Literature Review
Saturday newsletters
05/25/24 at 03:00 AMSaturday newsletters focus on headlines and research - enjoy!
Today's Encouragement
05/25/24 at 03:00 AMWe now no longer camp as for a night, but have settled down on earth and forgotten heaven. ~Henry David Thoreau
Hospice Readmission, Hospitalization, and Hospital Death Among Patients Discharged Alive from Hospice
05/25/24 at 03:00 AMHospice Readmission, Hospitalization, and Hospital Death Among Patients Discharged Alive from HospiceJAMA Network; by Elizabeth A. Luth, Caitlin Brennan, Susan L. Hurley, Veerawat Phongtankuel, Holly G. Prigerson, Miriam Ryvicker, Hui Shao, Yongkang Zhang; 5/24This retrospective cohort study of burdensome transitions following live hospice discharge found that non-Hispanic Black race, short hospice stays, and care from for-profit hospices were associated with higher odds of experiencing a burdensome transition. These findings suggest that changes to clinical practice and policy may reduce the risk of burdensome transitions, such as hospice discharge planning that is incentivized, systematically applied, and tailored to needs of patients at greater risk for burdensome transitions.
Medical aid in dying bill didn’t cross finish line this MN Legislature session
05/24/24 at 03:00 AMMedical aid in dying bill didn’t cross finish line this MN Legislature session Twin Cities Pioneer Press; by Dene K. Dryden; 5/22/24 Despite advancing through several House committees, Minnesota’s End-of-Life Option Act did not receive a floor vote in the House or Senate during the 2024 legislative session, which ended earlier this week. The legislation, co-authored by Rep. Andy Smith, DFL-Rochester, and Sen. Liz Boldon, DFL-Rochester, would have permitted medical aid in dying, also known as physician-assisted suicide. The measure would have allowed terminally ill adults to request a prescription for life-ending medication, which they would have to self-administer.
Tuesday Health launches revolutionary Supportive Care solution with $60 million of strategic investment from healthcare leaders
05/24/24 at 03:00 AMTuesday Health launches revolutionary Supportive Care solution with $60 million of strategic investment from healthcare leadersInvestors Observier; by PR Newswire; 5/21/24Tuesday Health, a pioneer in value-based care dedicated to transforming serious illness, has launched its innovative supportive care solution in partnership with Valtruis, Blue Venture Fund, Mass General Brigham Ventures , and CareSource. This alliance brings a $60 million strategic investment to Tuesday Health, fueling its mission to redefine supportive care for patients and caregivers facing serious illnesses. "Leveraging clinical expertise, advanced data solutions, and cutting-edge technology, while partnering with Ohio's largest Medicaid plan, its largest hospice provider and the unmatched palliative care experience of Mass General, Tuesday Health is dedicated to tackling one of healthcare's biggest challenges-providing support and care in the right setting, at the right time, for those facing serious illness", said Jim Wieland, CEO of Tuesday Health.Editor's Note: What is the difference between supportive care and palliative care? Click here for a description from ASCO, the American Society of Clinical Oncology.
Educating the future of hospice and palliative care
05/24/24 at 03:00 AMEducating the future of hospice and palliative carePortage.life; by Center for Hospice Care; 5/21/24This spring students at the University of Notre Dame gained insight into the delivery of care to patients and families dealing with serious advanced illnesses. The university, in partnership with Center for Hospice Care (CHC), once again offered the course “Introduction to Hospice and Palliative Care” that was designed by Dr. Dominic Vachon, Director of Ruth M. Hillebrand Center for Compassionate Care in Medicine and Mike Wargo, COO and vice president of the Hospice Foundation. The five-week class covered a variety of topics focused on hospice and palliative care and was taught by CHC staff including physicians, social workers, chaplains, bereavement counselors and other hospice and palliative care support staff.
