Literature Review
In the spirit of Ramadan: Diverse access to palliative care
04/08/24 at 03:00 AMIn the spirit of Ramadan: Diverse access to palliative care Medscape UK, by Dr. Mohammed Sattar; 4/4/24 St. Gemma’s Hospice hosted their first ever Ramadan community iftar in Moortown, Leeds on March 19, with almost 100 guests in attendance. For me, this was a historic moment. This iftar was about creating a sense of community. ... [I've] seen the visionary leadership that is provided by St. Gemma’s senior team, ... taking careful consideration of what hospice and palliative care services should look like in an ever-changing Leeds population. The team members ask themselves some difficult questions about how to become an inclusive service for all and no faiths. The iftar, the sunset meal when Muslims break their daily fast, was a testament to that. ...
Jamestown Regional Medical Center employees give over $36K to medical center’s mission
04/08/24 at 03:00 AMJamestown Regional Medical Center employees give over $36K to medical center’s mission The Jamestown Sun; 4/4/24 Jamestown Regional Medical Center employees came together this year to raise over $36,000 through the annual Employee Giving Campaign. The funds raised go directly to the JRMC Foundation, which benefits the community through new equipment, staff training and patient comfort items. onations support cancer care, hospice, equipment and technology, infant loss and bereavement, Family BirthPlace, the Employee Support Fund, Kala's Korner and the Greater JRMC Fund ...
How a CU biostatistician is helping improve palliative care research
04/08/24 at 03:00 AMHow a CU biostatistician is helping improve palliative care research University of Colorado - Anschutz Medical Campus, by Tayler Shaw; 4/3/24
The iconic stethoscope is getting a 21st century makeover
04/08/24 at 03:00 AMThe iconic stethoscope is getting a 21st century makeoverManaged Healthcare Executive, by Peter Wehrwein; 4/4/24 Two years ago, a pair of New Zealand physicians wrote an opinion piece in a peer-reviewed journal of the Royal Australasian of Physicians about point-of-care ultrasound. The gist of their argument was that ultrasound ought to be used more routinely to detect various heart and lung conditions. The somewhat cheeky title of that article is “Update on Echocardiography: Do We Still Need a Stethoscope?” Jason Bellet has spent more than a decade making pretty much the opposite case: Not only do healthcare professionals still need a stethoscope, they need a vastly improved, 21st century version that harnesses digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI).
Optimizing RN responsibilities ‘more essential’ than staffing hours: study
04/08/24 at 03:00 AMOptimizing RN responsibilities ‘more essential’ than staffing hours: study McKnights Long-Term Care News, by Josh Henreckson; 4/2/24 ... [New] analysis suggests that optimizing the role of registered nurses would be an even more effective way of increasing quality of care. Care quality would strongly benefit from an industry-wide focus on the responsibilities of RNs, the study’s authors said. Specifically, leaders should more actively differentiate RNs from licensed practical nurses, use a nursing practice model framework to maximize the role of RNs and provide RNs with more education in leadership and geriatric care.
New documentary explores how Lower Moreland’s Terri Schiavo’s story captured the nation
04/08/24 at 03:00 AMNew documentary explores how Lower Moreland’s Terri Schiavo’s story captured the nation Delco.Today, by Tracey Romero; 4/3/24 Between Life & Death: Terri Schiavo’s Story, a new documentary about the right-to-die case of Lower Moreland Township native Terri Schiavo is streaming on Peacock, writes Brian Brant for People. Schiavo who lived in Florida with her husband lived in a persistent vegetative state for 15 years after experiencing cardiac arrest. The documentary explores the familial legal battle over whether or not Schiavo’s feeding tube should be removed.
Telehealth effective in supporting rural caregivers
04/08/24 at 03:00 AMTelehealth effective in supporting rural caregivers Hospice News, by Jim Parker; 4/3/24Palliative care delivered via telehealth is effective at improving access to caregiver support. Moreover, these services can also be cost-effective, recent research has found. ... “[Technology-enhanced transitional palliative care] is a feasible, low cost and sustainable strategy to enhance [family caregiver] support in rural areas,” researches indicated in the study. “Potential reimbursement mechanisms are available to offset the costs to the health system for providing transitional palliative care to caregivers of patients recently hospitalized.”
