Literature Review
“You sure feel like you’re alone, kind of flailing away out there”: Family caregiver perspectives of caring for an individual with glioblastoma multiforme
03/01/25 at 03:10 AM“You sure feel like you’re alone, kind of flailing away out there”: Family caregiver perspectives of caring for an individual with glioblastoma multiformeCambridge University Press; by Christy Muasher-Kerwin, Abby Baumbach, Yujun Liu, M. Courtney Hughes; 2/25Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and aggressive form of brain cancer... Nineteen current and former family caregivers for individuals with GBM participated in semi-structured interviews from October 2023 through January 2024... Three themes emerged from the interview analysis: (1) overwhelming caregiver burden, (2) difficulties coping with the caregiver role, and (3) gaps in caregiver support... Family caregivers for individuals with GBM desire more straightforward and proactive information and education about their care recipients from their medical providers. There is an opportunity for more utilization of hospice, palliative, and rehabilitation services to provide necessary training to GBM patients and their caregivers.
[UK] Supporting the bereaved child in the adult ICU: A narrative review
03/01/25 at 03:05 AM[UK] Supporting the bereaved child in the adult ICU: A narrative reviewIntensive Care Medicine; Annelies Rowland, Carole Boulanger, Louise Dalton; 2/25Childhood bereavement is a significant issue globally, affecting millions of children each year, with incidence rates significantly increasing following the COVID-19 pandemic. The loss of an important adult, particularly in the ICU environment, can lead to lasting psychological and behavioural challenges for children. Both families and healthcare professionals (HCPs) often feel unprepared and uncomfortable engaging in honest, supportive conversations with children about bereavement, further complicating children's grief processing. This narrative review examines the pivotal role ICU HCPs can play in facilitating child-centred bereavement support, focusing on promoting honest communication, supportive visitation practices, creating a child-friendly and humanised ICU environment, and encouraging child involvement during end-of-life care. The review also advocates for specialised training to equip ICU staff with the necessary skills to support grieving children and families.
Informal caregivers connecting on the Web: Content analysis of posts on discussion forums
03/01/25 at 03:05 AMInformal caregivers connecting on the Web: Content analysis of posts on discussion forumsJMIR Formative Research; by Michelle L Foster, Chinenye Egwuonwu, Erin Vernon, Mohammad Alarifi, M Courtney HughesAbout 53 million adults in the United States offer informal care to family and friends with disease or disability. Such care has an estimated economic value of US $600 million. Most informal caregivers are not paid nor trained in caregiving, with many experiencing higher-than-average levels of stress and depression and lower levels of physical health. Some informal caregivers participate in web-based forums related to their caregiving role. This study aimed to explore how informal caregivers use easy-to-access caregiving web-based forums, including the types of information they share and seek from others... Domains identified included handling interpersonal challenges, navigating complicated systems, gathering tactical coping strategies, managing emotions, and connecting with others in similar situations... Informal caregivers play an essential role in society. Many experience multifaceted challenges related to their caregiving role, and some turn to the internet for community. Accessing web-based discussion forums is a low-barrier method for informal caregivers to connect with others who may be experiencing similar emotions and challenges. Gaining a greater understanding of the ways informal caregivers seek advice and offer support to one another provides insight into the challenges they face.
[Australia] Practice recommendations for culturally sensitive communication at the end of life in intensive care: A modified eDelphi study
03/01/25 at 03:00 AM[Australia] Practice recommendations for culturally sensitive communication at the end of life in intensive care: A modified eDelphi studyIntensive and Critical Care Nursing; Laura A Brooks, Elizabeth Manias, Bodil Rasmussen, Melissa J Bloomer; 2/25Clinicians need specific knowledge and skills to effectively communicate with patients and their family when a patient is dying in the ICU. End-of-life communication is compounded by language differences and diverse cultural and religious beliefs. Recommendations prioritising use of professional interpreters and nurse involvement in family meetings achieved near perfect agreement amongst participants. Recommendations to facilitate family in undertaking cultural, spiritual and religious rituals and customs, advocate for family participation in treatment limitation discussions, and clinician access to professional development opportunities about culturally sensitive communication also achieved high level consensus. These practice recommendations provide guidance for ICU clinicians in their communication with patients and families from culturally diverse backgrounds.