[NHPCO] Memorial Day Resources and Social Media Graphics
05/24/24 at 03:00 AM[NHPCO] Memorial Day Resources and Social Media Graphics NHPCO; We Honor Veterans webpage; retrieved from the internet 5/23/24 The National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization provides various "Memorial Day Resources and Social Media Graphics" on this page of its "We Honor Veterans" program.
America’s biggest Medicaid insurer just pledged to help build nearly $1 billion of affordable housing: ‘We know 80% of what drives health is nonmedical’
05/24/24 at 03:00 AMAmerica’s biggest Medicaid insurer just pledged to help build nearly $1 billion of affordable housing: ‘We know 80% of what drives health is nonmedical’ Fortune Well; by Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez; 5/20/24The nation’s largest Medicaid insurer is pledging to help build nearly $1 billion worth of affordable housing in eight states as it moves to address one of the biggest determinants of health. ... “We know 80% of what drives health is nonmedical. Eighty percent,” Dr. Michelle Gourdine, senior vice president at CVS Health, said earlier in the conference. “We could have the best doctors in the universe and it would only fix 20% of the problem.”
Executive Personnel Changes - 5/24/24
05/24/24 at 03:00 AMExecutive Personnel Changes - 5/24/24
21 hospitals, health systems raising workers' pay
05/24/24 at 03:00 AM21 hospitals, health systems raising workers' pay Becker's Hospital Review; by Kelly Gooch; 5/20/24 The following hospitals and health systems have announced or shared plans for raising workers' pay this year. Note: This is not an exhaustive list. This webpage was last updated May 20. [Click on the title's link for the detailed list.]
How value-based models can aid palliative care team recruitment
05/24/24 at 03:00 AMHow value-based models can aid palliative care team recruitment Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 5/22/24 A transition from fee-for-service to value-based payment models could help palliative care providers boost recruitment and retention. Providers walk a tightrope when it comes to ensuring that their palliative care services are financially sustainable, including the ability to attract and compensate staff at competitive rates. In today’s predominant reimbursement structure, palliative care programs are often loss leaders. But moving away from fee-for-service towards value-based payment could make a difference when it comes to hiring and retention, according to Dr. Jennifer Blechman, palliative care medical director at the Oregon-based nonprofit Partners in Care. ...
From caregiving to mourning: Navigating the end of the road as a family caregiver
05/24/24 at 03:00 AMFrom caregiving to mourning: Navigating the end of the road as a family caregiver The San Diego Union-Tribune; by Lauren J. Mapp; 5/21/24 ... Losing a loved one is universally challenging, but for family caregivers who dedicated themselves to their care, the loss can be especially complicated. When a loved one dies, family caregivers often find themselves grappling with a whirlwind of emotions, from sorrow and grief to relief and sometimes guilt. This emotional roller coaster is compounded by the physical and emotional toll of providing round-the-clock care. ... A significant aspect of the grieving process for family caregivers is the transition from the role of caregiver to that of mourner. This shift can be jarring for many, as their identity may have been closely tied to their caregiving responsibilities. ... Editor's Note: For 24/7 online education for family caregivers throughout their trajectory of serious illness thorhrough hospice care and their bereavement journey, visit our sponsor Composing Life Out of Loss's Video Libraries.
Steward proposes timeline for selling assets in bankruptcy
05/24/24 at 03:00 AMSteward proposes timeline for selling assets in bankruptcy Modern Healthcare; by Caroline Hudson; 5/20/24Steward Health Care is seeing interest from potential buyers of its 31 hospitals, particularly in Massachusetts and Arizona, and it hopes to complete sales this summer. The health system, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection earlier this month, also is in advanced discussions with UnitedHealth Group's Optum to buy physician network Stewardship Health. Optum, which had been negotiating with Steward before the bankruptcy filing, submitted a "stalking horse" bid. A stalking horse bid is the initial bid on a bankrupt company's assets that helps set the minimum price for other potential buyers. Steward also is in discussions with "various third parties" for its northern Massachusetts facilities, the health system said in a bankruptcy court filing last week.
