Literature Review
Executive Personnel Changes - 11/22/24
11/22/24 at 03:00 AMExecutive Personnel Changes - 11/22/24
3 clear signs to quickly identify someone with good leadership skills: Good leadership in the business world extends beyond hitting targets, increasing revenue, and achieving status
11/22/24 at 03:00 AM3 clear signs to quickly identify someone with good leadership skills: Good leadership in the business world extends beyond hitting targets, increasing revenue, and achieving status. Inc., by Marcel Schwantes; 11/20/24 If you’ve ever had the chance to work under a good leader, you’ve probably noticed something important: They actually care about their people. They’re not just focused on hitting targets or climbing the ladder themselves—they genuinely care about helping their team succeed, both in their current roles and in their long-term goals. For many leaders, this doesn’t come naturally. It’s tough to balance caring for others when you’re under pressure to deliver results and meet expectations. But here’s the thing: Research—and countless stories from top leaders I have interviewed on my podcast—shows that focusing on your people is a game-changer for the success of your business. It’s not just a feel-good approach; it’s smart strategy. ... When leaders consistently show they care and foster the right environment, the positive ripple effects are undeniable. Let’s talk about three clear signs that will tell you someone is fit for leadership:
Thanksgiving reflections: Gratitude and grieving in hospice care
11/22/24 at 03:00 AMThanksgiving reflections: Gratitude and grieving in hospice care Faith Hope Hospice & Palliative Care, Pasadena, CA; 11/20/24 Thanksgiving is traditionally a time for joy and gratitude, but it can bring mixed emotions for families with a loved one in hospice care. In the diverse communities of Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, and Hollywood, Faith and Hope Hospice provides compassionate guidance on how to balance grief with gratitude, helping families find moments of peace and connection during this reflective time. ... Gratitude can be a healing force, offering comfort to those grappling with loss. In hospice care, where families confront profound challenges, finding space for gratitude can significantly impact emotional and psychological well-being, fostering resilience and a sense of peace.
Nursing homes with more black residents lag in care goal discussions
11/22/24 at 03:00 AMNursing homes with more black residents lag in care goal discussions Medical Xpress; by Columbia University Irving Medical Center; 11/20/24 New research from Columbia University School of Nursing published in the American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine shows that timely goals of care discussions are less likely to take place in nursing homes with a higher percentage of Black residents. These discussions are crucial to ensuring that nursing home residents receive care that aligns with their wishes, postdoctoral research fellow Jung A. "Chloe" Kang, Ph.D. '24, Professor Patricia Stone, Ph.D., and their colleagues note in the report, published online September 15, 2024. But these conversations are often delayed until patients experience life-threatening events, the authors add, which can lead to unwanted therapies and unnecessary hospitalizations. ...
Generations of legacy: The Meyer family returns for 21st Annual Hospice Golf Tournament
11/22/24 at 03:00 AMGenerations of legacy: The Meyer family returns for 21st Annual Hospice Golf Tournament Advent Health Palm Coast; by Michelle Bartlome; 11/21/24 The 21st annual Stuart F. Meyer Hospice House golf tournament on Oct. 23 was a celebration of community support and a touching tribute to the enduring legacy of Stuart F. Meyer. Among the 144 players was one of Meyer’s grandsons, Bryan Ashley, 34, of Fenton, Missouri. He, along with his cousins and brother-in-law, represented his family and honored his grandfather’s memory at the event. ... Stuart F. Meyer, former president of the St. Louis Cardinals and Flagler County resident, spent his final days in the compassionate care of hospice. In his memory, his family supported the construction of a hospice house on the AdventHealth Palm Coast campus more than two decades ago. ... This year’s Stuart F. Meyer Hospice House Golf Tournament raised $56,000, with 36 golf teams signed up.
