Literature Review
800+ California nurses to receive 22.5% pay hike
05/15/24 at 03:00 AM800+ California nurses to receive 22.5% pay hike Becker's Hospital Review; by Kelly Gooch; 5/10/24Members of the California Nurses Association have approved a new labor contract with Washington Hospital Healthcare System in Fremont, Calif. The four-year agreement covers roughly 840 nurses, according to a union news release. It was approved by union members May 3 and by the Washington Township Health Care District board of directors May 8. ... According to the CNA, the new deal includes a 22.5% across-the-board increase in wages over four years. It also includes "precedent-setting standard expanding infectious disease protocols and workplace violence protections"; language that protects union members' ability to take meal and rest periods; and protections for part-time positions, according to the union.Editor's Note: These new terms reflect nationwide trends of healthcare/nurse strikes and reasons for leaving their jobs, ie., pay, patient safety, workplace violence, work/home life balance, and more.
Nurse practitioners improve skilled nursing's dementia care outcomes, but regulatory barriers remain: study
05/15/24 at 03:00 AMNurse practitioners improve skilled nursing's dementia care outcomes, but regulatory barriers remain: studyMcKnights Long-Term Care News; by Josh Henreckson; 5/13/24[Nurse pracitioners'] NPs’ involvement can significantly improve end-of-life care outcomes for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD), according to the results of a new study in JAMA Health Forum. ... Those benefits, however, were shrunk by state regulations on the scope of care NPs are allowed to provide. ... Elizabeth White, PhD, assistant professor of health services, policy and practice at Brown University [describes,] “For example, when a state restricts NPs from signing Do Not Resuscitate orders, that can serve as a barrier to advance care planning and could contribute to unnecessary hospitalizations at the end of life.” Editor's Note: We posted this JAMA Health Forum article on : Nurse Practitioner care, scope of practice, and end-of-life outcomes for nursing home residents with dementia.
Beyond medicine: 'Being Mortal' challenges healthcare's approach to death and dying
05/15/24 at 03:00 AMBeyond medicine: 'Being Mortal' challenges healthcare's approach to death and dying SwiftTelecast; by Shawn Butlere; 5/11/24 This video from the “Frontline” series, titled “Being Mortal,” follows Dr. Atul Gawande as he explores the complex relationships between doctors, patients, and end-of-life decisions. Based on his best-selling book “Being Mortal,” Gawande discusses how medical training often falls short in preparing doctors for the realities of death and dying. The documentary highlights personal stories, including Gawande’s own experiences with his father’s illness and death, to illustrate the challenges in balancing hope with realistic outcomes and the importance of quality life in the face of terminal illness.
NAHC advocacy scores wins in Congress
05/15/24 at 03:00 AMNAHC advocacy scores wins in CongressNAHC Newsroom; Press Release; 5/10/24Tireless advocacy by the National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC) and our partners at the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, has resulted in the approval of the Preserving Telehealth, Hospital, and Ambulance Access Act (H.R. 8261) through the Ways & Means Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives. While the committee advanced the legislation, it will still need to be passed by the full House of Representatives and the Senate as well. This first step was crucial to get the bill on the pathway to its ultimate enactment into law. This legislation provides:
Medicaid 80/20 rule could drive surge in home care deals
05/15/24 at 03:00 AMMedicaid 80/20 rule could drive surge in home care deals Modern Healthcare; by Diane Eastabrook; 4/10/24 Private equity firms and large home care companies could soon be going head to head to buy smaller personal care operators expected to exit the industry because of a new regulation. The potential for industry consolidation stems from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ Ensuring Access to Medicaid Services rule that will require home care companies to spend 80% of Medicaid reimbursements on caregiver wages. Mergers and acquisitions advisers predict the so-called 80/20 rule, finalized April 22, could prompt many smaller operators to sell.
HopeWest selected as Childhood Bereavement Changemaker
05/14/24 at 03:30 AMHopeWest selected as Childhood Bereavement ChangemakerHigh Country Spotlight; Press Release; 5/9/24 In partnership with Colorado-based Judi’s House/JAG Institute HopeWest is one of 11 grief-centered organizations selected by Judi’s House/JAG Institute to participate in the 2024 Childhood Bereavement Changemaker program to build capacity for data collection and program evaluation through a series of trainings, workshops, and collaborative learning sessions. Over the course of a year, Changemakers will receive guidance and practical recommendations to address data and evaluation needs that can inform strategic planning, support funding opportunities, and enhance the overall impact organizations like HopeWest have on the 96,000 Colorado children estimated to experience the death of a parent or sibling by age 18.
