Literature Review
What deathbed visions teach us about living
03/13/24 at 03:00 AMWhat deathbed visions teach us about livingDNYUZ; 3/12/24Chris Kerr was 12 when he first observed a deathbed vision. His memory of that summer in 1974 is blurred, but not the sense of mystery he felt at the bedside of his dying father. ... It would be more than 40 years before Kerr felt compelled to speak about that evening in the hospital room. He had followed his father, and three generations before him, into medicine and was working at Hospice & Palliative Care Buffalo, where he was the chief medical officer and conducted research on end-of-life visions.
Palliative care cuts costs for metastatic cancer
03/13/24 at 03:00 AMPalliative care cuts costs for metastatic cancer
Spiritual care key to addressing disparities among underserved black communities
03/13/24 at 03:00 AMSpiritual care key to addressing disparities among underserved black communities Hospice News, by Holly Vossel; 3/11/24Spiritual hospice care providers are an important link to building bridges of access and trust among underserved African American populations. ... Having a historical context of understanding around the faith-based barriers among African American populations is a significant part of improving utilization, according to Wayman Scott, associate director of diversity, equity, inclusion and community relations at Maryland-based Gilchrist. Scott also has a background in hospice chaplaincy and serves as chair of the diversity committee at the Hospice & Palliative Network of Maryland.
Paintings by famous artists reimagined in exhibition showcasing end-of-life care
03/13/24 at 03:00 AMPaintings by famous artists reimagined in exhibition showcasing end-of-life care
Aid in dying or physician-assisted suicide? As Minn. lawmakers weigh bill, advocates and opponents choose different terms
03/13/24 at 03:00 AMAid in dying or physician-assisted suicide? As Minn. lawmakers weigh bill, advocates and opponents choose different terms ArcaMax / Pioneer Press, by Alex Derosier; 3/10/24... “Medical aid in dying” or “physician-assisted suicide” is an emotional issue for many, with a January [Minnesota] House hearing on the bill drawing an audience of hundreds on either side. Lawmakers heard hours of testimony from cancer patients with only months to live, and families of people who suffered painful deaths from disease. There also were people concerned legal elective death could eventually become an option for people with disabilities and negatively affect care. But it isn’t just a debate on medical ethics. There’s also an ongoing discussion in medicine, academia, journalism and law over what society should call the practice.
NHPCO and We Honor Veterans welcome CMS clarification regarding Medicare Hospice Benefit for dually eligible veterans
03/13/24 at 03:00 AMNHPCO and We Honor Veterans welcome CMS clarification regarding Medicare Hospice Benefit for dually eligible veterans NHPCO Press Release; 3/11/24 The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) and its We Honor Veterans (WHV) program responded to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) clarification on concurrent care eligibility for Veteran beneficiaries. Under Change Request 13523 issued by CMS on February 22, 2024, the Medicare Benefit Manual is updated to clarify that a Veteran beneficiary who elects hospice services under the Medicare benefit may still receive services that are not included on the hospice plan of care and are furnished and paid under the beneficiary’s Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, in addition to hospice services.
In the ICU, what is a good death? Understanding why clinicians and patients' families may disagree in Intensive Care Unit
03/13/24 at 02:00 AMIn the ICU, what is a good death? Understanding why clinicians and patients' families may disagree in Intensive Care Unit Northwestern Now, by Marla Paul; 3/7/24What is a good death for a patient in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU)? The answer to that question may depend on whether you ask a family member of a patient or the physician, who are not necessarily aligned. ... Approximately 20-30% of people who die in the U.S., die in the ICU, according to previous research. Nearly 60% of ICU admissions result in death. Wide discrepancies have been documented between a patient’s stated preferences and the end-of-life care actually delivered.
Hospice provider experience underscores urgency of program integrity efforts
03/13/24 at 02:00 AMHospice provider experience underscores urgency of program integrity efforts: Findings reveal current audit process' shortcomings HomeCare News; 3/12/24 Following a series of meetings with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and Members of Congress on efforts to improve and protect hospice program integrity, four national hospice organizations—LeadingAge, the National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC), the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) and the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI)—released findings of a hospice provider survey that the organizations say underscores the urgency and need for CMS and Congress to act.
When health care is woven in our family fabric, we find support in unexpected places
03/12/24 at 03:40 AMWhen health care is woven in our family fabric, we find support in unexpected places Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) Voice, by Suzanne M. Mahon, DNS, RN, AOCN®, AGN-BC, FAAN; 3/7/24... We have a built-in support system in our family. We understand all of those feelings and stressors in each other. We just get it. ... Where is your dinner table of support? Who is your go-to person who just gets it and listens? My husband and daughters support me, and I also have friends from nursing school, the workplace, and ONS who support me. They make all the difference in the world. Today, take time to thank your own support team.