Today's Encouragement: Everybody on a championship team ...
04/08/24 at 03:00 AMEverybody on a championship team doesn’t get publicity, but everyone can say they are a champion. - Magic Johnson
CMS: Contract Year 2025 Medicare Advantage and Part D Final Rule (CMS-4205-F)
04/08/24 at 03:00 AMCMS: Contract Year 2025 Medicare Advantage and Part D Final Rule (CMS-4205-F)CMS, Medicare Part D, Policy; 4/4/24On April 4, 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final rule that revises the Medicare Advantage Program, Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Program (Medicare Part D), Medicare Cost Plan Program, Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), and Health Information Technology Standards and Implementation Specifications. Additionally, this final rule addresses several key provisions that remain from the CY 2024 Medicare Advantage and Part D proposed rule, CMS-4201-P, published on December 14, 2022. ... This fact sheet discusses the major provisions of the 2025 final rule which can be downloaded here: https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection/2024-07105/medicare-program-medicare-advantage-and-the-medicare-prescription-drug-benefit-program-for-contract
Major unions, including SEIU, maintain momentum following 2023 strike upswing
04/08/24 at 03:00 AMMajor unions, including SEIU, maintain momentum following 2023 strike upswing McKnights Long-Term Care News, by Josh Henreckson; 4/5/24 New analysis of US Department of Labor data shows that large unions such as the SEIU were able to leverage heightened labor activity to recruit new workers in 2023. In a year characterized by headline-grabbing strikes across multiple industries, the long-term care sector has not been without its share of labor activity — such as recent strikes organized by the SEIU to demand higher wages. With so many providers’ staffing and funding woes poised to remain at the forefront of sector concerns, some experts suggest that unions may be able to gain even more momentum in the months and years ahead.
Kaiser closes Geisinger Health acquisition, forming Risant Health
04/08/24 at 03:00 AMKaiser closes Geisinger Health acquisition, forming Risant Health Modern Healthcare, by Caroline Hudson; 4/2/24Kaiser Permanente has acquired Geisinger Health and folded it into Risant Health, a new nonprofit formed to create a national value-based care network.
Hospice wedding a declaration of love in the face of medical challenge
04/08/24 at 03:00 AMHospice wedding a declaration of love in the face of medical challenge Penticton Western News, by Alistair Taylor; 4/4/24 The essence of hospice philosophy – emphasizing the significance of cherishing every moment and embracing life to the fullest – was exemplified by the touching and beautiful wedding of Sean Adelberg and Mary Davidson at Campbell River’s Hospice House on Tuesday, April 2. ... “This journey to the altar accompanies Mary’s heroic battle with stage 4 Glioblastoma—an incurable brain cancer. Despite the odds, we’re seizing this incredible chance to celebrate our love,” Adelberg said.
Medical marijuana laws benefit patients without harming public mental health, study finds
04/08/24 at 03:00 AMMedical marijuana laws benefit patients without harming public mental health, study finds ScienceBlog, University of Basel; 4/4/24 A study by researchers at the University of Basel has found that the approval of marijuana for medical use in the United States has had little impact on the mental health of the general population, while benefiting those for whom it is intended. The study, which analyzed data from nearly eight million people, sheds light on the ongoing debate surrounding the effects of marijuana legalization on public well-being and its therapeutic value.
Study shows strong social ties may ease the way for older adults in life's final chapter
04/08/24 at 03:00 AMStudy shows strong social ties may ease the way for older adults in life's final chapter Medical & Life Sciences, by Vijay Kumar Maleus; 4/4/24 Study Results: ... The analysis revealed that higher levels of loneliness were significantly associated with increased odds of experiencing anxiety, sadness, and pain in the last month of life, suggesting a pivotal link between social isolation and end-of-life symptomatology. Furthermore, marital status and the receipt of personal care were predictors of dying in a hospital, pointing to the influence of social support structures on the location of death. Interestingly, a larger social network was correlated with a higher likelihood of receiving hospice or palliative care, highlighting the potential benefits of broader social connections.
