Literature Review
'Trying not to cry:' Helene's wrath sets new normal in battered western North Carolina town
10/13/24 at 03:00 AM'Trying not to cry:' Helene's wrath sets new normal in battered western North Carolina townCBS WBTW-13, Florence, SC; by Adrianna Lawrence; 10/8/24 Kyle Katona has lived through his share of hurricanes. But nothing could ready him for the wrath Helene unleashed across the idyllic valleys of western North Carolina. "I've never seen the amount of devastation that Hurricane Helene caused in the mountains," the Four Seasons hospice store driver said. He wasn't alone. "I don't think anybody was prepared for the level of catastrophe that was going to occur," said Rikki Hooper, Four Seasons' clinical operations officer. Traumatized residents awoke to the sound of water coursing into their homes before the sun came up -- taking everything and, in some heartbreaking instances, everyone, with it. ... At Lake Lure -- a beloved vacation spot minutes from Chimney Rock -- mud stands in for where water once flowed. Instead, officials and first responders were providing medical treatment. Military helicopters flicked across the sky and bulldozers cleared out areas. If it sounds like a warzone, that's because it was as close as it could be to one, Pixie Moore [a resident] said. Editor's note: Click here to donate directly to Four Seasons' hurricane relief needs; or Amazon Wish List. Click here for our 10/2 interview with TCN leaders about Helene's devastation and hospice needs for Four Seasons, Amorem, Compassionate Care of Western North Carolina (CCWNC), and Carolina Caring.
[Scotland] Palliative care-based arguments against assisted dying
10/12/24 at 03:55 AM[Scotland] Palliative care-based arguments against assisted dyingBioethics; Ben Colburn; 10/24Opponents of legalised assisted dying often assert that palliative care is worse in countries where assisted dying has been legalised, and imply that legalised assisted dying makes palliative care worse. This study considers five versions of this claim: that it is difficulty to access expert palliative care in countries where assisted dying has been legalised, that those countries rank low in their quality of end-of-life care; that legalising assisted dying doesn't expand patient choice in respect of palliative care; that growth in palliative care services has stalled in countries where assisted dying has been legalised; and that legalised assisted dying impedes the growth of palliative care or causes it to decline. In each case, it concludes that neither argumentation nor evidence supports these claims.
Today's Encouragement
10/12/24 at 03:55 AMThere are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it. ~Edith Wharton
[Sweden] Reconciliation in palliative care: A concept analysis
10/12/24 at 03:50 AM[Sweden] Reconciliation in palliative care: A concept analysisPalliative and Supportive Care; Margareta Karlsson, Andrea Uhlman, Benedict Kämper, Britt Hedman Ahlstrom; 9/24Terminal illnesses affect almost all aspects of life and being close to death may lead to a need for reconciliation. The end of life is stressful on an existential level for both patients and relatives. It can therefore be of relevance for palliative care nurses to understand the meaning of reconciliation. We conclude that reconciliation is a concept of importance when caring for patients in end-of-life care. A broader and deeper understanding of the concept facilitates conversations about the meaning of reconciliation in palliative care and can enable patients who strive to achieve reconciliation to be more easily identified and supported.
Disbelief, distress, & distrust: trending institution related emotional distress during COVID-19
10/12/24 at 03:45 AMDisbelief, distress, & distrust: trending institution related emotional distress during COVID-19Journal of Social Work in End-of-Life & Palliative Care; Jillian Sherman, Shannon Petros; 10/24The COVID-19 pandemic had an unprecedented impact on the well-being of individuals working in the healthcare sector. Numerous themes were identified [in this study], including the importance of caseload, general support, team support, management, and professional flexibility. Additional end-of-life themes were identified, including the impact of death, lack of personal protective equipment, fear of transmitting the virus, COVID disbelief, and the inability of clinicians and/or family to be with patients in person. From the experience participants had during COVID-19, four areas of change were identified: professional resilience, management/ethics support, professional development, and physical and emotional safety.