How NYC Health + Hospitals is reining in travel nurse expenses
03/12/24 at 03:15 AMHow NYC Health + Hospitals is reining in travel nurse expenses Becker's Hospital CFO Report, by Mackenzie Bean; 3/7/24 NYC Health + Hospitals has made progress in decreasing its dependence on travel nurses, though staffing expenditures still exceed the public health system's allocated budget, executives told New York City Council leaders during a preliminary budget hearing March 5.
Pennsylvania health systems are partnering up
03/12/24 at 03:00 AMPennsylvania health systems are partnering up Becker's Hospital Review, by Andrew Cass; 3/8/24Kittanning, Pa.-based Armstrong County Memorial Hospital signed a definitive agreement March 6 to join Pennsylvania Mountains Care Network, marking the latest in a series of partnerships, mergers and acquisitions between hospitals and health systems in the Keystone State.
Some report images and manifestations of departed loved ones
03/12/24 at 03:00 AMSome report images and manifestations of departed loved ones Chicaog Daily Herald, by Susan Anderson-Khleif; 3/9/24Not often, but sometimes, a person sees an image of a beloved or dear friend. A visual manifestation of their spirit, one you can actually see while awake. It could be very clear or more in a fog. It happened to me the middle of the night, two years ago. ... I had friends and readers who’ve told me of such happenings — of seeing images of dear ones — sometimes during times of stress, sometimes for seemingly no reason. It could be a voice rather than an image. Or some other sign that assures you they are around. Editor's Note: Susan Anderson-Khleif has a doctorate in family sociology from Harvard, taughts at Wellesley College, and is retired.
Operating in the red: Half of rural hospitals are losing money, as many cut services
03/12/24 at 03:00 AMOperating in the red: Half of rural hospitals are losing money, as many cut servicesSource NM, by Jazmin Orozoco Rodriguez (KFF Health News); 3/7/24As half of rural hospitals lose money, many are cutting services
US officials call on UnitedHealth to accelerate payments to providers
03/12/24 at 03:00 AMUS officials call on UnitedHealth to accelerate payments to providers The United Business Journal, by Rahul Kumar; 3/11/24In a recent open letter, officials from the U.S. government expressed urgency for UnitedHealth Group to expedite payments to healthcare providers. This plea came in the wake of a debilitating cyberattack on the insurer’s Change Healthcare tech unit, which severely disrupted medical claims processing and payments. The U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services emphasized the critical need for UnitedHealth to take swift action to ensure that healthcare providers do not face financial strain due to the cyberattack.
CT bill would create a statewide pediatric hospice program: 'Make this a reality for our children'
03/12/24 at 03:00 AMCT bill would create a statewide pediatric hospice program: 'Make this a reality for our children' The Darien Times, by Cris Villalonga-Vivoni; 3/11/24There are only a handful of agencies specifically providing end-of-life care to children in the state, said Moss, who is also the founder of Connecticut Children’s Hospital palliative care team, the Sunflower Kids. “Every dying child in the state of Connecticut deserves this expertise and support of the hospice program,” Moss said. “It is time we make this a reality for our children.” The need for pediatric hospice care is felt throughout the state, even if the volume of people seeking out these services is often low, said Tracy Wodatch, president and chief executive officer of the Connecticut Association for Healthcare at Home.
Smaller wage increases predicted for 2024: survey
03/12/24 at 03:00 AMSmaller wage increases predicted for 2024: surveyMcKnights Senior Living, by Kathleen Steele Gaivin; 3/8/24Wage increases for senior living and care employees are predicted to dip from 4.43% in 2023 to 3.64% this year, according to responses to a newly released Ziegler CFO Hotline survey. The news comes as providers continue to be challenged in recruiting and retaining workers, with compensation as one strategy.
Carolina Caring House Calls breaks down traditional medical care barriers
03/12/24 at 03:00 AMCarolina Caring House Calls breaks down traditional medical care barriers Salisbury Post, by Julie Brooks; 3/20/24 County residents now have more access to healthcare providers than ever thanks to Carolina Caring House Calls, a home-based medicine program that offers high-quality medical care in the comfort and safety of patients’ homes. House Calls is designed to serve patients who face barriers to accessing routine medical care, including disabilities, chronic illnesses, mobility problems and more.
