Literature Review
Referral criteria for specialist palliative care for patients with dementia
05/31/25 at 03:00 AMReferral criteria for specialist palliative care for patients with dementiaJAMA Network Open; Yuchieh Kathryn Chang, DO; Jennifer Philip, PhD, MMed, MBBS; Jenny T. van der Steen, PhD; Lieve Van den Block, PhD, MSc; Allyn Yin Mei Hum, MD; Pedro E. Pérez-Cruz, MD, MPH; Carlos Paiva, MD, PhD; Masanori Mori, MD; Ping-Jen Chen, MD; Meera R. Agar, PhD, MPC, MBBS; Laura Hanson, MD, MPH; Catherine J. Evans, PhD, MSc, BSc; David Hui, MD, MSc; 5/25Dementia is an ever-growing public health issue with currently more than 55 million people worldwide living with this disease. Due to an aging global population, this number is projected to triple by 2050. As the number of people with dementia continues to grow worldwide, there is a need and an opportunity to collaborate and provide seamless integration of specialist palliative care with the primary palliative care already delivered to enhance the care of patients with dementia. To help advance this goal, the 15 major criteria identified here represent a first step toward clarification of primary and specialist palliative care roles and consideration for systematic screening of symptom and supportive care needs.
Research study participation, 5/31/25
05/31/25 at 02:00 AMResearch study participation, 5/31/25:
SpiriTrust Lutheran says Home Care & Hospice operations will wind down across three counties, end service on July 18th
05/30/25 at 03:30 AMSpiriTrust Lutheran says Home Care & Hospice operations will wind down across three counties, end service on July 18th Tri-State Alert, Chambersburg, PA; Press Release; 5/29/25 Earlier on Thursday [5/29], News Talk 1037FM was alerted to a WARN notice from SpiriTrust Lutheran as to a closure of a portion of their business. Throughout the process, that notice has been narrowed down to their Home Care & Hospice (HCH), with the company announcing their plans to discontinue operations out of their Franklin County office which serves clients in Franklin, Adams and York counties. The official closure will be July 18, 2025. ... SpiriTrust Lutheran says that roughly 65 home care and hospice employees will be affected by the shutting, but some are expected to be reassigned or offered positions within the SpiriTrust Lutheran family of Life Plan Communities ... SpiriTrust Lutheran officials cited the organization’s ongoing challenges mirrored those confronting many similar organizations nationwide – significant increases in the cost of delivering care due to staffing shortages; rising benefit expenses; and the escalating prices for medical supplies and pharmacy.
LeadingAge, Hospice Associations seek delay in HOPE implementation
05/30/25 at 03:05 AMLeadingAge, Hospice Associations seek delay in HOPE implementation LeadingAge; Press Release; 5/28/25 LeadingAge, along with the National Alliance for Care at Home and the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation, on May 19 urged the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to delay implementation of the Hospice Outcomes and Patient Evaluation, or HOPE tool. In the letter to CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz the associations outline concerns with technology implementation in preparation for the HOPE tool. The letter specifically asks CMS to waive the HOPE timeliness submission requirement for two calendar quarters post implementation. The letter further requests that CMS delay the HOPE implementation date until at least six months after CMS education, training, and final validation specifications are available and the application for iQIES access has been opened for hospices.
Empathy meets efficiency: Voice AI in law, healthcare and debt collection
05/30/25 at 03:00 AMEmpathy meets efficiency: Voice AI in law, healthcare and debt collection Forbes; by Kumar Abhirup; 5/29/25 When a grieving daughter calls a probate firm at midnight or a worried parent rings a pediatric clinic after hours, the first voice they meet decides whether they stay or stray. As organizations adopt AI, especially voice and conversational AI, that voice is increasingly synthetic. A recent survey from the American Bar Association found that the share of firms using AI tools rose from 11% in 2023 to 30% in early 2025. Healthcare has sprinted even faster: The American Medical Association found 66% of physicians now use some form of AI, up from 37% two years earlier. Collections agencies are also hopping aboard this trend ...
Today's Encouragement: May has taught me ...
05/30/25 at 03:00 AMMay has taught me lessons I will carry with me into June. ~ AnonymousWhat are these for you?
Capito sees earmark results in hospice renovations
05/30/25 at 03:00 AMCapito sees earmark results in hospice renovations CBS 13 WOWK, Charleston, WV; by Sarah Davis; 5/28/25 U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) visited the Hubbard Hospice House in Charleston Wednesday to see her congressionally directed spending in action. The senator got an exclusive tour of the renovations being made, including a new roof, HVAC system and a fresh paving job on the facility’s parking lot. The construction project is supported by Capito’s 2024 congressional directed spending, also known as an earmark, which she said is a necessary investment for the welfare of West Virginians.