A quality improvement initiative for inpatient advance care planning
10/12/24 at 03:40 AMA quality improvement initiative for inpatient advance care planningJAMA Health Forum; Olivia A Sacks, Megan Murphy, James O'Malley, Nancy Birkmeyer, Amber E Barnato; 10/24The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) implemented advance care planning (ACP) billing codes in 2016 to encourage practitioners to conduct and document ACP conversations, and included ACP as a quality metric in the CMS Bundled Payments for Care Improvement Initiative in 2018. Increased ACP billing rates were significantly associated with decreased rates of inpatient death in the intervention group ... compared to the nonintervention ... and control groups ... Conclusions and relevance: This nationwide cohort study suggests that while the ACP quality initiative increased ACP billing, changes in clinical outcomes were inconsistent with the hypotheses.
Fear of cancer recurrence in adult survivors of childhood cancer
10/12/24 at 03:35 AMFear of cancer recurrence in adult survivors of childhood cancerJAMA Network Open; Alex Pizzo, MSc; Wendy M. Leisenring, ScD; Kayla L. Stratton, MSc; Élisabeth Lamoureux, BA; Jessica S. Flynn, MSc; Kevin Alschuler, PhD; Kevin R. Krull, PhD; Lindsay A. Jibb, PhD, RN; Paul C. Nathan, MD, MSc; Jeffrey E. Olgin, MD; Jennifer N. Stinson, PhD, RN; Gregory T. Armstrong, MD, MSc; Nicole M. Alberts, PhD; 10/24In this cross-sectional study of 229 North American adults who survived childhood cancer, one-third of survivors reported experiencing elevated fear that their primary cancer will recur or a subsequent malignant neoplasm will develop. Fear of cancer recurrence was associated with chronic health conditions, treatment-related factors, anxiety, depression, and perceived health status.
Socioeconomic status and major adverse transplant events in pediatric heart transplant recipients
10/12/24 at 03:20 AMSocioeconomic status and major adverse transplant events in pediatric heart transplant recipientsJAMA Network Open; Christina Hartje-Dunn, MD; Kimberlee Gauvreau, ScD; Heather Bastardi, PNP; Kevin P. Daly, MD; Elizabeth D. Blume, MD; Tajinder P. Singh, MD, MSc; 10/24In this cohort study of pediatric HT recipients, there was no difference in posttransplant outcomes among recipients stratified by SES, a notable improvement from prior studies. These findings may be explained by state-level health reform, standardized posttransplant care, and early awareness of outcome disparities.
The influence of patient-provider communication on self-management among patients with chronic illness: A systematic mixed studies review
10/12/24 at 03:10 AMThe influence of patient-provider communication on self-management among patients with chronic illness: A systematic mixed studies reviewJournal of Advanced Nursing; Christin Iroegbu, Delphine S Tuot, Lisa Lewis, Lea Ann Matura; 9/24Chronic illnesses studied: diabetes, heart failure, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma. Available evidence suggests that patient-provider communication influences chronic illness self-management. A provider's ability to adjust and tailor their communication style is an important factor in helping patients to achieve optimal self-management. Future research should explore this phenomenon in other common chronic illnesses not included in this review. Additionally, research on the patient's role in this process could help improve patient-provider communication.
Implementation and outcomes of a dementia-friendly training program in five hospitals
10/12/24 at 03:05 AMImplementation and outcomes of a dementia-friendly training program in five hospitalsGeriatric Nursing; Ellen Roberts, Ellen C Schneider, Maureen Dale, Cristine B Henage, Casey J Kelley, Jan Busby-Whitehead; 10/24Hospitalized patients living with dementia (PLWD) age 65+ generally experience poor outcomes. This study's purpose was to implement dementia-friendly training with staff, track patient outcomes, and implement sustainable system changes. Positive changes in staff ratings from pre- to post- intervention were observed. Number of falls and readmissions did not change. The average number of stays per patient decreased ... Conclusions: Dementia-friendly hospital training is effective in improving staff recognition of the symptoms and needs of PLWD, and responding appropriately.
