Literature Review

The art Of asking: How effective questioning transforms leadershipForbes; by Keli Frazier-Cox; 8/29/24As a leader, it can be tempting to fall into the trap of thinking you have all the answers. After all, successful problem-solving and making quick decisions were a big part of getting to where you are in the first place—right? But that’s not the whole story. Seeking input from people around you is important no matter what your position. This is especially true as we rise in seniority and the problems we face become more complex. Asking questions is a crucial but often overlooked leadership skill that moves us into a space of co-creation—finding the best solution, not just your solution. Engaging your teams, peers and other colleagues builds trust, loyalty and enthusiasm, helping guide everyone toward mutual success.

Indoor hospice concert attracts nearly 2,000 people at fieldhouse The Republic, Columbus, IN; by Brian Blair; 9/1/24 The Indianapolis-based Woomblies Rock Orchestra led off with The Who’s classic “Love Reign O’er Me” before an audience estimated at nearly 2,000 people at Circle K Fieldhouse at NexusPark at 2224 25th St. in Columbus. ... Stephanie Cain, Our Hospice of South Central Indiana president, looked at the latest crowd halfway through the night of three pop-rock acts and smiled. “I feel like my heart is totally overflowing,” she said. Others felt the same vibe. Attendee Sheila Coy knows hospice’s work, currently with nearly 300 patients with life-limiting illnesses, firsthand.

Patients are everyday heroes The Andalusia Star News, Andalusia, AL; by Vickie C. Waster; 9/2/24 One of my favorite songs is by Mariah Carey. The communication of the chorus speaks to what we in hospice and other areas of healthcare experience every day. This song always invokes empathy in my heart, and I believe many of you can truly resonate with the lyrics, as we share a common experience in our roles in healthcare. ... The heroes we encounter are our patients, families, and their caregivers. They show heroism in their resilience, their ability to find hope in difficult circumstances, and their unwavering support for each other. As hospice professionals, we acknowledge that we are entrusted to provide medical, spiritual, and emotional support to those in our care. We do this with a deep sense of humility and humbleness, always mindful of the respect our heroes deserve.  “A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure despite overwhelming obstacles.” Christopher Reeve

BrightSpring Health Services announces definitive agreement to acquire Haven Hospice, expanding hospice services into Florida Business Insider, Louisville, KY; by Globe Newswire Press Release; 9/3/24BrightSpring Health Service ... announced that it completed the acquisition of the assets of North Central Florida Hospice, Inc. and Haven Medical Group, LLC (collectively “Haven Hospice”), a Florida-based company holding a Certificate of Need (CON) for comprehensive hospice care services in 18 counties in north central Florida, effective September 1, 2024. “We are excited to welcome Haven Hospice into BrightSpring, expanding our existing hospice services into the CON state of Florida,” said BrightSpring’s President and CEO Jon Rousseau.  

Healthcare faces deficit of 100,000 workers by 2028Becker's Hospital Review; by Molly Gamble; 8/29/24A nationwide shortage of 100,000 healthcare workers is anticipated by 2028, with some states facing projected surpluses or severe deficits between future supply and demand. The finding comes from Mercer, which examined projected changes to the U.S. healthcare labor market by 2028 for states and metro and micro statistical areas. If current U.S. workforce trends continue, the healthcare workforce is projected to reach 18.6 million by 2028, an increase of over 1.5 million from 2023. However, with demand expected to rise to 18.7 million, this still leaves a shortfall of more than 100,000 workers within five years. While this gap may not seem critical in absolute terms, it adds significant strain to a healthcare system already burdened by geographic and demographic disparities in access to care.Publisher's note: This finding is particularly important for hospices already facing workforce shortages and challenges finding staff committed to the hospice philosophy of care.

I discovered my calling in a cemetery. We talk about death but aren't preparedNewsweek; by Allyse Worland; 8/29/24My journey as a funeral director started early. My Catholic grade school shared a street with a cemetery in my small rural Indiana hometown. At recess, I'd often see funeral processions drive by, only at the time I thought it was a parade. It wasn't until my teachers explained it to me that I realized it was, in fact, a funeral procession. At that moment I knew I wanted to lead that parade... Death and grief are no different. A recent first-of-its-kind survey from the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) sought to uncover generational differences relating to end-of-life matters, especially as Gen Z comes of age and enters early adulthood. The survey found that while cremation is still a top preference for Baby Boomers, Gen X, and Millennials, Gen Z stands alone with traditional burial as their top preference, bucking decades of preferences trending toward cremation... As a millennial who is fifteen years into my career as a funeral director, I am inspired by this next generation, not only by their willingness to approach death differently, but also as they redefine work and success. I think both these generational characteristics make many Gen Zs ideal candidates for a job path they may have never even considered: funeral director.