MLN Fact Sheet: Creating an effective hospice Plan of Care
05/30/25 at 03:00 AMMLN Fact Sheet: Creating an efffective Hospice Plan of CareCenters for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Medicare Learning Network (MLN); 5/10/25 The hospice plan of care (POC) maps out needs and services given to a Medicare patient facing a terminal illness, as well as the patient’s family or caregiver. CMS data shows that some hospice POCs are incomplete or not followed correctly. This fact sheet educates on creating and coordinating successful hospice POCs. The primary goal of hospice care is to meet the holistic needs of an individual and their caregiver and family when curative care is no longer an option. To support this goal:
[Canada] Strengthening hospice care through strategic partnerships
05/30/25 at 03:00 AM[Canada] Strengthening hospice care through strategic partnerships Investors Hangout; by Addison Perry; 5/29/25 HealthPRO Canada is making waves in the healthcare sector with an important new collaboration that promises to enhance the quality of care provided by hospices in Ontario. The strategic partnership with Hospice Palliative Care Ontario (HPCO) seeks to benefit over 140 hospice programs across the region by leveraging HealthPRO’s extensive buying power. This initiative is set to bolster operational efficiency and support hospices in delivering high-quality services to families in need.Editor's note: Trends continue.
Providers, advocates ask Senate to reject $700M in Medicaid cuts, Congress to save OAA programs
05/30/25 at 03:00 AMProviders, advocates ask Senate to reject $700M in Medicaid cuts, Congress to save OAA programs McKnights Senior Living; by Kathleen Steele Gaivin; 5/27/25Providers and advocates for older adults are counting on the Senate to reject a portion of the proposed federal budget that would gut $700 million from the Medicaid program. Members of the House of Representatives passed their version of the bill late Wednesday. ... Home care advocates ANCOR and the National Alliance for Care at Home on Thursday also called on the Senate to reject the House-passed cuts to Medicaid.
Door remains closed on CMS forums as new rules, requirements are phased in
05/30/25 at 03:00 AMDoor remains closed on CMS forums as new rules, requirements are phased in McKnights Long-Term Care News; by Kimberly Marselas; 5/28/25 Four months into the new presidential administration, skilled nursing leaders have had no opportunity to hear directly from Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services staff during traditional Open Door Forums or National Stakeholder Calls. Open Door Forums have been held three-to-five times annually in a practice that started more than 20 years ago. The online meetings give providers, vendors and other stakeholders an opportunity to learn more about regulatory and logistical changes being pursued by CMS, as well as providing question-and-answer sessions with policy architects. In addition to skilled nursing forums, CMS has in the past also hosted similar events for home health, long-term care services and supports, rural health and other provider types. But CMS in January cancelled a skilled nursing forum and all others planned for February and has yet to add any new forums or stakeholder calls — which often feature the administrator discussing major policy or clinical updates — to its calendar.
A student film explores an end-of-life story: How Jingyi Li created the documentary that swept the Redstone Film Festival
05/30/25 at 03:00 AMA student film explores an end-of-life story: How Jingyi Li created the documentary that swept the Redstone Film Festival Boston University, College of Communication, Boston, MA; by Mike De Socio; 5/27/25 When Jingyi Li set out to create a documentary about healthcare for elders, she struggled to find a family willing to sit in front of her camera. Li (’25) was inspired by the power of filmmaking to create social impacts, and wanted to explore hospice care in Chinese culture. The interest stemmed from Li’s experience interning at a local hospice care center in Yunnan Province, China, where she witnessed the complexities and cultural sensitivities involved in providing care for terminally ill patients within Chinese families. With the help of a hospice and palliative care service in Boston, Li started reaching out to Chinese families about filming the end-of-life process, but many rejected her request. ... She eventually found a “brave family” whose roots in the US date back to the mid-20th century. Li says the family’s “mix of Chinese and Western culture” made them more amenable to being filmed. ... The resulting short documentary, named Pópo for the elder at its center, went on to win a bevy of awards at this year’s Redstone Film Festival, including best film and best documentary.
