Literature Review

COUNTDOWN: 25 Days Until HOPE Tool Starts, October 1, 2025

[United Kingdom] Hikers take on volcanic trek to support hospice BBC News, Somerset, UK; by Clara Bullock and Charlie Taylor; 8/30/25 A group of hikers is taking on the dramatic landscapes of Iceland to raise money for a hospice. The nine walkers will trek 36 miles (58km) across the volcanic highland region of Landmannalaugar – over lava fields, past hot springs and waterfalls – to fundraise for St. Margaret's Hospice in Somerset [United Kingdom]. Louise Wonham is taking part with her two sons. She said she wanted to give back to the charity after it supported her husband Mike, who had cancer. ...

Seasons Hospice closing Hospice House in Rochester to focus on in-home care ABC News KAALTV-6, Rochester, MN; by KAALTV; 9/4/25 On September 4, Seasons Hospice announced it will be closing the Hospice House after more than 25 years of service. Seasons Hospice cited an exclusive focus on in-home hospice care as the reason for the closure. Seasons Hospice said it will remain fully operational in providing home-based hospice services without interruption. “This is not an end to our mission. It is a continuation of our mission in a new way,” said Dawn Beck, Seasons Hospice Board of Directors President, via a press release. ... The closure will go into effect on Friday, October 10. 

No one can whistle a symphony. It takes a whole orchestra to play it. ~ H.E. Luccock

Why palliative care is more than just end-of-life support MedPageToday's KevinMD.com; by Dr. Vishal Parackal; 9/1/25 ... Palliative care as a system requires strong interpersonal and cross-specialty communication for smooth functioning, as patients may require expert opinions from different fields to optimize their treatment plan. Patient education for systemic follow-ups and establishing a baseline of knowledge regarding their diagnosis and potential danger signs helps create a better environment for holistic care. While we focus on the physical aspects of care and diagnosis, we often fail to realize the psychological and mental impact that such conditions can have on the patient and their family. ... The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives by easing their suffering and enhancing their quality of life is profoundly fulfilling. ... Editor's Note: Excellent descriptions of palliative care.

Palliative care researchers use qualitative data to understand the full picture of patients' lives St. Jude Research; by Heather Johnson; 8/26/25 The central goal of palliative care is to provide comfort, relieve suffering and improve the quality of life for those dealing with serious illnesses. That care is interdisciplinary. It must be. Quality of life relates to physical, social, emotional, spiritual and psychological needs. Addressing those needs requires teamwork from physicians and clinicians in a range of disciplines. ... Palliative care studies often use mixed methods approaches to capture the full picture of what can be subjective outcomes. For example, scales and surveys may provide a foundation for assessing symptom relief, while qualitative research, such as patient interviews and focus groups, helps researchers understand the meaning behind the numbers.  Editor's Note: Yes. Measures for hospice and palliative success and growth are more than dollar amounts and the number of locations. Pairing qualitative research with quantitative data, researchers and leaders must seek to "understand the meaning behind the numbers." Ongoing, be sure to explore our newsletter's Saturday issues for relevant, timely evidence-based research articles--quantitive and qualitive data--to improve the care of persons who needing hospice and palliative care.

COUNTDOWN: 26 Days Until HOPE Tool Starts, October 1, 2025

Detecting and intervening against elder abuse: Tips for primary careMedscape; by Batya Swift Yasgur;8/27/25Elder abuse is any action — or lack of appropriate action — occurring in a relationship where there is an expectation of trust that causes harm or distress to an older person, according to the World Health Organization. One sixth of community-dwelling older adults are affected by elder abuse, with rates climbing in the United States and globally... [This article explores:]

Exploring hospice care innovations - Top news stories, August 2025 Teleios Collaborative Network (TCN); podcast by Chris Comeaux with Cordt Kassner; 9/3/25 Hospice and palliative care face significant challenges amid broader failures in the healthcare system, with experts anticipating a critical opportunity for reform by 2026-2027 as Medicare faces potential bankruptcy and employers confront double-digit premium increases. Join Chris Comeaux and Cordt Kassner as they delve into the latest trends and challenges in hospice care.  From the impact of AI to the importance of research and innovation, this episode covers it all.

PruittHealth strengthens senior care with new acquisition Investors Hangout; by Dylan Bailey; 8/28/25 PruittHealth ... has revealed its acquisition of The Lodge of Warner Robins. This strategic move marks the third skilled nursing center acquired from Debbie Meade and her family-run organization, Health Management. ... The acquisition allows patients access to a comprehensive Continuum of Care that encompasses ... hospice and palliative care, pharmacy, therapy services, a Medicare Advantage Plan, PruittHealth Premier, and community-based services for qualified Medicaid recipients through PruittHealth Home First.

Walgreens goes private, splits into 5 companies: 8 things to knowBecker's Hospital Review; Alan Condon; 8/29/25Walgreens Boots Alliance has officially gone private following its acquisition by New York City-based private equity firm Sycamore Partners, the companies announced Aug. 29... Walgreens Boots Alliance will now operate as five standalone companies: Walgreens, The Boots Group, Shields Health Solutions, CareCentrix and VillageMD. Each will continue to function independently, with Sycamore aiming to preserve their existing brands and customer relationships.

Amarillo VA expands end-of-life care with new hospice unit CBS KFDA-10, Amarillo, TX; by Canion Cvazos; 8/28/25 After years of planning, the Amarillo VA has opened a new chapter in veteran care. The VA held a ribbon-cutting ceremony today to celebrate the opening for its new hospice unit. VA leaders say the goal is to create a home-like environment, where families can gather with comfort and dignity during their loved one’s final days. The hospice unit will provide 10 private rooms, each designed for a single patient, with its own bathroom and shower.