The evolution of serious health-related suffering from 1990 to 2021: an update to The Lancet Commission on global access to palliative care and pain relief
03/01/25 at 03:00 AMThe evolution of serious health-related suffering from 1990 to 2021: an update to The Lancet Commission on global access to palliative care and pain reliefThe Lancet: Global Health; by Felicia M Knaul, Héctor Arreola-Ornelas, Xiaoxiao J Kwete, Afsan Bhadelia, William E Rosa, Michael Touchton, Oscar Méndez-Carniado, Valentina Vargas Enciso, Tania Pastrana, Joseph R Friedman, Stephen R Connor, Julia Downing, Dean T Jamison, Eric L Krakauer, David Watkins, Renzo Calderon-Anyosa, Rodrigo Garcia-Santisteban, Renu S Nargund, Jim Cleary, Liliana De Lima, Nahla Gafer, Liz Grant, Christian Ntizimira, Pedro E Pérez-Cruz, M R Rajagopal, Dingle Spence, Paul Vila, Lukas Radbruch; 3/25The Lancet Commission on global access to palliative care and pain relief introduced the concept of serious health-related suffering (SHS) to measure the worldwide dearth of palliative care. This Article provides an extended analysis of SHS from 1990 to 2021 and the corresponding global palliative care need... The SHS global burden increased by 74% between 1990 and 2021 to almost 73.5 million individuals, with population growth accounting for only half of that increase. Low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) accounted for 80% of SHS, with an increase of 83% from 1990 to 2021 compared with a 46% increase in high-income countries... SHS and the associated need for palliative care is a major and persistent but not insurmountable challenge for health systems worldwide. Our findings highlight the urgency to both reduce the avoidable SHS burden through prevention and treatment, and guarantee comprehensive, universal access to palliative care as an equity and health system imperative, especially in LMICs.
Contemporary patterns of end-of-life care among Medicare beneficiaries with advanced cancer
03/01/25 at 03:00 AMContemporary patterns of end-of-life care among Medicare beneficiaries with advanced cancer JAMA Network - JAMA Health Forum; by Youngmin Kwon, PhD; Xin Hu, PhD, MPSH; Kewei Sylvia Shi, MPH; Jingxuan Zhao, MPH, PhD; Changchuan Jiang, MD, MPH; Qinjin Fan, MS, PhD; Xuesong Han, PhD; Zhiyuan Zheng, PhD; Joan L. Warren, PhD; K. Robin Yabroff, PhD, MBA; 2/21/25Conclusions: In a contemporary cohort of older Medicare decedents originally diagnosed with advanced breast, prostate, pancreatic, or lung cancer, we found that many patients continue to receive potentially aggressive interventions at EOL at the expense of supportive care services. To make meaningful improvements in the quality of EOL care, a multifaceted approach that addresses patient, physician, and system-level factors associated with persistent patterns of potentially aggressive care will be required. Editor's note: Though published just one week ago--February 21--this journal article is already being used extensively, as demonstrated in our posts on 2/24 and 2/25.
Saturday newsletters
03/01/25 at 03:00 AMSaturday newsletters focus on headlines and research - enjoy!
Montana House considers bill to put more sideboards on medical assistance in dying
02/28/25 at 03:10 AMMontana House considers bill to put more sideboards on medical assistance in dying NBC KPVI-6, Pocatello, ID; by Darrell Ehrlick; 2/26/25 ... On Wednesday, in a hearing of the House Judiciary Committee that was full of as much testimony as tears, opponents and supporters of medical aid in dying, sometimes called “physician-assisted suicide,” discussed House Bill 637, which would codify requirements for physicians to use the process. ... Demonstrating the often complex political issue that can’t be broken down by party lines, Rep. Ed Stafman, D-Bozeman, who is also a lawyer and rabbi, said he was truly conflicted on the bill, and wondered how Juras, also an attorney, viewed the proposed legislation in light of the state constitution’s right to dignity. ... Testimony from medical professionals ranged from strong support to opposition, ... [Click here for] Here's what [Montana] House Bill 637 would do ...