Uber expands healthcare reach with new patient transport platform
05/24/24 at 03:00 AMUber expands healthcare reach with new patient transport platform Modern Healthcare / Crain's New York Business; by Amanda Glodowski; 5/17/24 Uber has announced a new platform to help caregivers facilitate transportation for those they care for. The move also further expands the company’s footprint in the healthcare space. The new offering ... allows caregivers to request and monitor rides and deliveries of prescriptions, groceries and over-the-counter items for those they care for. In the coming months, Uber said it will start to partner with Medicare Advantage, Medicaid and commercial plans to reimburse consumers for the cost.
Today's Encouragement: For the long weekend ...
05/24/24 at 03:00 AMFor the long weekend: Time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time. - Marthe Troly-CurtinEditor's Note: This quote has been used by John Lennon, T. S. Elliot, Soren Kierkegaard, Bertrand Russell, and others.
Understanding the role of Learning & Development in employee well-being
05/24/24 at 03:00 AMUnderstanding the role of Learning & Development in employee well-being Today Headline - Education News; 5/21/24... The Connection Between Learning and Well-Being: Learning and Development programs [L&D] are often associated with upskilling, reskilling, and career advancement. But their potential extends far beyond professional growth. Learning can have a positive impact on employee well-being, too. When employees are engaged in continuous learning and skill development, their overall sense of well-being improves significantly. ... [The] role of L&D in employee well-being. ...
Other Business Headlines of Interest, updated 5/23/24 per nasdaq.com
05/24/24 at 03:00 AMOther Business Headlines of Interest, updated 5/23/24 per nasdaq.com
Androscoggin Home Healthcare + Hospice rebrands to ‘Andwell Health Partners’
05/24/24 at 02:00 AMAndroscoggin Home Healthcare + Hospice rebrands to ‘Andwell Health Partners’ Home Health Care News; by Andrew Donlan; 5/21/24 The Maine-based Androscoggin Home Healthcare + Hospice is rebranding to “better reflect its evolutions and future,” and will be operating under the name Andwell Health Partners moving forward. ... Andwell – formerly Androscoggin – is a nonprofit operator that employs more than 500 workers across all 16 counties in Maine. The company ... has expanded past just home health care over the years to provide hospice, palliative, behavioral health and pediatric care services to patients. Its president and CEO, Ken Albert, has served on the board of the National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC) ... including as chairperson of the board. ... The word Andwell is “an amalgamation of the organization’s history, mission and services,” the company said. Specifically, the “And” makes reference to Androscoggin, the “Well” emphasizes the focus on health and wellbeing and “Dwell” evokes its home-based care focus.
The human side of AI: Insights on balancing automation and empathy
05/23/24 at 03:00 AMThe human side of AI: Insights on balancing automation and empathy Innovation & Tech Today; by Enrico Palmerino; 5/20/24 ... As AI automates more tasks with clinical precision, empathy is a critical human element we cannot overlook. That intangible ability to understand and share the feelings of another isn’t just a soft skill — it’s an essential catalyst for trust, loyalty, and genuine connection. Consider the healthcare industry, where empathy is (quite literally) often a matter of life and death. Can an AI-powered diagnostic system truly grasp a patient’s fear and vulnerability when facing a serious illness? ... Finding the delicate balance between leveraging AI automation and preserving human empathy is the new challenge before us. It’s a duality that will shape how businesses operate and how we interact with technology. ... Let the machines optimize processes while we optimize the ability to connect and inspire. In this harmonious future, AI is a tool that elevates us — not replaces us.Editor's Note: Is AI a hot topic among your leaders and interdisciplinary clinicians? Often, "empathy" and "communication" are cited as key cautions and conflicts.