Risk of dementia diagnosis after injurious falls in older adults
10/12/24 at 03:05 AMRisk of dementia diagnosis after injurious falls in older adultsJAMA Network Open; Alexander J. Ordoobadi, MD; Hiba Dhanani, MD, ScM; Samir R. Tulebaev, MD; Ali Salim, MD; Zara Cooper, MD, MSc; Molly P. Jarman, PhD, MPH; 9/24In this cohort study, new ADRD [Alzheimer disease and related dementias] diagnoses were more common after falls compared with other mechanisms of injury, with 10.6% of older adults being diagnosed with ADRD in the first year after a fall. To improve the early identification of ADRD, this study’s findings suggest support for the implementation of cognitive screening in older adults who experience an injurious fall that results in an ED visit or hospital admission.
Saturday newsletters
10/12/24 at 03:00 AMSaturday newsletters focus on headlines and research - enjoy!
Few older patients with advanced heart failure are evaluated for advanced therapies
10/12/24 at 03:00 AMFew older patients with advanced heart failure are evaluated for advanced therapiesCardiology Advisory; by Jessica Nye; 10/3/24Only a small proportion of older patients with advanced heart failure (HF) are evaluated for left-ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation or heart transplant (HT) and palliative care is underutilized, according to study results submitted to the Heart Failure Society of America (HFSA) Annual Scientific Meeting 2024, held virtually from September 27 to 30, 2024... Fewer than a third of patients (29%) were referred for palliative care.
The prevalence of lifetime trauma and association with physical and psychosocial health among adults at the end of life
10/12/24 at 03:00 AMThe prevalence of lifetime trauma and association with physical and psychosocial health among adults at the end of lifeJournal of the American Geriatics Society; by Kate A. Duchowny, Alexander K. Smith, Irena Cenzer, Chelsea Brown, Grace Noppert, Kristine Yaffe, Amy L. Byers, Carla Perissinotto, Ashwin A. Kotwal; 10/24National guidelines recognize lifetime trauma as relevant to clinical care for adults nearing the end of life. We determined the prevalence of early life and cumulative trauma among persons at the end of life by gender and birth cohort, and the association of lifetime trauma with end-of-life physical, mental, and social well-being. Older adults in the last years of life report a high prevalence of lifetime traumatic events which are associated with worse end-of-life physical and psychosocial health. A trauma-informed approach to end-of-life care and management of physical and psychosocial needs may improve a patient's quality of life.
Feasibility of a digital palliative care intervention (Convoy-Pal) for older adults with heart failure and multiple chronic conditions and their caregivers: a waitlist randomized control trial
10/12/24 at 03:00 AMFeasibility of a digital palliative care intervention (Convoy-Pal) for older adults with heart failure and multiple chronic conditions and their caregivers: a waitlist randomized control trialBMC Palliative Care; by Lyndsay DeGroot, Riley Gillette, Jennifer Paola Villalobos, Geoffrey Harger, Dylan Thomas Doyle, Sheana Bull, David B Bekelman, Rebecca Boxer, Jean S Kutner, Jennifer D Portz; 10/24Although older adults with heart failure (HF) and multiple chronic conditions (MCC) frequently rely on caregivers for health management, digital health systems, such as patient portals and mobile apps, are designed for individual patients and often exclude caregivers. There is a need to develop approaches that integrate caregivers into care. This study tested the feasibility of the Social Convoy Palliative Care intervention (Convoy-Pal), a 12-week digital self-management program that includes assessment tools and resources for clinical palliative care, designed for both patients and their caregivers. Recruiting informal caregivers proved challenging. Nonetheless, Convoy-Pal retained patients and collected meaningful self-reported outcomes, showing potential benefits for both patients and caregivers. Given the importance of a patient and caregiver approach in palliative care, further research is needed to design digital tools that cater to multiple simultaneous users.