Today's Encouragement: I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career ...
02/28/25 at 03:00 AMI’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed. ~ Michael Jordan Honoring Black History Month 2025
Amedisys sees hospice growth as DOJ-UnitedHealth Group lawsuit looms
02/28/25 at 03:00 AMAmedisys sees hospice growth as DOJ-UnitedHealth Group lawsuit looms Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 2/27/25 Amedisys Inc. (Nasdaq: AMED) saw hospice revenue growth during the fourth quarter of 2024 despite merger-related costs associated with its pending acquisition by UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH). The company’s hospice business saw net service revenues of $21.29 million during the fourth quarter of 2024, up from $20.6 million year over year. For the full year 2024, net service revenue reached $82.58 million, an increase from $79.8 million in 2023. ... On a consolidated basis, company-wide net service revenue hit $59.8 million in Q4, up from $57 million in the prior year’s period. These results come as Amedisys and UnitedHealth Group are embroiled in a lawsuit by the U.S. Justice Department intended to block their potentially forthcoming acquisition due to antitrust concerns.
New hospice facility to enhance care in Zanesville
02/28/25 at 03:00 AMNew hospice facility to enhance care in Zanesville NBC WHIZ and Fox 5, Zanesville, OH; by Shylin Costello; 2/26/25 A new era of compassionate care is on the horizon as Genesis prepares to build a brand-new hospice care facility on Ashland Avenue in Zanesville. The project comes as the Morrison House, Genesis’ current hospice unit, continues to age. The new facility will enhance hospice care services in the community and provide a more comforting environment for patients and their loved ones. ... “Literally thousands of people have been touched by services at the Morrison House over the last 30 some years. ... Being able to sustain that mission in a new facility is priceless,” CEO of Genesis, Matt Perry said.
Local veterans to be honored at pinning ceremonies
02/28/25 at 03:00 AMLocal veterans to be honored at pinning ceremonies Call & Times, East Providence, RI; by John Baker, Pawtucket Times; 2/26/25 It never gets old for Christine Miller. Whenever she places a commemorative pin on a Vietnam War veteran and sees their reaction to it, it warms her heart, sometimes even bringing her to tears. That’s one of the best parts of her job as Beacon Hospice Care Community Engagement Coordinator, which later filtered into her becoming the president of the Rhode Island Hospice Veterans Partnership, which she herself founded. Miller, a Pawtucket resident, announced recently that, with Vietnam War Veterans Day coming up on Saturday, March 29, she will conduct a few [pinning ceremonies] ... Editor's note: Access to the full article may be limited. Pair this with today's post, National Vietnam War Veterans Day, March 29, 2025.
These Portland-area hospice patients need goods. Do you know how to knit or sew?
02/28/25 at 03:00 AMThese Portland-area hospice patients need goods. Do you know how to knit or sew? Portland Tribune, West Linn, OR; by Hannah Seibold; 2/26/25 Dust off those sewing machines or grab a knitting needle because Positive Charge! PDX is inviting Portland-area folks to help those in hospice. The Stitches for Hospice project calls on Portland metro-area crafters — from beginner to expert — to sew or knit adult clothing protectors (bibs) and catheter bag covers for terminally ill neighbors and folks being served by hospice programs. “As a retired hospice social worker, I’ve seen firsthand over many years how fragile dignity can be in the final months and weeks of a person’s life. I wanted to do something that would enhance that dignity and brought the idea to Positive Charge! PDX. With a history of amplifying kindness with ‘crafting for causes’ projects—they ran with it,” said Maggie Alberton, a donor to the program.