Empassion achieves $34 million in savings in novel Medicare program serving high needs patients
11/22/24 at 03:00 AMEmpassion achieves $34 million in savings in novel Medicare program serving high needs patients Globe Newswire, New York City; 11/21/24 Empassion Health, Inc., the nation’s largest managed care provider of high-quality end-of-life care for adults living with serious illness so that they can have more good days, today reported near-record results for four Medicare Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) serving Original Medicare lives in 35 states. Specifically, Empassion achieved total gross savings of $34.1m in the High Needs Population Track of ACO REACH for Performance Year 2023 while managing a record number of lives – nearly 9,000 across 35 states – in total cost-of care arrangements. This includes a 50-percent reduction of unnecessary hospital stays. Empassion also earned the highest quality scores for provider communication and care coordination. “While we are enormously proud of the $34 million in Medicare savings, more important is that Empassion provided high-quality end-of-life care for adults living with serious illness so that they had more good days,” said Robin Heffernan, the CEO of Empassion. “These outcomes are specific to Empassion and its unique model. ..."
Rise in pancreatic cancer tied to better detection, study suggests
11/22/24 at 03:00 AMRise in pancreatic cancer tied to better detection, study suggests Becker's Hospital Review; by Elizabeth Gregerson; 11/19/24 The rise in pancreatic cancer diagnoses can be attributed to previously undetected disease and not a rise in cancer occurrence, according to a study published Nov. 19 in the Annals of Internal Medicine. Researchers from Boston-based Brigham and Woman's Hospital and Austin, Texas-based Dell Medical School analyzed U.S. Cancer Statistics and National Vital Statistics System data of adults aged 15-39 from between 2001 and 2019 for the study. Here are five notes from their findings:
This New York Times bestselling author cracked the code on transformative leadership
11/22/24 at 03:00 AMThis New York Times bestselling author cracked the code on transformative leadership Forbes Talks; by Brittany Lewis with Keith Ferrazzi; 11/19/24 Keith Ferrazzi and Forbes reporter Brittany Lewis discuss his new book Never Lead Alone: 10 Shifts from Leadership to Teamship on 'Forbes Talks.' Keith Ferrazzi, a #1 New York Times Bestselling Author of Never Eat Alone, Leading Without Authority, Competing in the New World of Work, and his newest book, Never Lead Alone: 10 Shifts from Leadership to Teamship. Keith is an acclaimed global executive team coach, who stands at the forefront of transformative leadership having coached the transformation of Fortune 500 corporations, the World Bank, fast growth Unicorns and even governments of entire countries. The founder of Ferrazzi Greenlight, Keith spearheads behavioral shifts in leadership and high impact teams, empowering organizations to thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of business. Keith's research can be found in prestigious publications including Harvard Business Review, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, Fortune, Fast Company, and Inc. Magazine, where his columns serve as valuable insights for business leaders.
Today's Encouragement: We must find time to stop and thank the people who ...
11/22/24 at 03:00 AMWe must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives. ~ John F. Kennedy Editor's note: Today marks the 61st anniversary of his death, November 22, 1963. As we know too well in our end-of-life roles, death's timing often does not give us time to voice what matters most to those persons who matter most. May we all "find time to stop and thank" persons who "make a difference in our lives"--whether over the course of a lifetime or in a simple spontaneous moment.
YoloCares: The case for independence
11/22/24 at 03:00 AMYoloCares: The case for independenceThe Davis Enterprise; by Craig Dresang; 11/17/24I recently received an email from an individual in Temple Terrace, Fla., informing me that two Northern California nonprofit hospices — with close historical ties to YoloCares — have decided, via affiliation, to turn their keys over to a Florida-based health system that has had no previous presence in California.Publisher's note: Craig Dresang, CEO of YoloCares, goes on to discuss questions and concerns with Chapters Health System's (Tampa, FL) acquisition of Hospice of East Bay (Pleasant Hill, CA), Hospice of Santa Cruz County (Scotts Valley, CA), Nathan Adelson Hospice (Las Vegas, NV), and Willamette Vital Health (Salem, OR). The original story - Chapters Health System launches new Chapters Health West Division - was announced 10/30/24.