Patient considerations of social media account management after death
10/12/24 at 03:00 AMPatient considerations of social media account management after deathSupportive Care in Cancer; Rida Khan, Jacqueline Tschanz, Maxine De La Cruz, David Hui, Diana Urbauer, Astrid Grouls, Eduardo Bruera; 10/24Social media is widely used but few studies have examined how patients with advanced cancer want their accounts managed after death. The objective of this study was to determine the proportion of our patients with advanced cancer who have discussed the post-mortem management of their social media accounts with their family or friends. Conclusion: Few patients have had conversations on the management of their accounts after death, although more were interested in exploring their options further. More research is needed to examine the role of social media as a digital legacy and a coping tool for patients with advanced cancer.
Private equity in senior living an increasing focus of federal, state government
10/11/24 at 03:30 AMPrivate equity in senior living an increasing focus of federal, state government McKnights Senior Living; by Kimberly Bonvissuto, Lois A. Bowers and Kathleen Steele Gaivin; 10/7/24 At press time [10/7], a bill that would require private equity firms and hedge fund organizations in California to give prior notice of acquisitions or changes in control to the state’s attorney general was sitting on the governor’s desk, to become effective Jan. 1 if he signed it into law. It is just one example of legislation recently put forth at the state or national level focused on the private equity and real estate investment trust funding sometimes used in senior living and in other industries. ... The legislation calls for greater transparency for private equity firms and for-profit companies that own healthcare entities, including nursing homes, hospitals, and mental or behavioral health facilities. ...
Executive Personnel Changes - 10/11/24
10/11/24 at 03:00 AMExecutive Personnel Changes - 10/11/24
Today's Encouragement: Whether it is a tsunami, or ...
10/11/24 at 03:00 AMWhether it is a tsunami, or whether it is a hurricane, whether it's an earthquake - when we see these great fatal and natural acts, men and women of every ethnic persuasion come together and they just want to help. ~ Martin Luther King III
The death issue: Austin’s Children’s hospice professionals advocate for honesty
10/11/24 at 03:00 AMThe death issue: Austin’s Children’s hospice professionals advocate for honesty The Austin Chronicle; by Maggie Quinlan; 10/11/24 Sometimes parents wait too long to tell their sick children that they will die. Sometimes, by the point of disclosure, their child can no longer speak. ... She said often the dying child will become an “emotional caretaker” in the hospital room where they’ve just learned that their illness will kill them. “Even though it’s happening to them, they tend to really want to protect their family.” It doesn’t have to be that way. Cosby says a lot of the job is beautiful, even fun. Families make memories, and child life specialists help make it happen. They go to see the ocean. They throw private proms and graduation ceremonies. They finger paint. They crack jokes. They decide to make the most of precious little time. ... “Grief is the price of love, and there’s so much love in there,” says Heather Eppelheimer, another Dell Children’s child life specialist. “We have to be able to love fully in order to also grieve fully.” Child life specialists respect family wishes and also advocate for honest, clear language about death. They say to use that word – death, dying, die – and avoid “passing away” (“To where?” Cosby asks). That kind of straightforward communication isn’t part of our cultural hardwiring, Cosby says, but it makes everything easier. In her life, when people aren’t comfortable talking about death, she asks why. What are they afraid of? ...
