Literature Review

Proposed legislation would create tax credits for family caregiversHospice News, by Jim Parker; 2/23/24A bill to strengthen support for family caregivers is working its way through Congress. If enacted, it would create tax credits to help offset the financial burdens of caring for the seriously ill. ... The nation’s health care system is lacking in support for caregivers of the terminally ill, who are often left with a heavy financial and logistical burden. Without assistance or relief, these difficulties can impede access to hospice and other types of home-based care.

Subcutaneous patient-controlled analgesia in home-based palliative care: "It's as straightforward as pushing a button, right at my fingertips" J Pain Palliat Care Pharmacother, by Miguel Julião, Patrícia Calaveiras, Eduardo Bruera, Paulo Faria de Sousa; 2/26/24Subcutaneous patient-controlled analgesia (SCPCA) in home-based palliative care is a potentially valuable option for providing effective pain relief to some patients, particularly when conventional analgesic approaches prove ineffective or are refused.

Chapters Health System CEO on prioritizing value-based care initiatives in the home Home Health Care News, by Andrew Donlan; 2/26/24Andrew Molosky, the president and CEO of Chapters Health System, is keenly aware of the struggles that coincide with turning a large health care provider organization into a value-based one. The first priority in that situation, in his mind, is making sure that the entire organization is on the same page in terms of what value-based care really means, he told Home Health Care News ... “You want to get to the point where you can manage populations in the home,” Molosky said. “That becomes a parlay to reducing ER spend in a full-risk environment. It becomes earlier intervention for a hospice or home health episode. 

4 key trends for hospices to watch in 2024 Hospice News, by Jim Parker; 2/26/24Hospice operators in 2024 are navigating a rapidly transforming environment. Four key trends hospices should watch this year:

The family caregiver still faces resource hurdles McKnights Home Care, by Liza Berger; 2/23/24It seems we have entered the era of the family caregiver. From legislation to government initiatives to private investment, there is unprecedented interest in the plight of family caregivers. We can thank the caregivers themselves for helping to move the needle.

PERSPECTIVE: Nurses, too, must do no harmColorado Springs Gazette, by Kathryn Palermo; 2/25/24Two decades ago, our family faced an experience that would forever shape my perspective on life, choices, and the importance of time in making profound decisions. ... Reflecting on this experience, I cannot help but draw parallels to the potential consequences of the changes proposed by the Legislature to expand physician-assisted death. In our case, time was a crucial factor in making informed decisions that preserved life and allowed for unexpected recovery. As a nursing professional and a family member who experienced a life-altering event, I am opposed to the newly introduced “Medical Aid-in-Dying” bill in the Colorado Senate, SB24-0068, expanding physician-assisted suicide.Editor's Note: The views expressed are those of the author. Hospice & Palliative Care Today seeks to present articles of highest integrity and quality information, especially when reporting on controversial issues. This author presents these expertly from her perspective. While this author defines "the" Christian perspective, this editor supports that hospice and palliative care leaders and patients/families embrace a broader scope of religious beliefs, both within Christianity and inclusive of non-Christian faith systems. Whatever the reader's perspective, this editor invites you to read this insightful article with an open mind of respect, learning, and ethical dialogue.Publisher's note: On 1/31/24, Hospice & Palliative Care Today ran a Denver Post article announcing and supporting SB24-0068. Today's article from the Colorado Springs Gazette opposes this bill.

Driving Accessibility in HealthTech: 3 things founders should consider for thoughtful AI implementation in 2024MedCity News, by Justin Williams; 2/23/24As we stand in the new era in healthcare, the promises of artificial intelligence advancements have electrified us all. But while innovation is being pursued, it’s critical to be aware of the possible pitfalls that could make already-existing inequities in healthcare outcomes worse. Precision and inclusion are pivotal in the venture capital space since startup founders significantly influence how healthcare technology develops in the future.

Compassus certified to provide palliative care Tahlequah Daily Press; 2/25/24Compassus, a leading nationwide provider of integrated home-based care services, including palliative care, is now certified to provide palliative care under the Veterans Administration benefit in Oklahoma. The Community Care Network credential is awarded by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to community providers that demonstrate high-quality standards and a commitment to offering veterans the best possible care.

5 cost-effective home care marketing tipsMcKnights Home Care, by Catherine Malloy; 2/22/24Are you running a home care business and looking for affordable ways to get the word out? You’re in the right place! In this blog, we’re going to walk you through five practical, budget-friendly marketing strategies to boost your business’s visibility. 

Medical marijuana testing: Mississippi revokes license of lab that covered 70% of state's supply, raising patient access concerns Benzinga - Investing.com; by Maureen Meehan; 2/25/24Mississippi’s Department of Health (MSDH) revoked the license of Rapid Analytics, a medical cannabis testing lab, citing “significant deviations from regulations” following a two-month investigation. 

More than $37,700 raised to fund grief and loss support for children in SWFL Avow Foundation Press Reslease; 2/26/24Avow [Hospice] raised funds throughout January as part of a matching gift campaign with St. John’s Episcopal Church, resulting in more than $37,700 donated in support of the Avow Kids program. St. John’s Episcopal Church pledged to match dollar-for-dollar up to $17,350 for children’s grief and loss support, a goal Avow achieved well before the end of the month.

Be kind to yourself and others. We're all walking our own unique path. - Sheryl Lee Ralph