Literature Review

An interview with Clinical Psychologist (retired) Johanne de Montigny, M.A.Ps. ehospice; interview between Dr. Stefanie Gingras and Johnne de Montigny; 2/14/25 Ahead of her February 19, 2025 lecture entitled “What I’ve learned about accompaniment, death and bereavement: 29 years of psychological services at the heart of an MUHC care team (1986-2015)”, part of the McGill National Grand Rounds programme, Johanne de Montigny shared her thoughts with Program Director and palliative care physician Dr. Stéfanie Gingras.Dr. Stéfanie Gingras (SG): How did you first become interested in the field of palliative care?Johanne de Montigny (JdM): It was a very profound and sudden experience where I almost died that guided me in this choice. I survived a plane crash, in which 17 people (out of 24) died. After this event, I asked myself what I was going to do with my life. For me, that meant choosing a profession that would be meaningful. After returning to school to study psychology, I chose to become a palliative care psychologist. After being confronted with sudden death, I wanted to understand how people reacted when they learned that they were going to die, that they still had time, and how to live with it. ... In those moments, I remembered that before I died – because I thought I was going to die – the young flight attendant who, in the space of a minute before the crash, had managed to help us contain the shock and give us some hope. She told us, “Whatever happens, we’re together and we’re going to get through this together.” That one relational minute made all the difference. It enabled us, I believe, to survive psychically before dying physically. She was my first carer just before she died. ... As for the family, what was most striking for me was the realization that the end of life is a time of unparalleled intimacy. Editor's note: This rich life-reflection provides powerful insights in light of many recent plane tragedies.

The intersection of medicine and humanity in palliative care Michigan Technology News; Guest Column; 2/19/25 Palliative care stands as a testament to the intricate balance between medical science and human compassion. ...  The human side of palliative care is as vital as its clinical aspect. Patients in palliative care are not just medical cases; they are individuals with personal histories, emotions, and relationships that require acknowledgment and respect. ... This approach necessitates a deep level of empathy and an understanding that every patient’s journey is unique. ...

Harbor Foundation expands mission with support for Southeast Texas students The Examiner, Beaumont, TX; by Barbara Davis; 2/18/25 Hope from heartache: For nearly two decades, the Harbor Foundation has been operating as a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals in hospice care, as well as the patients’ families. ... In 2024, the foundation’s efforts grew to include educational support, awarding $20,000 in scholarships to area seniors. As a result of donations and fundraising success, the Harbor Foundation reported that it will award 25 $1,000 scholarships to Southeast Texas seniors this year. This one-time $1,000 award is granted to graduating high school seniors who have lost a parent. Recognizing the financial challenges that accompany such a loss, the foundation aims to alleviate some of the burdens associated with pursuing higher education. ...Editor's note: These significant "one-time" awards for high school seniors who have lost a parent can provide life-changing opportunities of support at a most critical time for these teens. Consider how your hospice--or another nonprofit--might replicate this innovative, meaningful program.

As hospitalists’ role grows, so do the ethical dilemmas Medscape; by Donavyn Coffey; 2/17/25 Margot Eves, JD, clinical ethicist for Cleveland Clinic, was called in for an emergency consult: A man in his early 50s was asking doctors to take him off the ventilator. Just 24 hours before, the man with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) okayed the life-saving treatment. The hospitalist over his care expected him to come off the ventilator in a few days, but 24 hours was too soon. He wouldn’t survive. With head nods and in writing the patient signaled that he was fully aware — he understood this would end his life. Eves was called in to help weigh the options: Honor the patient’s wishes or help him survive. These kinds of ethical dilemmas have become common to the burgeoning hospitalist profession. ....

Still Waters Hospice hosts "Sweet Treats Celebration" for Valentine’s Day ABC KLAX 31, Alexandria, LA; by Sarah Drell; 2/17/25Still Waters Hospice in Alexandria, Louisiana, hosted a "Sweet Treats Celebration" on Valentine’s Day, bringing joy to patients and their families. ... Sarah Zito, Owner, Nurse Practitioner, and Administrator of Still Waters explained why they hosted this lovely event. “We wanted to put this on today because not everyone's Valentine's Day looks the same. And we have a lot of people in our community that are celebrating their first Valentine's Day without their loved ones. And we have a roomful of people and that situation. And so we wanted to take this opportunity and show them that they are still love and we value them and we grieve with them.” ... The "Sweet Treats Celebration" was more than just an event; it served as a testament to the hospice’s dedication to holistic care. 

8 emerging trends that will shape recruiting in 2025 ERE Media; by Caitlyn McDonough and Jamie Kohn; 2/18/25 In 2025, CEOs have set their sights on driving growth through transformation. At the same time, organizations are struggling with efficiency pressures, sustained talent shortages, and an unpredictable regulatory landscape. ...  In the context of all these challenges, we’ve identified eight key trends that will influence talent acquisition strategies in 2025.

