126 California hospices in 2024. ... While fraud in the hospice industry is a long-running and complex problem, the role of physicians – knowingly or unwittingly facilitating it – has largely gone overlooked.
CMS issues guidance to implement new limits on federal Medicaid and CHIP funding for certain noncitizens
04/10/26 at 03:00 AMCMS issues guidance to implement new limits on federal Medicaid and CHIP funding for certain noncitizens CMS Newsroom; Press Release; 4/8/26 CMS is preparing states for an upcoming change that will limit the ability to claim federal matching funds for Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) for individuals who are not U.S. citizens or U.S. nationals, or who fall into specific noncitizen categories identified in statute. New guidance issued today will ensure states understand their responsibility in implementing this statutory change beginning October 1, 2026. ... To view the State Health Official (SHO) letter, visit: https://www.medicaid.gov/federal-policy-guidance/downloads/sho26001.pdf.
Families face identity theft following a death
04/10/26 at 03:00 AMFamilies face identity theft following a death Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 4/8/26 When a loved one dies, the specter of identity theft can loom large, particularly through unclosed digital accounts that family members may not be aware of. Approximately 2.5 million deceased Americans have their identities stolen annually, with roughly 800,000 of these cases specifically targeted because they have died, according to the State of California Department of Justice. Managing and closing digital accounts can help mitigate the risk of identity theft, according to Donnell Beverly, Jr., CEO of Eazewell.
Regional Home Health and Hospice facility to lay off 161 employees at Greenville site
04/10/26 at 03:00 AMRegional Home Health and Hospice facility to lay off 161 employees at Greenville site WhatNow; by Deepali Singla; 4/9/26 ECU Health Home Health and Hospice will lay off 161 employees at its facility in Greenville. The company filed a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) notice with the state. The layoffs follow the shutdown of the Greenville facility. ECU Health Home Health and Hospice filed a WARN notice indicating the closure of its facility at 1005 WH Smith Blvd, Greenville, NC 27834. As a result of the closure, the layoffs are scheduled to take effect on May 1, 2026.
Death smiles at us all; all we can do is smile back
04/10/26 at 03:00 AMDeath smiles at us all; all we can do is smile back U.S. Medicine - The Voice of Federal Medicine; by Cheters Buckenmaier II, MD, COL (ret), MC, USA; 4/9/26 ‘Death smiles at us all; all we can do is smile back.’ — Marcus Aurelius (121 AD-180 AD) The word hospice is derived from the Latin hospitum, meaning “a place of rest and shelter for the ill and weary.” As I have aged, the reality of death and dying has occupied more of my time as aging parents and friends enter the twilight of their lives. ... When my father died suddenly, he had a brand-new car in the driveway and a new suit hanging on the bedroom door for my first daughter’s wedding. ...
As demand for hospice care increases, Lansing nonprofit breaks ground on expansion
04/10/26 at 03:00 AMAs demand for hospice care increases, Lansing nonprofit breaks ground on expansion PBS-WKAR Public Media; by Lillian Williams; 4/8/26 Demand for end-of-life specialized care is increasing nationwide, and a Mid-Michigan provider says that has led to a facility expansion that broke ground today. Hospice of Lansing plans to add four bedrooms to its Stoneleigh Residence by next spring. ... Executive Director Heather Vida says her organization turns away more than 100 families each year because they don’t have enough rooms. "What we want to do is make sure there are beds available for everyone at any time," she said.
81,000 people shared their dreams for AI. Here’s what HR leaders owe them
04/10/26 at 03:00 AM81,000 people shared their dreams for AI. Here’s what HR leaders owe them HR Executive; by Jill Barth; 4/7/26 Over one week, 80,508 people across 159 countries and 70 languages described what they actually want from this technology. The result is what Anthropic is calling the largest qualitative study ever conducted, and the picture it paints of how workers experience AI is both more personal and more urgent than most HR leaders have been led to believe. ... One healthcare worker described receiving 100 to 150 messages a day from doctors and nurses, most of which required documentation. “Since implementing AI, the pressure of documentation has been lifted,” the respondent said. “I have more patience with nurses, more time to explain things to family members.”