Literature Review

AI and healthcare: Bob WachterGeriPAL podcast; Alex Smith, Eric Widera, Bob Wachter; 2/5/26Today we interviewed Bob Wachter about his book, “A Giant Leap: How AI Is Transforming Healthcare and What That Means for Our Future.” You may recall we interviewed Bob in April 2024 about AI, and at that time he was on the fence about AI – more promise or more peril for healthcare? As his book’s title suggests, he’s come down firmly on the promise side of the equation.

Alliance submits comment letter on the Department of Education’s notice of proposed rulemaking, ‘Reimagining and Improving Student Education’ (RISE) National Alliance for Care at Home, Alexandria, VA and Washington, DC; Press Release; 3/3/26 The National Alliance for Care at Home (the Alliance) has submitted a response to The Department of Education’s proposed rule, titled Reimagining and Improving Student Education (RISE).  While the Alliance appreciates the Department’s aim of promoting fiscally responsible spending, the comment letter expresses concern that the proposed rule’s narrow definition of professional degree, and the resulting exclusion of nursing, physical therapy, physician assistant, occupational therapy, and social work advanced degree programs, would have a unintended consequence for the healthcare workforce and the millions of Americans who depend on care delivered in the home.

MedPAC: March 2026 Report to CongressMedPAC Reports; 3/12/26Medicare Benefit: National health care spending grew rapidly in 2023 and 2024, by 7 percent in each of these years. By 2024, national health care spending totaled $5.3 trillion. Health care spending has made up an increasing share of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) over time, rising from about 13 percent of GDP in 2000 to 18 percent in 2024. Medicare spending grew more rapidly than national health care spending in 2023 and 2024 (by 9 percent and 8 percent, respectively), in part due to changes in Part D financing that shifted more of the cost of prescription drug coverage from beneficiaries to the federal government. By 2024, Medicare spending totaled $1.1 trillion—equivalent to 21 percent of national health care spending and 3.8 percent of GDP. (Please see the full report here for additional detail.)

AI in hospice: What every leader needs to know | part one Teleios Collaborative Network (TCN); podcast hosted by Chris Comeaux with Ernesto Lopez; 3/11/26 Artificial intelligence is rapidly entering healthcare, but what does it really mean for Hospice leaders?  In this episode of TCN Talks/Anatomy of Leadership, host Chris Comeaux sits down with Ernesto Lopez—founder and CEO of 1520 AI and a longtime Hospice executive—to unpack the opportunities, risks, and realities of AI in Hospice. Drawing on his background as a registered nurse, healthcare executive, and Harvard Business School–trained data analyst, Ernesto explains how artificial intelligence is evolving and why Hospice organizations must approach it with both curiosity and caution. 

Avow Hospice fights new rival in Naples Naples Today | Health; 3/5/26 Avow Hospice, a long-standing hospice provider in Naples, Florida, is objecting to the state's preliminary approval of a new hospice entity, Preferred Care Hospice, that Avow says would be detrimental to its operations of over 40 years in the community. Avow has filed a petition for an administrative hearing to try to overturn the state's approval of the new hospice. ... The battle between Avow Hospice and the new Preferred Care Hospice highlights the competitive nature of the hospice industry, especially in growing markets like Naples. 

Palliative care for multiple sclerosis: Managing progressive disease with compassion Ashland localtownpages, Aubrey, TX; by Press Services; 3/5/26 Multiple sclerosis presents unique challenges that require specialized support throughout the disease journey. Patients experience unpredictable symptoms including fatigue, pain, mobility issues, and cognitive changes. These symptoms shift and intensify over time, affecting daily life for both patients and their families. Sovereign Hospice addresses these complex needs through palliative care and hospice at home service across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.

Christina McNally appointed President & CEO of Carolina Caring Carolina Caring, Newton, NC; Press Release; 2/9/26 Effective immediately, Christina McNally, MPH has been appointed President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Carolina Caring. Prior to this appointment, McNally served Carolina Caring in key leadership roles, including Executive Director of the Carolina Caring Foundation, Chief Strategy Officer, and Interim Chief Executive Officer. ... As CEO, McNally will oversee all of Carolina Caring’s clinical programs and support services, which are provided to more than 11,000 patients each year. 

Cambia Health Foundation releases comprehensive evaluation of Sojourns Scholar Leadership Program Business Wire, Portland, OR; Press Release; 3/3/26 Cambia Health Foundation today released the results of a comprehensive evaluation of its Sojourns Scholar Leadership Program, demonstrating the significant impact of a 10-year, $25 million investment in developing the next generation of palliative care leaders.  ... The program’s goals were measured against more than 175 sources, as well as 18 individual interviews, 5 focus groups and a comprehensive written survey completed by 117 individuals, including program participants and industry experts. Notable findings include:

Love hurts: Leadership, quality, and the future of hospice & palliative care | part one Teleios Collaborative Network (TCN Talks); podcast by Chris Comeaux with Dr. Alex Smith and Dr. Eric Widera; 3/4/26 TCNtalks / Anatomy of Leadership host Chris Comeaux and co-host Cordt Kassner join forces with Dr. Eric Widera and Dr. Alex Smith of the GeriPal Podcast, leaders in Palliative Care and Hospice innovation discuss emerging quality measures, data-driven hospice analytics, research challenges, and the leadership needed to guide healthcare organizations through change. For professionals working in healthcare leadership and serious illness care, the conversation offers valuable insight into the policies, research, and innovations shaping the future of Hospice and Palliative Medicine.

Oregon legislature passes bill Stop Bad Actors from Taking Advantage of Hospice Patients OregonLegislature.gov, Salem, OR; Press Release, Office of Senator Deb Patterson; 3/4/26 Hospice began as a movement to provide end-of-life care for terminally ill patients. However, corporate investors have started buying up hospice agencies and reducing services as they try to maximize profits. In some states, this has led to patterns of fraud, abuse, and neglect. Today, the Oregon Legislature passed the Protecting the Dying Act (SB 1575), which enhances state oversight of hospice agencies. ... Senator Patterson began work on this issue after it was brought to her by a local hospice provider in her community. Iria Nishimura, CEO of Willamette Vital Health in Salem, said, “Hospice serves patients and families during the most vulnerable time of life. The state has a responsibility to ensure that providers entering this field are qualified, ethical, and capable of deliver high-quality care.”

Sunday newsletters focus on headlines and top read stories of the last week (in order) - enjoy!

* CEO, Hildegard House, nonprofit, Louisville, KY

Corticosteroid use and risk of adverse events in metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancerThe Prostate; by Umang Swami, Qiujun Shao, Tamuno Alfred, Maelys Touya, Frank Cao, Pinal Kamdar, Jasmina Ivanova, Johanna Celli, David Nimke; 2/26Among the approved therapies for metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC), abiraterone and docetaxel are administered concomitantly with corticosteroids. This study evaluated the association between corticosteroid use and risk of adverse events among patients with mHSPC. Our findings suggest that patients exposed to corticosteroids are at increased risk of adverse events, hospitalization, and death. As not all mHSPC treatments require concomitant use of corticosteroids, these findings may help to inform treatment decision-making.