Literature Review



Mount Sinai establishes Steven S. Elbaum Family Center for Caregiving

05/26/25 at 03:00 AM

Mount Sinai establishes Steven S. Elbaum Family Center for Caregiving Mount Sinai, New York, NY; Press Release; 5/20/25 Mount Sinai announced that it will establish the Steven S. Elbaum Family Center for Caregiving, a groundbreaking initiative designed to improve how America's health care system recognizes and supports caregivers. Allison J. Applebaum, PhD, an expert in the psychological needs of caregivers and a Professor of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, will lead the new Center. Dr. Applebaum joined Mount Sinai in early September from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, where she was the founding director of the Caregivers Clinic, an innovative program providing targeted psychosocial care to family caregivers of patients with cancer, from diagnosis through bereavement.  

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"Taps" Bugle Call: USMC Drum & Bugle Corps [YouTube]

05/26/25 at 03:00 AM

"Taps" Bugle Call: USMC Drum & Bugle Corps [YouTube]YouTube, filmed at the National Mall, Washington DC, retrieved from the internet 5/22/25Editor's note: We invite you to start this Memorial Day with this reflective playing of "Taps," with backdrops of the Washington Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, and more. Ongoing, we share with you these resources below for the veterans and their families whom you serve.

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Hospice volunteer donates 10,000 gift cards to cancer patients

05/26/25 at 02:00 AM

Hospice volunteer donates 10,000 gift cards to cancer patients AZ Family - CBS-5, Phoenix, AZ; by Tianna Morimoto; 5/20/25 One Valley man has made a difference in times of need for those who may be losing hope by donating thousands of gift cards, and that’s Something Good. Jeff Lewis volunteers with Hospice of the Valley and was recently recognized for donating 10,000 grocery gift cards to help cancer patients in need. Jeff is a cancer survivor and has made it his mission to help those going through treatments with no family or support. He created a nonprofit called the Froth and Bubble Foundation. Every month, the foundation provides gift cards to more than 100 people in the Valley who are struggling financially. Often, these patients have to decide between paying for food, medicine or doctor bills, and these gift cards can help them with their bills or other necessities to survive. ... “These gift cards help families bridge the gap when they need food and are juggling bills and feeling stressed,” said Hospice of the Valley Executive Director Debbie Shumway. “He is a servant leader who quietly gives back and makes a huge difference, one person at a time.” Thank you, Jeff, for all you do to help others!

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What is at-home hospice care and how it works near NYC

05/25/25 at 03:55 AM

What is at-home hospice care and how it works near NYC Medical Device News Magazine; 5/19/25 

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Navigating the Future: HOPE, Wage Index, and CMS Quality Measures

05/25/25 at 03:50 AM

Navigating the Future: HOPE, Wage Index, and CMS Quality Measures Teleios Collaborative Network (TCN; podcast by Chris Comeaux with Annette Kiser and Judi Lund Person; 5/21/25 What happens when ancient philosophical questions about "the good life" collide with modern healthcare regulations?  In this compelling episode of TCNtalks, host Chris Comeaux welcomes Hospice leaders Annette Kiser, Chief Compliance Officer with Teleios, and Judi Lund Person, Principal, Lund Person & Associates LLC,  for a deep dive into the regulatory crossroads facing hospice providers. In this episode,  we discuss the FY 2026 Proposed Rule, which focused on implementing the HOPE initiative, and two RFIs (Requests for Information) that were part of it. 

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Alliance bolsters advocacy impact with two new strategic leadership appointments

05/25/25 at 03:45 AM

Alliance bolsters advocacy impact with two new strategic leadership appointments National Alliance for Care at Home, Alexandria, VA and Washington, DC; Press Release; 5/19/25 The National Alliance for Care at Home (the Alliance) is excited to announce two new leadership roles to expand its Advocacy team: VP of Policy & Regulatory Affairs and VP of Research & Analytics. ... 

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[Australia] Overtreatment of older people near end of life: A qualitative scoping review of modalities, drivers, and solutions

05/25/25 at 03:40 AM

[Australia] Overtreatment of older people near end of life: A qualitative scoping review of modalities, drivers, and solutionsOmega-Journal of Death and Dying; Samantha Fien, Emily Plunkett, Daniel Wadsworth, Magnolia Cardona; 4/24This study aimed to understand the drivers better to help minimise further risks of overtreatment for older people near the end of life (dysthanasia). Determinants included healthcare system factors, patient-centered care, family and caregiver, and clinician perspectives. This review confirms that despite almost two decades of recognition of the potential harms of overtreatment near the end of life, society, patients, and health systems have a role to play in reducing and addressing the determinants. We offer a range of solutions for clinicians, health service managers, and members of the public to consider.