A Philadelphia pharmacy’s closure after 26 years highlights the industry’s growing challenges
05/14/24 at 03:15 AMA Philadelphia pharmacy’s closure after 26 years highlights the industry’s growing challenges Times Daily; by Lizzy McClellan Ravitch, The Philadelphia Inquirerer; 5/11/24Last Monday, Friendly Pharmacy filled 318 prescriptions. For about 100 of them, insurance companies paid the pharmacy less than $3. In 22 instances that day, the reimbursement was less than the cost of the medication. ... [Managing pharmacist Brad] Tabaac plans to close his doors on May 31 after 26 years in business. ... Independent pharmacies like Friendly, as well as some chains, have been pinched by pricing and fees set by pharmacy benefit managers — the companies that handle prescription drug plans for health insurance. The three biggest pharmacy benefit managers are CVS Health, Optum Rx and Express Scripts. They control nearly 90% of the market, according to the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA), and some of their parent companies also own pharmacies.
Highmark Health lays off dozens of employees
05/14/24 at 03:00 AMHighmark Health lays off dozens of employees Modern Healthcare; by Lauren Berryman; 5/8/24Highmark Health has laid off 47 employees in its latest round of job cuts. The Pittsburgh-headquartered organization owns Highmark Inc., which provides health insurance plans to 6.9 million policyholders in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Delaware and New York. It also operates Allegheny Health Network, which comprises 14 hospitals. A Highmark spokesperson declined to answer questions about the types of roles or specific locations affected. ... The most recent layoffs, which were first reported by news outlet PennLive Tuesday, follow the 182 jobs Highmark eliminated in March. The organization has laid off at least 229 employees so far in 2024.
Around the nation: Steward Health Care puts hospitals up for sale following bankruptcy
05/14/24 at 03:00 AMAround the nation: Steward Health Care puts hospitals up for sale following bankruptcyAdvisory Board; 5/10/24Steward Health Care, which filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy on Monday, has placed all its 31 hospitals in the United States up for sale in hopes of finalizing transactions by the end of the summer to address its $9 billion debt, in today's bite-sized hospital and health industry news from Georgia, Illinois, and Texas.
Best Buy lands new health system partner
05/14/24 at 03:00 AMBest Buy lands new health system partnerBecker's Health IT; by Giles Bruce; 5/10/24The tech retailer said it joined forces with Bethlehem, Pa.-based St. Luke's University Health Network in the first quarter. The health system will use Best Buy's Current Health remote monitoring platform to treat post-discharge congestive heart failure patients. "We talk a lot about our big goal to enable care at home for everyone, and we're intentional about our role as the enabler," Best Buy Health said in a May 9 statement. "Partnering with providers, health plans and biopharma organizations is at the core of our strategy." Best Buy has been leaning into healthcare in recent years, acquiring Current Health in 2021 for $400 million and sending Geek Squad members into patients' homes to set up hospital-at-home technology.