A ‘cloak of comfort’: an integrated approach to palliative care for cancer patients
05/30/25 at 03:00 AMA ‘cloak of comfort’: an integrated approach to palliative care for cancer patients Sinai Health; 5/26/25 At Mount Sinai Hospital, palliative care is fully integrated into cancer care, providing comprehensive, person-centered support for those with advanced illness. Palliative care, derived from the Latin pallium meaning “cloak,” offers comfort and support to individuals with serious illnesses. Often misunderstood as solely end-of-life care, it actually provides relief at any stage of a life-threatening illness and can be provided in tandem with cancer treatment. This holistic approach addresses physical, emotional, and spiritual needs, aiming to improve quality of life for both patients and their families. In fact, early integration of palliative care can enhance symptom management, extend life and offer greater support to caregivers. Patients can receive care at Mount Sinai Hospital’s Cancer Care Clinic, at home through the Temmy Latner Centre’s home palliative care program, and in the palliative care unit at Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital.
Empath Health to sell service center location
05/30/25 at 03:00 AMEmpath Health to sell service center location Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 5/29/25 The Florida-based senior care provider Empath Health is selling one of its administrative service centers, located in Pinellas County in its home state. The center was initially established by Suncoast Hospice, which is now an Empath Health affiliate. The sale is part of Empath’s effort to “realign its physical footprint” to invent more directly in home-based, patient-centered care, according to a statement from the organization. “Selling an underutilized administrative building allows us to reinvest in the people, programs and technology that bring comfort, dignity, and support into homes and communities,” said Jonathan Fleece, president and CEO of Empath Health, in the statement. “It’s a return to our roots and a recommitment to the future.”
Hospitalists should champion hospice as ‘life with dignity’
05/30/25 at 03:00 AMHospitalists should champion hospice as ‘life with dignity’ Medscape; by Julie Peck; 5/29/25 If anyone can put a positive spin on the end of life, it’s Charles Vialotti, MD, director of Hospice Care at Holy Name Medical Center’s Villa Marie Claire in Bergen County, New Jersey. Violotti, who at the age of 80 lives at the 20-bed Villa Marie Claire to serve its residents full-time, says the hospice industry needs hospitalists’ help with sort of a rebrand, one that will almost certainly have a positive effect on patient and family satisfaction. “Providers used to stress offering people death with dignity. And if you think about that, who is ever going to choose anything that offers death? Death in any form is still death,” Vialotti said. “So, we really like to focus on offering people life with dignity, giving people back choice, giving them the option to structure their final days, weeks, or months the way they would most like to see it happen."
Hospice El Paso to receive over $100K from Marathon Petroleum Corporation
05/30/25 at 02:15 AMHospice El Paso to receive over $100K from Marathon Petroleum Corporation KTSM, El Paso, TX; Press Release; 5/28/25 Hospice El Paso will receive a $174,000 donation from Marathon Petroleum Corporation this week, which includes the gift of a fully equipped ambulance to support the organization’s patient transportation needs. The donation will be held on Thursday, May 29, the organization said. ... The donation will enable the organization to “provide timely and compassionate transportation for patients requiring specialized end-of-life care, ensuring they receive the support they need with dignity and comfort,” read the news release by the organization. ... “We are deeply grateful to Marathon Petroleum for their unwavering commitment to our community,” Dr. Jim Voiland, CEO of Hospice El Paso, said.
Remove barriers that restrict hospice care, Alliance offers in new report
05/30/25 at 02:00 AMRemove barriers that restrict hospice care, Alliance offers in new report McKnights Home Care; by Adam Healy; 5/28/25 Hospice providers can boost quality and patient satisfaction with a focus on transparent, culturally sensitive communication with clients, according to a new report by the National Alliance for Care at Home. ... For the report, the Alliance surveyed 2,000 adults who either recently experienced the death of a loved one or have been involved in healthcare decisionmaking for a person with a serious illness. Respondents included individuals of a variety of ages, income levels, ethnicities and educational backgrounds. ... . For many seniors, one of the largest barriers to care is ineffective communication, the survey found. Language barriers are a significant hurdle for non-English speaking older adults, particularly those who are first generation immigrants, it noted. Many seniors are also less comfortable with technology-based communication than younger people, and prefer face-to-face conversation over text messages.
Gulfside Hospice Thrift Shoppes
05/29/25 at 03:20 AMGulfside Hospice Thrift Shoppes ABC News WFTS, Tampa Bay, FL; by Gulfside Healthcare; 5/27/25 Gulfside Hospice Thrift Shoppes serves a greater purpose than providing affordable gently used goods: all net proceeds fund charity care for hospice patients. Gulfside Hospice Thrift Shoppes has a new and improved online shop for easy access and including shipping. To learn more about Gulfside Hospice, visit Gulfside.org. To shop Gulfside Hospice Thrift Shoppes online visit gulfsidethrift.myshopify.com/ or stop by one of four convenient locations in New Port Richey, Hudson, Dade City or Zephyrhills. Follow Gulfside on social media for updates and sales.Editor's note: This online access opens up a world of engagement with those who cannot visit the shop in person, especially long distance donors and family members/friends acquainted with Gulfside Hospice.