Influenza vaccination cuts deaths by up to four times Medscape Medical News; by Olga Fernandez Castro; 2/17/25 Influenza vaccination significantly reduces flu-related morbidity and mortality across all age groups, according to a large-scale Spanish study analyzing data from more than 38 countries and 6.5 million patients. ... The analysis confirms that vaccination against the influenza A (H1N1) virus and the influenza B virus (IBV) effectively reduces infection rates and flu-related complications in children aged under 5 years, individuals aged 5-65 years, and older adults aged over 65 years. However, protection against influenza A (H3N2) virus appears lower in older adults, despite being effective in younger children. Editor's note: Click here for the Centers for Disease & Prevention Control (CDC) "Weekly Influenza Surveillance Preport," with a map for flu activity levels for each state and drilled down to counties. Click on the "CBSA" button to change from the state view to the counties' view and downloadable data. 

20 high-performing healthcare website designs that get results Just Digital; by Just Digital Team; 2/17/25 As healthcare becomes more digital, a well-crafted healthcare website design is essential for serving patients, sharing information, and building trust. It’s often the first point of contact, making usability, clarity, and accessibility non-negotiable. ... The majority of visitors to healthcare websites are searching for information. As a result, these healthcare website designs must be appealing to the eye, user-friendly, and simple to navigate. Our team at Just Digital compiled a list of some of the best healthcare website design inspirations online. [Click on the title's link for website examples and descriptions of design elements "that get results."]

17 coaches on how to address leadership blind spots Forbes; by Expert Panel - Forbes Coaches Council; 2/12/25 ... Here, 17 Forbes Coaches Council members discuss leadership blind spots they encounter in their work with leadership clients and strategies for addressing them. Their insights below provide tools for becoming a more self-aware, adaptive and effective leader.

 St. Francis Hospice hosts Sweetheart Lunch for those grieving lost partners Fox 23 News, Tulsa, OK; 2/14/25 St. Francis Hospice in partnership with Moore Fitzgerald Funeral Service hosted their Sweetheart Lunch to help those grieving a lost partner or spouse on Valentine's Day. "We're having a Valentine's Day party—we call it Sweetheart Lunch—for people that have lost a loved one during the past year, most often a spouse," explained Joseph Moore, the owner of Moore Fitzgerald Funeral Service. "Valentine's Day is such a difficult time for people that have recently lost a spouse. There are so many memories associated with Valentine's Day and so forth. We just want to provide a place where they'll feel loved and not alone today." Charlie Dodd, a bereavement coordinator with St. Francis Hospice, said events like this give people a sense of community during a difficult time.

YoloCares: Breaking barriers in medicine, advancing DEI The Davis Enterprise; by Craig Dresang, Special to The Enterprise; 2/15/25 She is unassuming. She is a powerhouse. Her broad blissful smile can be disarming, but make no mistake, Jackie Clark RN, MBA, is a force of nature who knows how to get things done and how to lift people up in the process. The woman who California appointed as its first CEO for Correctional Healthcare Services, and now serves as the Board Chair for YoloCares, has some insight about the emerging challenges facing both healthcare and the country. Before her recent retirement, Clark oversaw the care of approximately 5,000 incarcerated patients annually, including one of the only hospice facilities in the country for incarcerated individuals. Clark expanded hospice care and developed a program for patients with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Recognizing the emotional impacts that an inmate’s death can have in the prison community, she also expanded an existing peer support training program to include preparing volunteers to aid hospice patients. ... Over time, Clark completely transformed the quality and delivery of healthcare in all of California’s 34 correctional facilities. ...

5,200 job cuts at HHS: What to know Becker's Hospital Review; by Madeline Ashley; 2/14/25 The Trump administration on Feb. 13 ordered HHS to lay off "nearly all" of its 5,200 probationary employees, The Associated Press reported Feb. 14. In a National Institutes of Health department meeting recording obtained by the AP, an NIH office director said some probationary employees with specialized skills might be retained. Affected employees were notified via email on the afternoon of Feb. 13. Many probationary employees are people who have worked for the federal government for about one to two years, before gaining civil service protections. Some probationary employees are veteran staffers who may have been recently promoted, according to the AP.

Hearts for Hospice showers patients with love Davidson Local, Davidson County, NC; 2/14/25 As people prepare to shower each other with love each Valentine's Day, the annual Hearts for Hospice provides comforting packages to more than 350 patients and families. Staff says that the community initiative is a highly regarded event at [Hospice of Davidson County] HODC, eagerly anticipated by volunteers and staff each year. This Valentine-themed event begins with contributions of sweet treats, stuffed animal items, and personal care items donated by individuals, civic groups, and the business community. Following the drop-offs, a team assembles Valentine-themed goodie bags filled with delightful treats. These lovingly prepared gifts are then delivered to participating patients throughout the service area on Valentine’s Day, creating an opportunity to spread joy, warmth and affection.