Investing in employee engagement can add a competitive advantage
05/14/24 at 03:00 AMInvesting in employee engagement can add a competitive advantageHomeCare; by Jeffrey Knapp; 5/9/24You cannot pay people enough to care. But it is possible to attract and retain great talent and bring out the best in them by fully engaging employees in a shared purpose, giving them a sense that their work is worthwhile and that they are making a difference in the world. That is the culture effect on health care staffing. ... For leaders who want either to start building or to invest more in a culture infrastructure, do not forget these essential steps:
Top 5 AI concerns for nurses
05/14/24 at 03:00 AMTop 5 AI concerns for nurses Becker's Health IT; by Giles Bruce; 5/8/24Nurses have been expressing concern about healthcare artificial intelligence lately, with some even marching in protest against the technology. But what are their main qualms with AI? [According to a recent study:]
NHPCO and HAN secure significant policy victories in Congress
05/14/24 at 03:00 AMNHPCO and HAN secure significant policy victories in Congress NHPCO; Press Release; 5/10/24This week marked a series of triumphs for the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) and its advocacy arm, the Hospice Action Network (HAN), in collaboration with the National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC). Notably, the trade associations spearheaded discussions with the House of Representatives’ Ways and Means Committee, resulting in crucial advancements in telehealth flexibility for hospice care. The passage of the “Preserving Telehealth, Hospital, and Ambulance Access Act” through committee signifies a pivotal moment for the future of hospice care. ...HAN’s meticulous engagement with the Ways & Means Committee staff also successfully thwarted potential cuts, safeguarding the capacity of hospices to provide essential care to vulnerable populations. “With an aging population and escalating demand for end-of-life care, particularly in underserved regions, protecting hospice funding is imperative to guarantee compassionate and dignified care for all individuals in their final days,” said NHPCO COO and Interim CEO, Ben Marcantonio.Notable Mentions: Logan Hoover, NHPCO VP of Policy and Government Relations; Dr. Joseph Shega, Vitas' Chief Medical Officer
Ribbon cutting: Hospice of North Alabama
05/14/24 at 03:00 AMRibbon cutting: Hospice of North AlabamaJackson County Sentinel; 5/11/24Hospice of North Alabama held their ribbon cutting at their new location at 510 East Laurel Street in Scottsboro on Tuesday, April 30. ... “We’re glad to open our doors to the Scottsboro community,” said Hayley Lamberth, with Hospice of North Alabama. “We understand that end of life care is physically and emotionally difficult for patients and their families. That’s why our experienced staff is available day and night to provide the highest quality, compassionate and individualized care for your loved ones."
Life Coordinated Commonwealth PACE holds ribbon cutting
05/14/24 at 03:00 AMLife Coordinated Commonwealth Pace holds ribbon cutting Marshall County Daily; by Staff Report; 5/10/24 Life Coordinated Commonwealth Pace held a Ribbon Cutting on Friday morning with special quest Governor Andy Beshear in attendance to launch the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the elderly in Western Kentucky. This is the first of three planned KY Pace centers which provide elders an option for in-home care versus nursing home care. Life Coordinated Commonwealth Pace will serve qualifying PACE members in a six-county area in Western Kentucky that includes Marshall, Calloway, Graves, Hickman, Fulton and McCracken.
A thoughtful exit from the C-suite
05/14/24 at 03:00 AMA thoughtful exit from the C-suite Becker's Hospital Review; by Kelly Gooch; 5/8/24 Stepping away from the C-suite takes many forms, and hospital and health system executives leave for a variety of reasons, including to retire or to take on new challenges. However, each individual must consider that transition from a business, emotional and personal perspective. For Peter Fine, who has served as Phoenix-based Banner Health's CEO for 24 years, those considerations were part of his thought process. He announced his retirement in April. However, he began to think about his transition out of the C-suite three years ago. ...
Why Walmart’s exit from healthcare is a wake-up call to providers
05/14/24 at 03:00 AMWhy Walmart’s exit from healthcare is a wake-up call to providers Modern Healthcare; by Marty Bonick; 5/10/24 Marty Bonick is president and CEO of Nashville, Tennessee-based Ardent Health. Try healthcare, they said. It will be easy. There's so much to improve, they said. We can do it better. While "they" — the retailers and disruptors once keen to transform healthcare — weren't completely wrong, there's no doubt this thinking has shifted in recent months. ... Walmart's decision to shutter its health clinics and virtual care services is the latest high-profile exit in the retail health sector. Already this year, Walgreens has announced plans to close 160 VillageMD clinics while Amazon cut jobs within its One Medical unit and Optum is closing its telehealth business.
The state of paid sick leave: 6 notes
05/14/24 at 03:00 AMThe state of paid sick leave: 6 notes Becker's Hospital Review; by Kelly Gooch; 5/9/24 Paid sick leave has expanded across the U.S. as more states pass laws related to the issue. Here are six notes about the efforts: ... [Click on the title's link for details.]
African Palliative Care Association: Annual Report 2022-2023
05/14/24 at 03:00 AMAfrican Palliative Care Association: Annual Report 2022-2023African Palliative Care Association; 5/10/24 View and download the APCA Atlas of Palliative Care in Africa. It includes the following 5 "Impact Areas":
Two documentaries could bring attention, not all of it wanted
05/14/24 at 03:00 AMTwo documentaries could bring attention, not all of it wantedMcKnights Senior Living - Editors' Columns; by Lois A. Bowers; 5/13/24 The past couple of weeks have brought news of two upcoming documentaries that promise to shine a spotlight on senior living, warts and all. One, “Caregiving,” will focus on professional and family caregivers “as the United States’ long-term care system threatens to tip into crisis,” according to public media station WETA. The two-hour film will debut on PBS in spring 2025. No doubt the project will draw attention because one of the executive producers is Bradley Cooper, who was a caregiver to his late father when he had lung cancer. "That was a wake-up call for me, ..." he said ... Another project premieres sooner — [today 5/14], in fact — on Paramount+. Whereas “Caregiving” includes someone famous, “Pillowcase Murders” centers on someone infamous, at least to the readers of McKnight’s Senior Living. The three-part docuseries is about the actions of convicted killer Billy Chemirmir, who was sentenced for two murders and suspected in the deaths of more than two dozen older adults in Texas, most of whom were women residents of senior living communities.