The work of hospicing
11/22/24 at 03:00 AMThe work of hospicing Stanford Social Innovation Review; by Vanessa Andreotti and Habib Nabatu; Winter 2025 issue, 11/20/24As we stand at the precipice of endings—of species, ecosystems, organizations, and systems themselves—the work of hospicing is to move beyond fear and embrace the deep transitions ahead with wisdom. To be stewards of this time, we must develop the practices and capacities to tend to these endings, not with urgency or control, but with a kind of stillness that invites the birth of new ways of being. Endings are not failures; they are part of a cycle that requires presence, reverence, and humility. Our hyperfocus on growth and expansion has left us ill-prepared to sit with death—whether it be the death of industries or the biosphere—and this discomfort with grief prevents us from being fully alive in the present. How might we allow the crumbling of outdated structures without rushing to rebuild too quickly? How might we hold space for what is irreversibly changing, without rushing to save or fix it? ...
Hospice a cornerstone of New Day’s 3-pronged growth strategy
11/22/24 at 03:00 AMHospice a cornerstone of New Day’s 3-pronged growth strategy Hospice News; Holly Vossel; 11/20/24 New Day Healthcare LLC is prioritizing hospice growth in its strategic plans as the home-based care company focuses on improving quality for patients across the care continuum. Texas-based New Day launched in 2020 by a group of former hospice and home health professionals. The organization offers hospice, home health and personal care through several brands. New Day’s three-pronged merger and acquisition approach hinges on culture, quality and clinical excellence, according to CEO and Founder G. Scott Herman. Quality is perhaps the most important driver in a transaction consideration, Herman stated. ... To date, New Day has integrated 11 acquisitions into its pipeline, four of which have involved hospice assets.
A guiding light: hospice care social workers provide support for dealing with the idea of death
11/22/24 at 02:00 AMA guiding light: hospice care social workers provide support for dealing with the idea of death Scot Scoop - Carlmont High School's Student News Site; by Rei Baxter; 11/20/24 Death is a natural part of life, yet it is also terrifying. Being young and dying is especially difficult to accept. Regina Tong, a hospice social worker, has to deal with difficult cases. "The hardest parts for me are the young patients, like the moms with children, or younger people who are just not ready to die, but they get this terminal illness, and their parents are grieving. Those are really hard for me,” Tong said. ... Before starting in hospice, Tong worked in nursing homes and palliative care patients, who are people that aren’t quite hospice level but have chronic illnesses. However, when her mom died, she realized that she needed to stretch her boundaries and learn more about something she was uncomfortable with: death. “That’s why I’m here. The more I work in hospice, the more I realize how important inner peace is. I see a lot of patients who are at the end of their lives, and they really struggle with the idea of death, even though it’s a natural process of everything that has a life. So people who resisted end up suffering so much towards the end,” Tong said. Tong’s work doesn’t just help her patients and their families; it helps her connect more with herself. ...Editor's note: Rei Baxter--this article's author--is a high school senior. This beautiful article gifts us with a prelude into Thanksgiving week, as we gather with intergenerational families and tune into what matters most.
Walking pneumonia is booming − and targeting the young and the poor
11/21/24 at 03:10 AMWalking pneumonia is booming − and targeting the young and the poor USA Today, Arlington, VA; by John Bacon; 11/20/24 Infections of the bacteria that cause walking pneumonia, a lesser evil of the more serious illness of pneumonia, is seeing a dramatic jump after a lengthy decline that came with the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, health officials say. Most alarming is the sharp increase in children infected with the disease. And, as with COVID-19, the impact of the disease can hit low-income Americans the hardest. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said infections from the bacteria that can cause walking pneumonia are common: An estimated 2 million infections occur each year in the United States. However, the true number isn't known, in part because so many people get it without seeking medical help and in part because there is no nationwide reporting system. The infections dropped off during the COVID pandemic but are now booming. Hospital emergency department discharge data from April to October showed an increase in infections of the bacteria among all age groups, according to the CDC.
Is your doctor using ‘never words’ that make you feel worse?