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Hospice visits and perceived hospice quality among Assisted Living residents

05/25/25 at 03:35 AM

Hospice visits and perceived hospice quality among Assisted Living residents Journal of the American Geriatrics Society; by Wenhan Guo, Shubing Cai, Yue Li, Brian E. McGarry, Thomas V. Caprio, Helena Temkin-Greener; 5/19/25 Background: Hospice services are widely used by assisted living residents at the end of life, yet concerns exist about the adequacy and quality of hospice care in this setting.Conclusions: Higher frequency of hospice staff visits was associated with better perceived hospice quality. Policies supporting greater hospice staff engagement, including nonclinical staff, may enhance end-of-life care experiences for assisted living residents.

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Proposed bill would require MA to pay for hospice care

05/25/25 at 03:30 AM

Proposed bill would require MA to pay for hospice care Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 5/21/25 Rep. David Schweikert (R-Ariz.) has introduced the Medicare Advantage Reform Act, which among other provisions would require health plans to pay for hospice care. If enacted, the bill, numbered H.R. 3467, would make wholesale changes to the Medicare Advantage program. It would mandate capitated payment models, change risk adjustment methodologies and create new exemptions for physician self-referrals, among other provisions. The potential impacts of moving hospice into Medicare Advantage at this time would be “devastating,” according to the National Alliance for Care at Home. 

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Transitions LifeCare receives $2.5 million gift to support Transitions Kids Program

05/25/25 at 03:25 AM

Transitions LifeCare receives $2.5 million gift to support Transitions Kids Program Tranisitions LifeCare, Raleigh, NC; Press Release; 5/15/25 Transitions LifeCare is honored to announce a generous $2.5 million gift from a family who wishes to remain anonymous. This heartfelt contribution, pledged over the next five years, comes from a family profoundly impacted by the care they received and is designated to support Transitions Kids—our program providing hospice and palliative care for children. “This gift is incredibly moving,” said Dr. Adam Wolk, CEO of Transitions LifeCare. “It reflects not only the power of compassionate care but also the lasting bond that forms between our team and the families we walk alongside. We’re so grateful for this family’s trust and belief in our mission.”

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Home health use remains high among beneficiaries with dementia, study finds

05/25/25 at 03:20 AM

Home health use remains high among beneficiaries with dementia, study findsMcKnight's Home Care; by Adam Healy; 5/19/25Medicare beneficiaries who have dementia increasingly are using home healthcare, according to a new study published Friday in JAMA Network Open... Home health utilization increased by roughly 17% among beneficiaries with dementia between 2010 and 2019 and decreased slightly between 2020 and 2022, the study found. Beneficiaries with dementia were also more likely to initiate home healthcare from community-dwelling settings, rather than from post-acute care settings.

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The skills CEOs are building in 2025

05/25/25 at 03:15 AM

The skills CEOs are building in 2025Becker's Hospital Review; by Kristin Kuchno; 5/20/25 Hospital and health system CEOs are building new leadership skills — many of which were not viewed as a priority earlier in their careers. While health systems continue to focus on workforce-wide skills development, such as leadership skills for succession planning, today’s executives are zeroing in on new capabilities to meet evolving demands. Becker’s connected with four hospital and health system CEOs to learn which skills they are actively working on in 2025. 

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A narrative review—Characterizing palliative care curriculum aimed at high school adolescents and young adults

05/25/25 at 03:10 AM

A narrative review—Characterizing palliative care curriculum aimed at high school adolescents and young adultsIllness, Crisis and Loss; by Austin B. Elder; 4/25The aim of this narrative review is to explore the characteristics of palliative care curriculum developed for high school adolescent and young adults (AYAs). Characteristics including a variety of designs, methods, and strategies were all identified to have positive participation, feedback, and experiences from high school AYA being provided palliative care curriculum. Conclusions: The literature indicates that the use of subject matter experts within palliative care curriculum for high school students is a core characteristic in meeting the World Health Organizations recommendation to embed palliative care curriculum into public awareness strategies.

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Creating a workplace violence safety committee [free webinar 5/22/25]

05/25/25 at 03:05 AM

Creating a workplace violence safety committee [free webinar 5/22/25]CHAP free webinar; 5/15/25The focus of this webinar is on the critical role of a multidisciplinary Safety Committee in proactively addressing workplace violence within home-based care... Participants will gain practical strategies for implementing proactive safety measures, including risk identification, technology integration, and fostering a culture of safety and accountability to empower staff and mitigate the risks inherent in the unique challenges of providing care in patients' homes.Editor's note: This hot-topic's significance is evidenced in recent posts.