Resurgia Health Solutions and Ennoble Care's Georgia Housecalls Practice finalize combination to strengthen healthcare access in Georgia
05/23/24 at 03:00 AMResurgia Health Solutions and Ennoble Care's Georgia Housecalls Practice finalize combination to strengthen healthcare access in Georgia KSN.com News - Cision PR Newswire; by PR Newswire; 5/20/24 Resurgia Health Solutions and Ennoble Care have united to strengthen healthcare access in Georgia. ... Under the regional leadership of Kevin Charles and Dr. Mark Bradshaw, Ennoble's Georgia home-based primary care practice will be integrated into Resurgia's regional operations and Ennoble's national operations. Renee Brack, FNP, will work closely with Mr. Charles and Dr. Bradshaw in Georgia, as the operational leader of palliative and hospice care in Georgia, ensuring continuity. ... "We are thrilled to combine our strong programs to expand home-based primary and palliative care access in Georgia." said Molly Viscardi, PhD, RN, Chief Operating Officer of Ennoble Care.
HHS puts $50M toward hospitals' ransomware fight
05/23/24 at 03:00 AMHHS puts $50M toward hospitals' ransomware fightBecker's Health IT; by Molly Gamble; 5/20/24A new agency within the National Institutes of Health is launching a $50 million initiative to develop tools for hospital IT teams that enhance their cybersecurity measures and resources to combat ransomware. On May 20, the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health introduced its Universal PatchinG and Remediation for Autonomous DEfense, or UPGRADE, program. "What if every hospital could autonomously protect itself and patients from cyber threats?" That is the guiding question for the initiative, which aims to develop a tailored and scalable software suite of remediations and patches for hospitals, reducing the patching time for vulnerable healthcare products to days or weeks.
Life support decisions are usually made within 72 hours. Is that too soon?
05/23/24 at 03:00 AMLife support decisions are usually made within 72 hours. Is that too soon? Advisory Board; by Daily Briefing; 5/21/24After a patient suffers a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and is on a ventilator, when is the right time to withdraw life support? A new study published in the Journal of Neurotrauma suggests that doctors and patient family members should wait a bit longer than usual. ... The researchers found that the majority of patients whose life support wasn't withdrawn ended up dying in the hospital anyways within about six days. However, 42% of patients who continued life support recovered enough within the following year to have some level of independence, and a few even returned to their former lives.
Congress earmarks $12.5 million for palliative care research
05/23/24 at 03:00 AMCongress earmarks $12.5 million for palliative care research
Continuing a 35-Year history, AHRQ pursues vital pathways to improve patient care
05/23/24 at 03:00 AMContinuing a 35-Year History, AHRQ Pursues Vital Pathways to Improve Patient CareAHRQ News; by Robert Otto Valdez; 5/16/24The theme of our 35th anniversary celebration is “Today’s Research, Tomorrow’s Healthcare.” As I’ve told my colleagues, we must redouble our efforts to improve healthcare not only in 2024 but also in the decades ahead. AHRQ fuels research and development in the healthcare industry. Now is the time to plant the seeds for healthcare systems to thrive today and in the future.Publisher's Note: Congratulations to AHRQ and your 35th anniversary! Thank you for the important contributions you've made to hospice, palliative care, and healthcare. We ran this story on 4/1/24, which was funded by AHRQ: Hospice providers serving assisted living residents: Association of higher volume with lower quality.
CVS could lose 10% of its Medicare Advantage members in 2025
05/23/24 at 03:00 AMCVS could lose 10% of its Medicare Advantage members in 2025Becker's Payer Issues; by Rylee Wilson; 5/14/24CVS Health executives are bracing to lose up to 10% of Aetna's Medicare Advantage members next year, Bloomberg reported May 14. At an investor conference on May 14, CVS CFO Tom Cowhey said it's "entirely possible" the company loses a portion of its members in the coming year as it prioritizes profitability, according to Bloomberg. "That's OK because we need to get this business back on track," Mr. Cowhey said. Executives at CVS Health have said they will prioritize "margins over membership" in Medicare Advantage in the coming year.