Living to 100: Making Maryland a ‘Blue Zone’
04/08/24 at 03:00 AMLiving to 100: Making Maryland a ‘Blue Zone’ The Baltimore Sun, commentary by Raya Elfadel Kheirbek; 4/5/24 In a bold stride toward redefining the approach to aging, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore signed an executive order in January aimed at expanding access to critical care and services for older Marylanders. ... At the heart of this initiative, dubbed Longevity Ready Maryland, is a comprehensive plan that transcends traditional state efforts focused solely on eldercare. Instead, it adopts a holistic, multisector approach that promises a transformative impact and enrichment in every dimension — health, financial security, social connectivity and purposeful living, irrespective of a Marylander’s socioeconomic status.
Malnutrition, thyroid cancer result in high rates of death among home care, hospice patients, studies finds
04/08/24 at 02:15 AMMalnutrition, thyroid cancer result in high rates of death among home care, hospice patients, studies finds McKnights Home Care, by Adam Healy; 4/5/24 Two separate studies analyzing disparities in patients’ place of death revealed high death rates related to malnutrition and thyroid cancer among patients receiving care at home and in hospice. The first study, “Disparities in Place of Death Among Malnourished Individuals in the United States,” found that more than 31,000 malnutrition-related deaths occurred among home care and hospice patients between 1999 and 2020. ... Another study, “Disparities in the Place of Death for Patients With Malignant Neoplasms of the Thyroid Gland,” discovered that roughly half of all patients who died of thyroid cancer between 1999 and 2020 did so in home care or hospice.
It’s past time for an upgrade to the Medicare Hospice Benefit
04/08/24 at 02:00 AMIt’s past time for an upgrade to the Medicare Hospice BenefitHealth Affairs, by Cara L. Wallace and Stephanie P. Wladkowski; 4/5/24When most people think about hospice care, they imagine someone such as the late Rosalynn Carter, who enrolled onto hospice and died within a few days. Jimmy Carter’s long hospice stay, now more than a year, has shown a different model for hospice—one that supports its mission to help people live well, with dignity and quality of life, for whatever time remains. However, current policy restrictions to enroll and remain on hospice make it difficult for many hospice recipients to receive hospice care for “whatever time remains,” as 17.2 percent of Medicare hospice patients are discharged alive. Editor's Note: Many hospices used Jimmy Carter's one-year anniversary as a marketing tool that hospice is not really for the "dying." Many--if not most--of these articles were not transparent in identifying any type of recertification, decertification, or revocation processes. Yes, while it may be past time for CMS to upgrade the Hospice Benefit, it's also past time for hospice marketing to be more transparent with the public.
Proposed hospice rule offers key quality improvement changes, experts offer
04/08/24 at 02:00 AMProposed hospice rule offers key quality improvement changes, experts offer McKnights Home Care, by Adam Healy; 4/4/24While the recently proposed 2025 hospice payment update included a payment adjustment that stakeholders have perceived as inadequate, it also introduced valuable new tools to address hospice quality and more, according to industry regulatory experts. One of the proposed rule’s most enticing features is the Hospice Outcomes and Patient Evaluation (HOPE) tool, which next year will replace the current Hospice Item Set (HIS) measurement system used by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to track hospice quality.
Qualitative analysis of initial palliative care consultations in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
04/08/24 at 02:00 AMQualitative analysis of initial palliative care consultations in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis Journal of Pain and Symptom Management; by Christine L Watt, Ian C Smith, Jill Rice, Rebekah Murphy, Ari Breiner, Maria Duff, Danica Nogo, Shirley H Bush, Susan McNeely, Usha Buenger, Belinda Zehrt, Jocelyn Zwicker; 4/2/24, online ahead of print Background: Palliative care (PC) benefits patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), however the needs of patients and caregivers and the optimal timing of PC discussions remains unclear. This study reports the analysis of PC consult notes from a larger feasibility trial. The specific aims of this analysis were to i) identify the PC needs of patients with ALS via qualitative analysis and ii) identify characteristics of patients and caregivers that could predict specific PC needs.