Compass Park chosen as hospice training site
03/12/24 at 03:00 AMCompass Park chosen as hospice training site Daily Journal, by Ryan Trares; 3/8/24Compass Park has been chosen to be a hospice training site for Affinity Care of Indiana, which partners with the facility to provide hospice care. Those pursuing work in hospice will come to the Franklin campus to observe the compassion provided to patients and families experiencing an end-of-life journey. “In this place, we want our future hospice nurses and aides to experience the legacy that resides here at Compass Park, a legacy for all health care professionals who have the privilege of working within these walls,” said John Young, executive director of Affinity Care.
Today's Encouragement: Motivation ...
03/12/24 at 03:00 AMMotivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going. - Jim Rohn
Opportunity uncovered: How COVID-19 accelerated healthcare transformation
03/12/24 at 03:00 AMOpportunity uncovered: How COVID-19 accelerated healthcare transformation Managed Healthcare Executive; by Patrick Horine, MHA; 3/6/24The COVID-19 pandemic left an indelible mark on the healthcare landscape, spotlighting critical areas for improvement while accelerating transformations that were already underway. From addressing disparities in equity and access to adopting digital health strategies, the pandemic has forced healthcare to move swiftly to meet urgent needs. First, let us look at some of the issues we had been facing and how these were changed by the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic. ...
Roscommon nurse sets out on epic cycle to Australia
03/12/24 at 03:00 AMRoscommon nurse sets out on epic cycle to Australia Roscommon Herald; 3/10/24 A 25-year-old County Roscommon nurse set out on his 23,000km cycle from his home in Arigna to Australia this morning, Sunday, March 10th. Fergal Guihen began his 23,000km cycle from Roscommon to Australia this morning. It will take him a total of 11 months to complete the challenge. Fergal, a general nurse at Sligo General Hospital, will reach Australia in February of 2025. In the process, he’s raising funds for Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation.Editor's Note: 23,000km = 14,300 miles. This translates to approximately 5.12 bike rides between New York City and Los Angeles.
Seniors more likely to let conditions escalate into emergency if their only care options are digital, poll finds
03/12/24 at 03:00 AMSeniors more likely to let conditions escalate into emergency if their only care options are digital, poll finds McKnights Senior Living, by Aaron Dorman; 3/7/24 Although residents in senior living communities and nursing homes are becoming more accepting of artificial intelligence and other tools such as remote monitoring systems, that doesn’t mean they don’t still strongly prefer human caregivers to manage their healthcare needs, a recent poll finds. ... Among older adult survey respondents who had dealt with a recent emergency, 33% said that they felt as if the incident could have been averted if they had had access to a live, in-person caregiver to manage their health concerns and needs.
Detroit Lions fan who dyed his hair blue during playoff run has died
03/12/24 at 03:00 AMDetroit Lions fan who dyed his hair blue during playoff run has died CBS News 11 Detroit, by Sara Powers; 3/11/24A Detroit Lions fan in hospice care, who dyed his hair blue during the team's playoff run, has died. Larry Benjamin, 83, of Saginaw, went viral after he dyed his hair Honolulu blue to support the Lions. He was inspired by Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, who dyed his hair blue before the team's playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams. Editor's Note: We ran a couple of updates to this story during the NFL playoffs.
NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue opens new Palliative Care Serenity Unit for patients and families
03/12/24 at 03:00 AMNYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue opens new Palliative Care Serenity Unit for patients and families NYC Health+Hospitals Press Release; 3/7/24 NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue today announced the opening of a new Palliative Care Serenity Unit for patients and families. ... “We created the Serenity Unit because we noted an increasing number of patients either spending their dying days at the hospital or in need of extra support and symptom management expertise that palliative care provides,” said Susan E. Cohen, MD, director of the Palliative Care Program at NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue. “We want to ensure that patients who are here in their final days are being treated with dignity and expertise.”Editor's Note: NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue is the oldest hospital in America, tracing their roots back to 1736 when a six-bed infirmary opened on the second floor of the New York City Almshouse.
‘100 Men’ group donates $10K to Oceanside Hospice Society
03/12/24 at 03:00 AM‘100 Men’ group donates $10K to Oceanside Hospice Society Parksville Qualicum Beach News; 3/10/24 Men have given more than $170K to charity since group’s inception. At its quarterly meeting on March 6, the 100 Men of Oceanside group awarded $10,000 to the Oceanside Hospice Society. ... According to a new release, the latest donation from the group will enable the hospice society to launch a new initiative designed to assist men who have suffered the death of a loved one to effectively grieve their loss.