11/21/24 at 03:00 AMIs your doctor using ‘never words’ that make you feel worse? Everyday Health; by Lisa Rapaport; 11/19/24 Words matter — especially when it comes to how doctors speak to patients and families facing a scary medical diagnosis. That’s because the exact words doctors use to explain complex health situations can make or break whether people feel heard and respected during appointments — and influence whether they follow doctors’ orders afterwards, according to a new survey published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings. Key Takeaways:
Agrace closing in-patient care unit in Janesville
11/21/24 at 03:00 AMAgrace closing in-patient care unit in Janesville WCLO, Janesville, WI; by wclonews; 11/19/24 Agrace is no longer accepting patients at its 12-bed hospice care facility on Wright Road in Janesville. After a tough 10 months struggling to recruit enough staff, Agrace made the difficult decision to temporarily close its in-patient hospice care unit in Janesville for an extended period of time. Assistant Vice President of Marketing and Communications Liz Kopling says Agrace is working to find long term solutions to meet Janesville and the Rock County community’s needs. Kopling says Agrace will continue to provide hospice care to nearly 200 Rock County patients in their homes. The closing also won’t affect administrative operations at its Janesville office, or the thrift store on Humes Road.
Simmons Nursing and Dix Scholar Alum offers palliative care to Navajo nation
11/21/24 at 03:00 AMSimmons Nursing and Dix Scholar Alum offers palliative care to Navajo nation Simmons University, Boston, MA; 11/20/24 Susan Perron ’18 came to Simmons as an adult student, pursuing her second bachelor’s degree. “I wanted a job that used both practical and critical thinking skills,” says Perron. “I wanted to do something helpful to humanity.” ... “I was a COVID-19 nurse throughout the pandemic, and it burned me out,” she recalls. “If you’re a good nurse, you take time to self-reflect. ... Perron took the opportunity and moved to the Hopi Reservation in Northeastern Arizona. Providing ambulatory care to people on the reservation meant that Perron could work in a clinic and take a break from twelve-hour shifts. That said, the year on the Hopi Reservation presented her with challenges. “I had to drive two hours to Flagstaff to get groceries. We would lose power often, and the water was often shut off for maintenance." ... Perron emphasizes that understanding the Navajo belief system is integral to this kind of work. In addition to Dr. Mohs, Perron works closely with her colleague and mentor, Ida Bradley (Navajo) a nurse who specializes in medical terminology in the Navajo language and has extensive experience with end of life care within the Navajo culture.
Today's Encouragement: Great ideas need ...
11/21/24 at 03:00 AMGreat ideas need landing gear as well as wings. ~ C.D. Jackson
Family caregivers deserve to be a valued part of the healthcare continuum
11/21/24 at 03:00 AMFamily caregivers deserve to be a valued part of the healthcare continuum MedCity News; by Cara McCarty Abbott; 11/20/24 Family caregivers are a critical part of the healthcare system. Not only are they part of America’s safety net, but they are also critical partners to hospice providers when caring for loved ones with serious illnesses or at end of life. With 53 million U.S. caregivers actively involved in healthcare decisions for their loved ones, enhancing support for these caregivers can contribute to patient clinical outcomes and improve a sense of well-being among families facing a difficult experience. ... When caregivers aren’t supported, it’s not only the people who suffer; it’s also the organizations that they most interact with during the caregiving process. ... Hospice providers cannot turn this tide alone. This complex, systemic issue requires a comprehensive approach. ...
The Alliance applauds Gerald’s Law passing through Congress
11/21/24 at 03:00 AMThe Alliance applauds Gerald’s Law passing through Congress National Alliance for Care at Home (the Alliance; formerly NAHC and NHPCO); Press Release; 11/19/24 The National Alliance for Care at Home (the Alliance) celebrates the historic passage of H.R. 8371, the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act in the U.S. House of Representatives last night with a bipartisan vote of 389-9. This landmark legislation includes Section 301, Gerald’s Law, which addresses a critical gap in benefits impacting seriously-ill veterans and their families receiving hospice care. The story of Gerald “Jerry” Elliott, a U.S. Army veteran, underscores the importance of this legislative achievement. Diagnosed with cancer, Jerry was admitted to his local Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital in 2019 before transitioning to VA hospice care at home to be surrounded by his family. After his passing, his family discovered they were ineligible for full burial and funeral financial support because Jerry died outside of a VA facility.