Lutheran Senior Services/Diakon agreement forms one of largest US nonprofit LTC organizations
04/07/24 at 03:45 AMLutheran Senior Services/Diakon agreement forms one of largest US nonprofit LTC organizations McKnights Senior Living, by Kathleen Steele Gaivin; 3/29/24 Diakon Senior Living operations and its four continuing care retirement / life plan communities will become part of Lutheran Senior Services under an agreement ... that the organizations say will create one of the largest nonprofit senior living and care organizations in the country. The transaction is pending regulatory approvals and is expected to close this summer.
9 health systems join digital startup venture with Northwell Health
04/07/24 at 03:40 AM9 health systems join digital startup venture with Northwell HealthBecker's Health IT, by Giles Bruces, 4/2/24 Nine health systems are partnering with a venture studio aiming to launch digital health startups. The systems will work with Aegis Ventures, a startup incubator that has built four companies over the past three years with New Hyde Park, N.Y.-based Northwell Health. John Noseworthy, MD, emeritus president and CEO of Rochester, MN-based Mayo Clinic, will serve as chair of the new Digital Consortium. The group says its goal is to develop solutions "built for health systems by health systems." The nine founding members of Aegis Ventures' Digital Consortium are:
Home care providers hail bill establishing standard classification for direct support workers
04/07/24 at 03:35 AMHome care providers hail bill establishing standard classification for direct support workers McKnights Home Care, by Adam Healy; 4/3/24 The Senate last week passed legislation that would address the dire shortage of direct support workers with the establishment of a classification to help stakeholders collect workforce data. Specifically, if signed into law, the Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act would require the Office of Management and Budget to consider establishing a standard occupational classification (SOC) for direct support professionals (DSPs). This classification would make it easier for policymakers to gather useful data about these workers and help them better address critical workforce challenges.
How’s Your Soul?
04/07/24 at 03:30 AMHow’s Your Soul? JAMA Network, by Daivd Vermette, MD, MBA, MHS; 3/28/24 "Brother David, how’s your soul?” The question took me by surprise. It was time for my first advisement meeting with my residency program director. In medicine, the machine runs on competence and achievement of “milestones.” Yet, as I braced for a meeting to trudge through performance evaluations and in-training exam scores, I awoke to humanity. ... Medical education has numerous models for coaching, advising, and mentoring. While these models helped develop my professional life, they missed the fundamental core of who I am: a human being. Perhaps instead we could embrace a model in medical education built on the tenets of pastoral care. ...
Bereaved Parent Support Study: Seeking Participants
04/07/24 at 03:25 AMBereaved Parent Support Study: Seeking Participants Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center/University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Cancer, St. Jude Children's Hospital, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia; 4/2/24This program is offered as a research study examining three types of support for bereaved parents who have lost a child to cancer. This is a National Institutes of Health-funded trial taking place at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center/University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, St. Jude Children's Hospital, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia; however, families need not have received care from one of these institutions. ... For those assigned to receive counseling, services will be provided through videoconferencing, and all study activities can be completed from the participant’s home. ... There will be no charge for any support offered through the study. ... [Click on the title's link for more information.] Editor's Note: If your hospice does not have bereavement services tailored to the needs of parents who have lost a child, consider this opportunity for free support from these reputable sources. Click on the title's link for eligibility requirements and descriptions.
April 21-27, 2024 National Volunteer Week: NHPCO's outreach suggestions & recognition ideas
04/07/24 at 03:20 AMApril 21-27, 2024 National Volunteer Week: NHPCO's outreach suggestions & recognition ideasNHPCO website, for April 21-27, 2024The U.S. hospice movement was founded by dedicated volunteers and volunteer commitment continues to be a core part of the Medicare Hospice Benefit today. This National Volunteer Week, April 21 – 27, 2024, we’re shining a light on the dedicated, compassionate volunteers who brighten the lives of the patients and families we collectively serve.Editor's Note: Download and use NHPCO's pdf for numerous In-Person Recognition Ideas and Virtual Recognition Ideas.