Free access to Spanish digital nursing text--Oct 10 to 20--celebrating World Hospice and Palliative Care Day
10/11/24 at 03:00 AMFree access to Spanish digital nursing text: Oct 10-20, honoring World Hospice and Palliative Care DayLife and Death Matters (Canada); Kath Murray; 10/10/24Life and Death Matters is giving free access to our digital nursing text Lo Esencial en Cuidedos Paliativos: Un Recurso Practico en Enfermeria (Spanish) and companion workbook to health care providers. October 12th to celebrate WHPCD. Register and sign up below for free access to the digital text! [Updates, not on the webpage] Free access is being extended to healthcare clinicians and leaders throughout the United States, from October 10-20, 2024. Click here to register for free access. Edits from Kath Murray, CEO/Founder of Life and Death Matters, updated information from this webpage:]
Pathway to leadership and self-mastery with Mike Harbour
10/11/24 at 03:00 AMPathway to leadership and self-mastery with Mike Harbour Teleios Collaborative Network (TCN); podcast by Chris Comeaux; 10/9/24 Mike Harbour and Chris Comeaux dive deep into the transformative power of self-mastery and all things leadership. Mike shares about his personal journey of overcoming trauma and learning how to observe himself while navigating life’s challenges. Mike highlights a key insight: leaders must first address their own internal battles before they can effectively lead and care for others. The conversation explores the relevance of stoicism, urging leaders to confront unresolved issues that could otherwise undermine their leadership. Self-mastery isn’t just a tool—it’s the foundation of strong leadership. ...
Hospitals and Hurricane Milton: 9 things to know
10/11/24 at 03:00 AMHospitals and Hurricane Milton: 9 things to knowBecker's Hospital Review; by Mackenzie Bean and Molly Gamble; 10/10/24, 9:30am EDTHurricane Milton made landfall near Sarasota, Fla., as a Category 3 storm at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday. Here are nine things to know about the storm and its effects on hospitals in the region. 1. The damage. ... 2. The sorm. ... 3. Immediate effects on hospitals. ... 4. Preparations ahead of landfall. ... 5. Tampa General Hospital ... 6. AdventHealth ... 7. HCA Florida Healthcare ... 8. Supplies. ... 9. Financial and operational implications. ...
Two Los Angeles-area residents arrested on indictment alleging scheme to fraudulently obtain and launder Medicare proceeds
10/11/24 at 03:00 AMTwo Los Angeles-area residents arrested on indictment alleging scheme to fraudulently obtain and launder Medicare proceedsUnited States Attorney's Office - Central District of California; Press Release; 10/9/24 A Los Angeles woman and a San Fernando Valley man were arrested today on a 24-count federal grand jury indictment alleging a scheme to defraud Medicare out of more than $54 million via hospice and diagnostic testing services that were never provided and then laundered their illicit proceeds, including by buying millions of dollars’ worth of gold bars and coins. Sophia Shaklian, 36, of the Larchmont area of Los Angeles, and Alex Alexsanian, 47, of Burbank, were arrested early this morning. They are scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles. ... According to the indictment that a federal grand jury returned on October 2, Shaklian, often using aliases, managed and submitted claims for seven health care providers enrolled with Medicare and located in Los Angeles County. These businesses included a hospice company she owned – the Pasadena-based Chateau d’Lumina Hospice and Palliative Care – and several diagnostic testing companies: Saint Gorge Radiology in Sylmar; Hope Diagnostics in North Hollywood; Direct Imaging & Diagnostics and Lab One – both located in Hollywood; and Labtech and Lifescan Diagnostics in Claremont.
Compassus CEO Mike Asselta: Hospice, home health JVs crucial to growth
10/11/24 at 03:00 AMCompassus CEO Mike Asselta: Hospice, home health JVs crucial to growth Hospice News; by Holly Vossel; 10/9/24 Home-based care provider Compassus has been on a growth trajectory for several years running – placing hospice and home health at the center of its strategic vision. Compassus provides home health, home infusion, palliative and hospice care across 30 states. The home-based provider also offers advanced care management and skilled nursing facility-at-home services. Joint ventures with health systems have been an important part of expanding Compassus’ footprint and reaching patients in need of greater support in the home, said CEO Michael Asselta. Hospice News recently sat down with Asselta to discuss the company’s growth plans after he stepped into his new role in May. ... [Click on the title's link to continue reading.]