House sets up potential Medicaid cuts with budget bill passage
02/28/25 at 03:00 AMHouse sets up potential Medicaid cuts with budget bill passage Modern Healthcare; by Michael McAliff; 2/25/25 Republicans in the House took the first step Tuesday [2/25] toward steep potential healthcare cuts, passing a budget resolution that aims to trim spending by at least $1.5 trillion while also adding trillions to the debt to fund tax cuts. The House voted 217-215 on nearly party lines to begin what is known as budget reconciliation, passing a budget resolution that instructs committees to come up with cuts or extend tax cuts that largely benefit the wealthy. The bill mandates the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which oversees Medicaid and Medicare, come up with the majority of the savings, and cut $880 billion.
The journey to elite leadership with Mike Harbour
02/28/25 at 03:00 AMThe journey to elite leadership with Mike Harbour Teleios Collaborative Network (TCN); podcast by Chris Comeaux; 2/26/25 In this episode of the Anatomy of Leadership podcast, Chris Comeaux and Mike Harbour explore the themes of leadership, personal growth, and the essence of elite leadership. Mike shares his insights on perseverance, self-mastery, and evaluating experiences to foster growth. They discuss the concept of elite leadership, emphasizing the need for integrity, vision, and empowerment in leadership roles. The conversation culminates in practical advice for aspiring leaders on developing traits contributing to elite leadership. Then, it highlights Mike’s unique upcoming Elite Leadership Summit in Colorado in April, which aims to foster growth and connection among leaders in a unique and picturesque setting. Join us; many leadership pearls of wisdom are packed into this episode.
Hospitals may buckle under 'tsunami' of patients
02/28/25 at 03:00 AMHospitals may buckle under 'tsunami' of patients Modern Healthcare; by Alex Kacik; 2/25/25 Health systems are treating sicker patients, straining already full emergency departments and inpatient units. Many health systems are struggling to keep up with the increasingly complex healthcare needs of an aging population, leading to overcrowded emergency rooms and delays in care. Providers are ramping up strategies to treat patients more efficiently and keep those who aren't as sick out of emergency departments. These strategies are critical as capacity wanes and providers face a potential decline in federal healthcare funding, executives said. Health systems are revamping patient admission and discharge processes; bolstering virtual, home and urgent care offerings; expanding clinician recruitment efforts and adding observation beds. But providers are concerned they won't be able to act quickly enough to meet the growing demand for care.
Palliative care advocates at the World Health Organization Executive Board Meeting
02/28/25 at 03:00 AMPalliative care advocates at the World Health Organization executive board meeting ehospice; by Stephen Connor, Executive Director WHPCA; 2/19/25 The World Health Organization (WHO) is in turmoil with the planned withdrawal of funding and membership from the USA. About 20% of the WHO budget is from the US and withdrawal of all USAID funding is causing serious problems worldwide. Many member states are increasing their dues to WHO to help offset this loss, but these are difficult times for public health. These issues were front and center at the meeting of the WHO Executive Board 3-11 February.
UnitedHealth Group's year of DOJ probes, layoffs and backlash
02/28/25 at 03:00 AMUnitedHealth Group's year of DOJ probes, layoffs and backlash Modern Healthcare; by Lauren Berryman; 2/24/25 UnitedHealth Group has faced an unprecedented past year, navigating events that have tested its finances, operations and reputation. Here is a timeline of key events during the company’s past 12 months. [Click here and scroll down to the timeline with links to Modern Healthcare's articles through the year.]
7 hospital closures in 2025
02/28/25 at 03:00 AM7 hospital closures in 2025 Becker's Hospital CFO Report; by Madeline Ashley; 2/25/25 ... Following a trend of 25 hospital closures reported on by Becker's in 2024, many facilities are being forced to close their doors due to changing community needs, rising operational costs and evolving care models. Becker's has reported on seven hospital and emergency department closures in 2025:
Wishing that your patient would die: Reasons and reactions
02/28/25 at 03:00 AMWishing that your patient would die: Reasons and reactions Psychiatrist.com - Rounds in the General Hospital; by Yelizaveta Sher, MD; Filza Hussain, MD; Benjamin J. Hoover, MD; Matthew Gunther, MD, MA; Daniel O. Fishman, MD; Mira Zein, MD; Jose R. Maldonado, MD; Theodore A. Stern, MD; 2/25/25 Have you ever had a patient suffer so much that you wanted them to die? Have you wondered whether such thoughts and feelings are acceptable? Have you been uncertain about how you could manage your guilt over such thoughts? Have you been unsure about how to best advocate for a patient whose medical care is futile? If you have, the following case vignette and discussion should prove useful. ...