Hospital to hold focus groups after Facebook controversyBecker's Health IT; by Giles Bruce; 8/29/24An Idaho hospital plans to host focus groups after a Facebook post received a flood of negative comments about its emergency care. Local resident Cassidy Chun posted Aug. 13 on Facebook about her grandfather's emergency department experience at Rexburg, Idaho-based Madison Memorial Hospital, where she said he had to wait hours to see a physician after crushing his hands in an accident and deal with apathetic staff along the way. Her post on the Life in Rexburg Facebook group received more than 200 comments, many of them echoing similar problems with the hospital's ED.Publisher's note: How does your hospice track social media comments? How do you respond?

Bringing palliative care into the light to better serve patientsHospice News; by Jim Parker; 8/30/24For many medical providers across the country, palliative care services can be an unknown option for several patients and their families. A few reasons for that are a lack of awareness surrounding the benefits of palliative care, as well as the misconceptions about what this type of care offers for patients. As such, the model can go underutilized for those who could benefit from it the most. Cathy Wozniak is the executive director of Hospice & Palliative Care of Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts (HPCMV). Alongside the organization’s medical director, Dr. Lisa Vieira, she shared recent statistics, showcasing just how imperative palliative care options can be for many Americans.

TRU PACE removes barriers for older adults wanting to age in place and avoid nursing homes[CO] My Prime Time News; 8/29/24September is National PACE Month—an opportunity to celebrate PACE (the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly). PACE is an innovative care model that allows older adults over age 55 with long-term care needs to live independently in their communities for as long as possible... TRU PACE provides a better quality of life with dedicated caregivers, transportation, homecare, full medical care, rehabilitation, medication, medical equipment, mental health support, meals, and opportunities for socialization at the day center. The PACE Center serves as the central hub of all services, including scheduling and transportation to and from all appointments. In PACE networks there is never a co-pay, deductible or coverage gap so you can access the care, services and medications you need. PACE’s comprehensive services and interdisciplinary team can be an invaluable solution for the older adult and their caregivers who are balancing the needs of family and work.

Hoffmann Hospice to host Grief Support Camp for Children of first responders KGET Bakersfield, California; by Jaspreet Multani; 8/29/24 Hoffmann Hospice will host its second annual free grief support camp for children and teens of first responders on Saturday, Sept 14, 2024. The event called “A Heart for Hero’s Art Camp,” provides a safe space for young people grieving the loss of a loved one such as a parent, sibling, or grandparent. ...  Led by experienced grief counselors, the camp offers therapeutic activities and support to help children express their grief in a nurturing environment. ... “We have a huge heart for kids, especially those who put themselves on the line for us every day,” said Ryan D’ Amato of Hoffmann Hospice.Editor's Note: While many hospices provide excellent grief camps for children and teens, this one stands out for tending the unique experiences for families of first responders. Many of these deaths will have been sudden and tragic--without hospice care--and often more complex to grasp and grieve. Hoffman Hospice's website indicates support for other non-hospice deaths: Miscarriage, Still Birth or Sudden Loss; Suicide. Bravo and thank you to Hoffman Hospice and other hospices who utilize your grief services to support your larger communities through often-disenfranchised deaths and grief.

In case you missed it: Labor Day Special Edition Hospice & Palliative Care Today; Joy Berger; 9/2/24  Instead of typical business articles, we posted favorite "Today's Encouragement" quotes. Click here, in case you missed it. 

1,100 Providence hospital workers end strike: 7 things to knowBecker's Hospital Review; by Kelly Gooch; 8/29/24About 1,100 SEIU Healthcare 1199NW-represented workers have ended their weeklong strike at Richland, Wash.-based Kadlec Regional Medical Center and its Kennewick ER, as contract negotiations continue. [Click on article link above for] seven things to know about the strike and negotiations.Publisher's note: We're including this story because 1) about half of palliative care is provided in hospital settings, 2) hospital referrals are important for hospices, and 3) changes in hospital workforce may be opportunities for hospital-based palliative care and community-based hospice providers.