Pontiac hospital to lay off most of its staff as feds pull Medicare reimbursement
11/21/24 at 03:00 AMPontiac hospital to lay off most of its staff as feds pull Medicare reimbursement Modern Healthcare; by Dustin Walsh; 11/19/24 Pontiac General Hospital plans to lay off most of its staff as CMS is cutting the troubled hospital from Medicare funding. The Pontiac, Michigan-based hospital is laying off 186 employees, including 94 mental health technicians, on Nov. 29. Another 62 employees, including 13 nurses, will be laid off Dec. 6 and Dec. 20, according to a WARN notice.
CMS issues ‘significant’ survey changes for 2025 [long-term care]
11/21/24 at 03:00 AMBREAKING: CMS issues ‘significant’ survey changes for 2025 [long-term care] McKnights Long-Term Care News; by Kimberly Marselas; 11/19/24 The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on Monday issued “significant revisions” to its long-term care surveyor guidance, with changes affecting everything from admission and discharge standards to the use of psychotropic medications and newly adopted infection prevention practices. CMS released an advance copy of the 900-page document online, including new critical element pathways, to give providers and surveyors time to adjust to the new requirements before they go into effect Feb. 24, 2025. A significant portion of the changes is related to chemical restraints and unnecessary psychotropic medication.
Unlocking leadership potential: How stretch assignments drive diversity and growth in healthcare
11/21/24 at 03:00 AMUnlocking leadership potential: How stretch assignments drive diversity and growth in healthcare American College of Healthcare Executives; by Britany McElry, FACHE, and Jordan Roloff; 11/20/24 In the dynamic world of healthcare, nurturing internal talent for leadership roles isn't just a smart strategy—it's essential for the ongoing success and growth of organizations. As we tackle complex challenges and strive for excellence in patient care, it's clear that the leaders of tomorrow are already among us. ... At Mayo Clinic, we've launched two groundbreaking programs to foster internal talent: the Stretch Assignment Program and Mayo Clinic Rising. ... The Stretch Assignment Program, spearheaded by the eMERGing Leaders Mayo Employee Resource Group, features a blinded application process open to all staff seeking growth and professional development. It offers projects in areas like quality improvement, time management, project management, financial analysis, change management, networking and public speaking that are submitted by leaders needing assistance on key projects. ... The program has already shown impressive results, with 20 participants across Arizona and Northwest Wisconsin, nine of whom have been promoted since participation—a 45% promotion rate.
Facing terminal cancer, former flight attendant granted final wish to fly one last time
11/21/24 at 03:00 AMFacing terminal cancer, former flight attendant granted final wish to fly one last time CBS News 13, Sacramento, CA; by Ashley Sharp; 11/19/24 A special last wish was granted for a Calaveras County hospice patient facing a daunting diagnosis. Janet McAnnally, 79, was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer which spread to her spine. She knows she doesn't have long, but that did not stop the former flight attendant from taking to the skies one last time. ... McAnnally is now in the care of Hospice of Amador and Calaveras, ... Turning the page back to 1971, McAnnally was a flight attendant for seven years for Trans World Airlines, based in Chicago. ... The hospice center, under its Last Wish Program, reached out to local United Airlines pilot Rob Davids to help fulfill McAnnally's wish for one final flight high above Calaveras County. "I just felt lucky to be part of it and give her that chance," Davids said. "I just appreciate every flight like it's the last." At 79, for the first time, McAnnally even got to pilot the plane herself during their hour-long flight. ...
Official collaboration between IAHPC and INCB
11/21/24 at 03:00 AMOfficial collaboration between IAHPC and INCB ehospice; 11/19/24 The International Association for Hospice and Palliative Care (IAHPC) is pleased to announce that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB). The purpose of the MoU is “to provide a framework of cooperation and understanding and to facilitate collaboration to further their shared goals and objectives in regard to improving the availability of internationally controlled substances for medical and scientific purposes.” ... The objectives laid out in the MOU include among others, the exchange of research, data, and analysis on an annual basis on controlled medicines and the exploration of possible solutions such as joint activities to make such information available to the international community. These objectives will be achieved through regular dialogues between INCB and the IAHPC.