Five Questions With: Diana Franchitto
05/29/25 at 03:10 AMFive Questions With: Diana FranchittoProvidence Business News, Providence, RI; by Katie Castellani; 2/14/25 Diana Franchitto | CEO, HopeHealth | Chair, National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation
57 ways healthcare teams may evolve in 2 years
05/29/25 at 03:00 AM57 ways healthcare teams may evolve in 2 years Becker's Hospital Review; by Randi Haseman; 5/27/25 Question: How do you see your teams evolving in the next two years? What roles and/or skills will you focus on and what will fade? [Note: Responses have been lightly edited for length and clarity.]
CMS: Kidney Care Choices (KCC) Model
05/29/25 at 03:00 AMCMS: Kidney Care Choices (KCC) Model CMS.gov - Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services; 5/27/25 The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is announcing a coordinated set of changes to the Kidney Care Choices (KCC) Model starting in performance year 2026 that are expected to improve the model test by adjusting the financial methodology and participation options to improve model sustainability. In addition, the model is being extended by one year for continuation of quality care to beneficiaries through 2027. For more information, please visit KCC Model Performance Year 2026 Updates.
AI readiness isn’t a new challenge — it’s a familiar one
05/29/25 at 03:00 AMAI readiness isn’t a new challenge — it’s a familiar oneBecker's Health IT; by Polly Parrent; 5/28/25As AI sweeps across healthcare headlines, it’s tempting to view it as a brand-new frontier, something fundamentally different from previous health IT efforts. But in reality, AI is not a departure from the digital transformation journey we’ve already been on; it’s a continuation. A recent survey from Nordic and Modern Healthcare on AI readiness in healthcare brings this full circle: the same foundational elements that enabled the introduction of electronic health records (EHRs) — infrastructure, governance, data, and workforce training — are the same critical elements for successful AI adoption.
I quit my healthcare job to take care of my grandmother. It’s a mix of happy and sad moments, but ultimately has been life-changing for us.
05/29/25 at 03:00 AMI quit my healthcare job to take care of my grandmother. It’s a mix of happy and sad moments, but ultimately has been life-changing for us. DNYUZ; "as-told-to essay based on a coversation with Kristina McDonald"; 5/26/25My grandmother is 80, and my grandfather is 83. I quit my full-time job to care for my grandmother as I noticed that her undiagnosed dementia was worsening. ...
‘A missed opportunity’ for small systems needing nurses
05/29/25 at 03:00 AM‘A missed opportunity’ for small systems needing nurse Becker's Clinical Leadership; by Mariah Taylor; 5/8/25 In February, South Dakota officials approved the state’s first registered nursing apprenticeship program through Huron Regional Medical Center. The apprenticeship is designed to attract English-as-a-second language nurses into the field, Sioux Falls Live reported May 7. The program was started by Norma Torres Ortiz, RN, a travel nurse contracted with Avera Health who works part time at the Huron Regional Medical Center. Ms. Ortiz is originally from Puerto Rico where she worked as a nurse. When she moved to the U.S., she found herself struggling to pass the NCLEX and find a nursing job due to language barriers. ... Large systems are building international nursing programs that recruit and hire nurses through work visas; however, smaller systems don’t have the funds to hire large numbers of international nurses through an agency. This is where a nurse apprenticeship program can fill the gap. Huron Regional Medical Center launched its practical nursing apprenticeship in 2018. ...
All You Need is Love
05/29/25 at 03:00 AMAll You Need is Love The Republic; by Sharon Mangas; 5/28/25The call came in at 4:00 a.m., waking me from a deep sleep. It was the kind of call that puts you on high alert; like when you have a teenage driver at home, or a mother-in-law on hospice care. ... “Hello. Is this Sharon Mangas? I’m calling from the hospice center. I wasn’t able to reach Mike. I’m sorry to share this news…your mother-in-law, Carmen, passed away a few minutes ago.” ... To the best of my knowledge, I was privy to her last spoken words to family. After Mike and I helped Carmen settle in at the Hospice Center near midnight Saturday, May 3—barely 24 hours before she passed—I bent over to tell her we’d see her in the morning. She looked deeply into my eyes and said, “I love you, Sharon.” I took her hand gently and said, “I love you, too.” ... As the first daughter-in-law in Carmen’s orbit, the two of us had occasional dust-ups and misunderstandings that challenged our family bond. But we shared a lot of love, too, and love is healing.