Obie the therapy dog promoted to chief morale officer at North Devon Hospice
05/14/24 at 03:00 AMObie the therapy dog promoted to chief morale officer at North Devon Hospice DevonLive; by Lewis Clarke; 5/10/24 A therapy dog has received his first official promotion after bringing comfort and smiles to patients, families, and staff at North Devon Hospice. Last month, pet therapy dog Obie was awarded the title of chief morale officer in recognition of his work helping patients and loved ones staying on the hospice’s bedded unit to enjoy cuddles and companionship. As well as being popular with those receiving care, Obie is also a welcome visitor for staff at the hospice.
A narrative review of risk mitigation strategies in the management of opioids for chronic pain and palliative care in older adults: Interprofessional collaboration with the pharmacist
05/14/24 at 03:00 AMA narrative review of risk mitigation strategies in the management of opioids for chronic pain and palliative care in older adults: interprofessional collaboration with the pharmacist Annals of Palliative Medicine; by Insaf Mohammad, Candice L Garwood, Lisa Binns-Emerick Key content and findings: A variety of risk mitigation strategies to improve safety for older adults using opioids exist. They include risk assessment, tapering opioids, reducing high-risk concomitant medications, utilizing non-opioid therapies, screening for and treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD), toxicology testing, co-prescribing naloxone, utilizing controlled substance agreements, reviewing prescription drug monitoring program data, prescriber and patient education, and collaboration with pharmacists and palliative care specialists.
Design and death: palliative care needs more creativity
05/14/24 at 03:00 AMDesign and death: palliative care needs more creativity AAP - Australian Associated Press; by Cassandra Morgan; 5/10/24 At the Caritas Christi palliative care unit, "homeliness" is sprawling crayon lines and scribbled messages of "get well soon", drawn by children in its arts room. It's the sense of quiet, the soft carpet underfoot, and the ability for patients to simply open a window, or walk outside their rooms and touch a tree or feel the soil. Architectural expert Rebecca McLaughlan says homeliness is more about what a space allows people to do than how it looks. ... "In subtle ways, these facilities do affect the quality of time and the quantity of time that people spend with their loved ones." ... The researcher is among experts advocating for greater design innovation in the palliative care sector - a concept often dismissed as incongruous with the reality of evolving health and safety regulations.
New DOJ task force to tackle competition-related concerns in healthcare
05/14/24 at 03:00 AMNew DOJ task force to tackle competition-related concerns in healthcare McKnights Senior Living; by Kathleen Steele Gaivin; 5/13/24 The Justice Department said its Antitrust Division’s new Task Force on Health Care Monopolies and Collusion will consider “widespread competition concerns shared by patients, healthcare professionals, businesses and entrepreneurs, including issues regarding payer-provider consolidation, serial acquisitions, labor and quality of care, medical billing, healthcare IT services, access to and misuse of healthcare data and more.” The group’s mandate is to facilitate policy advocacy, investigations and, where warranted, civil and criminal enforcement in healthcare markets.
Treasury extends Medicare insolvency date, citing savings from home health
05/14/24 at 03:00 AMTreasury extends Medicare insolvency date, citing savings from home health McKnights Home Care; by Adam Healy; 5/13/24 Medicare insolvency received a five-year extension — and part of the reprieve can be attributed to the cost of home health. Myriad factors, including job growth and low unemployment rate, contributed to the extension. The projections were also partly influenced by home health spending which has been “significantly lower than estimated prior to the pandemic,” according to the Social Security and Medicare Trustees report. “As a result of the recent home health staffing shortages, the trustees continue to consider the spending level for this service to be suppressed,” they said in the report. “Thus, they have increased their home health spending growth factor by 2.9 percentage points in each of the next 3 years.”