Rob and Karen Hale donate $1 million to NVAN and Hospice to advance hospice care
02/28/25 at 02:10 AMRob and Karen Hale donate $1 million to NVAN and Hospice to advance hospice care The Anchor, Hignahm, MA; by Staff Writer; 2/25/25 Rob and Karen Hale have made a $1 million donation to NVNA and Hospice, furthering their commitment to improving healthcare access on the South Shore. This latest gift, separate from their Fox Rock Foundation’s previous $1 million endowment in 2022, will support hospice care initiatives in two key ways: $500,000 will be added to the endowment, while the remaining $500,000 is unrestricted funding to enhance hospice services. “We believe strongly in patient care access for everyone, and NVNA and Hospice is investing in that priority for hospice services,” said Karen Hale.
National Vietnam War Veterans Day, March 29, 2025
02/28/25 at 02:00 AMNational Vietnam War Veterans Day, March 29, 2025U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; by Crystal Peruski; 2/18/25 The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 designates March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day. The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration honors all Veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces at any time from November 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975, regardless of location. To learn more about the Vietnam War Commemoration, visit 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War Commemoration | Vietnam War Commemoration. Editor's note: Mark your calendars. Engage your volunteers who serve veterans. How might this intersect with your intergenerational employees and volunteers? Note that 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the end of the war. For support specific to hospice and grief care:
Valentine’s Day Raffle results show love in action
02/27/25 at 03:30 AMValentine’s Day Raffle results show love in action myMotherLode.com, Jackson, CA; by Tracey Peterson; 2/25/25 Hospice of Amador and Calaveras took advantage of the Valentine’s Day holiday to raise money to support its mission of compassionate end-of-life care. The non-profit charity held a “Take a Chance on Love” Valentine’s Day raffle and hauled in more than $13,000 due to the generosity of community members and organizations, which has ensured that everyone, regardless of their ability to pay, can access vital hospice services, shared hospice officials. “We are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming support we received for our Valentine’s Day raffle,” said Samantha Lukow, Executive Director. “The funds raised will directly impact our ability to provide free, high-quality end-of-life care to those in need within our community. This remarkable achievement truly reflects the compassionate spirit of Amador and Calaveras counties.”
[UK] Hospices receive multi-million pound boost to improve facilities
02/27/25 at 03:10 AM[England] Hospices receive multi-million pound boost to improve facilities Department of Health and Social Care, United Kingdom; by HM Treasury an Stephen Kinnock MP; 2/26/25Hospices will begin receiving £25 million for facility upgrades and refurbishments from today as part of the biggest investment into hospices in a generation. The cash will be distributed immediately for the 2024/25 financial year, with a further £75 million to follow from April. More than 170 hospices across the country will receive funding, including those run by Marie Curie and Sue Ryder, as well as independent hospices like Zoe’s Place in Liverpool. ... Minister for Care Stephen Kinnock said: "This is the largest investment in a generation to help transform hospice facilities across England. ..."
[UK Hospice Fundraiser] Over 5,000 Christmas trees recycled to help local parks
02/27/25 at 03:10 AM[UK Hospice Fundraiser] Over 5,000 Christmas trees recycled to help local parks Manchester News, United Kingdom; by Manchester City Council; 2/26/25... In partnership with local charity Just Helping, who fundraise for Francis House hospice, the We Love Manchester charity and St Ann’s hospice, we raised £117, 675 for local hospices and charities as well as saved a an estimated 84, 944kg on CO2 emissions. Editor's note: This recycling Christmas trees fundraiser is a popular community engagement fundraiser for many hospices. The work is done mainly by volunteers. Articles we posted this past season include the following: