Literature Review

Iowa River Hospice resident receives Quilt of Valor Times Republican, by Robert Maharry; 4/8/24 Kenny King may have only spent two years in the military after being drafted into the U.S. Army at the height of the Vietnam War, but he’s always recognized the importance of that period in his life since returning to central Iowa. King who spent the vast majority of his life in the Grinnell area, has been living at Iowa River Hospice since late December, and recently, he received a Quilt of Valor recognizing his service from Denise Straits of the Central Iowa Quilt Sew-ciety, who also happens to be an RN at Iowa River Hospice. 

Jefferson CEO lays out Lehigh Valley integration plan Modern Healthcare, by Alex Kacik; 4/9/24 Jefferson Health and Lehigh Valley Health Network will soon take the next steps toward the formation of a $15 billion nonprofit health system. Philadelphia-based Jefferson and Lehigh in December signed a non-binding letter of intent under which Jefferson would merge with Lehigh. The organizations plan to sign a definitive agreement this month, Jefferson CEO Dr. Joseph Cacchione said. 

Insurers’ response to the Change breach failed providers Modern Healthcare, by Chip Kahn and Dr. Bruce Siegel; 4/8/24 ... The Feb. 21 attack on Change Healthcare, a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group’s Optum unit, severed the electronic ties that connect patients, providers and insurance companies. The attack robbed patients of the certainty they could seek and receive care, and it robbed physicians, pharmacists and hospitals of the resources necessary for patient care. ... Overlooked in this crisis, is that insurance companies failed to act decisively and collectively to protect patients and providers. ... Here’s what should have happened immediately when the threat facing patient care became painfully obvious. 

Modern ultrasound tech benefits extend from Alzheimer’s to palliative care McKnights Senior Living, by Aaron Dorman; 4/9/24New research is showing that ultrasound innovations can be ultra-beneficial to seniors across a wide range of applications. ... [A] valuable use of ultrasound tech could be in palliative care. Portable or handheld ultrasound diagnostic tools could allow for more effective treatment options, and reduce the need for costly rehospitalizations. These imaging tools are already available and researchers conducted a narrative study of existing literature that appeared to validate their effectiveness; based on previous findings, new portable ultrasound devices made a difference in 50% of treatment decisions, the researchers found. 

Reminder: April 16 is National Healthcare Decisions Day The Conversation Project, Institute for Healthcare Improvement; ongoing until 4/16/24[Read for] specific ideas and suggestions for ways to implement National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD) activities in your community and at your facility. First and foremost, lead by example…be sure you have thoughtfully considered and made your own healthcare decisions known. Editor's Note: from The Conversation Project's "About Us": "The Conversation Project began 2010, when Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Ellen Goodman and a group of colleagues and concerned media, clergy, and medical professionals gathered to share stories of 'good deaths' and 'hard deaths' within their own circle of loved ones."

Medicine—Both a Science (Care) and an Art (CARE) JAMA Network - Viewpoint; by Theodore J. Strange, MD and Mario R. Castellanos, MD; 4/3/24In the current era, health care is increasingly characterized by the integration of big data, predictive analytics, medical devices, and artificial intelligence. These technological advancements have undoubtedly transformed the landscape of medical care, offering unprecedented precision and efficiency in diagnosis and treatment. Yet, amidst this surge of scientific innovation, the timeless art of medicine (compassion and caring) remains a foundational aspect of patient-centered health care ... The acronym CARE (compassion, assistance, respect, and empathy) encapsulates these enduring values. ... In a world increasingly driven by data and algorithms, these qualities foster a trusting and supportive relationship between health care professionals and patients, thereby enhancing the healing process and enriching the overall health care experience.

‘We’re the telescope looking forward’: Medical ethicists ask tough questions as part of $66 million research project CU Department of Medicine, by Mark Harden; 4/5/24 In the original “Jurassic Park” movie, after the process of bringing dinosaurs back to life is explained to a team of consultants, one of them voices a warning: “Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn’t stop to think if they should.” University of Colorado Department of Medicine faculty members will be asking the “should” question years before there’s an answer to “could.” They’ve joined in a nationwide study of whether tiny, battery-powered electric devices and genetic material, swallowed in capsule form, could one day replace surgery or injections as treatments for metabolic diseases such as diabetes and obesity.

How therapy dogs are bringing comfort to hospice patients in Metro Detroit The Detroit News, by Anne Snabes; 4/7/24 For over two months, hospice patient Virginia Favero has been getting occasional visits from Sam the beagle-mix, providing her with a canine companion. Sam isn't her dog, but he's there to bring her comfort. Sam's owner, Rachel Marshall, typically has the dog sit on a black folding chair, so Favero can reach him from her recliner chair in the Pomeroy Living community in Northville. ... "It really warms her heart when he comes," said Lynn Favero, Virginia Favero's daughter.

I work with dying Trump supporters. It's...confusingDaily Kos, by Scott Janssen; 4/6/24Publisher's note: There weren't a couple sentences to summarize this opinion piece. In our advocacy, we often say "death and hospice are bipartisan". This article challenges us to ethically wrestle with our biases (political or otherwise) to professionally provide excellent end-of-life care.

Hospitals cash in on a private equity-backed trend: Concierge physician care KFF Health News, by Phil Galewitz; 4/1/24 Nonprofit hospitals created largely to serve the poor are adding concierge physician practices, charging patients annual membership fees of $2,000 or more for easier access to their doctors. It’s a trend that began decades ago with physician practices. Thousands of doctors have shifted to the concierge model, in which they can increase their income while decreasing their patient load. ...

Champions play as they practice. Create a consistency of excellence in all your habits. – Mike Krzyzewski Editor's Note: Dedicated to March Madness 2025 teams. Dedicated to the hospice and palliative care organizations who will provide care to your family and friends this next year.

South Dakota State University Nursing School: Hitting the mark where it matters South Dakota State University, "A Message from Dean Krogh," by Mary Anne Krogh; 4/2/24As we welcome the blooming of spring (and the melting of snow), it brings me great joy to reflect on the remarkable achievements and growth within the SDSU College of Nursing. ... One area that fills me with pride is the remarkable expansion we have experienced in the areas of palliative care, rural health and simulation research. These vital areas not only represent the forefront of nursing innovation but also reflect our dedication to addressing critical health care needs in diverse communities. Editor's Note: Congratulations to South Dakota State University School and Dean Krogh! You are hitting the mark for several crucial, timely issues that continue to emerge in the news feeds we receive and distribute to our readers. 

Providence spins off patient portal company Modern Healthcare, by Brock E.W. Turner; 4/2/24 Providence is spinning off a patient portal company from its incubator program, the health system said Tuesday. The Renton, Washington-based Catholic health system Providence is spinning out consumer engagement technology company Praia Health. Praia also received a $20 million Series A funding round as part of the spinoff.