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Today's Encouragement

05/25/25 at 03:00 AM

The price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it. ~Henry David Thoreau

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Sunday newsletters

05/25/25 at 03:00 AM

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

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Best Places to Work in Healthcare - 2025

05/25/25 at 03:00 AM

Best Places to Work in Healthcare - 2025 Modern Healthcare; 5/12/25 Modern Healthcare is proud to present the 150 companies and organizations that have been named to its Best Places to Work in Healthcare for 2025. The recognition program honors employers that empower workers to provide patients and customers with the best possible care, products and services. An alphabetical list is provided ... Modern Healthcare will reveal the ranked order Oct. 8 at the Best Places to Work in Healthcare Gala in Nashville and also in an Oct. 13 magazine supplement. [Hospice organizations include the following:]

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[UK] An exploration of perceived impact of receiving complementary therapies on service users during the palliative and end-of-life care phase

05/24/25 at 03:55 AM

[UK] An exploration of perceived impact of receiving complementary therapies on service users during the palliative and end-of-life care phaseInternational Journal of Palliative Nursing; Jason Vickers, Brian Nyatanga, Hayley Holden; 4/25Background: To explore and understand the narratives of service users in the hospice setting regarding the value they place on complementary therapies and their perceived impact on overall wellbeing. The benefits derived from complementary therapy sessions include managing anxiety and stress, developing better sleep strategies and devising coping techniques for personal situations and contexts through guided discussions and personal reflection. 

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Today's Encouragement

05/24/25 at 03:55 AM

The willingness of America's veterans to sacrifice for our country has earned them our lasting gratitude. ~Jeff Miller

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A practice model for palliative radiotherapy

05/24/25 at 03:45 AM

A practice model for palliative radiotherapyCureus; Alina Zheng, Alec Zheng, Alan Zheng, Xiaodong Wu, Beatriz Amendola; 5/25Despite well-recognized challenges in implementing palliative radiation therapy (PRT), progress remains slow, and conventional approaches have yielded limited success. A specialized certification track within radiation oncology residency programs is proposed, enabling palliative care physicians to obtain limited PRT licenses under the supervision of fully licensed radiation oncologists. Dedicated PRT facilities-affiliated with comprehensive radiation therapy centers (CRTCs) and integrated into hospice settings-will enhance accessibility by reducing logistical and financial burdens. These facilities will utilize cost-effective infrastructure, including refurbished linear accelerators, modular construction, and remote physics and dosimetry support, ensuring operational costs remain significantly lower than those of conventional radiotherapy centers. Systematic studies with a PRT-oriented mindset should establish PRT-specific treatment recommendations and recommendations, moving away from conventional radiation therapy protocols. While requiring initial investment and regulatory adjustments, it has the potential to improve end-of-life care for terminally ill cancer patients, ensuring greater dignity and comfort while establishing a robust foundation for future reimbursement models.

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Care transformation in palliative care: Leveraging a payor-provider partnership to fast-track growth of a palliative program

05/24/25 at 03:40 AM

Care transformation in palliative care: Leveraging a payor-provider partnership to fast-track growth of a palliative programJournal of Palliative Medicine; Emily Jaffe, Emily Hobart, Alexandra Aiello, Amber Shergill, Amanda Harpster-Hagen, Tyson S. Barrett; 5/25This study describes a unique partnership between an insurer and a provider to enhance the quality, availability, and access to palliative services. A retrospective cohort analysis of insurance claims data for patients receiving palliative care compared to a matched cohort not receiving palliative care services from 2019 through 2022. Outcomes demonstrated a total savings of $4,526,408 through reductions in costs for the treatment group compared to the control group for total cost of care ...., inpatient stays ($5,672 ... ) , outpatient visits ($229 ... ), professional claims ($1,243 ... ), and pharmacy fills ($17 ... ). The treatment group had lower skilled nursing facility ($1,049 ... ) and inpatient rehabilitation facility ($216 ... ) costs. The treatment group had higher rates of hospice care (83.7% in the treatment compared to 50.2% ... ) but had lower lengths of stay (four days compared to five ... ).Conclusions: Collaborative investment in a palliative program by a payor and provider system shows significant financial savings for an insurer when patients receive evidence-based palliative care near the end of life.

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Impact of an inpatient telepalliative care consult service in rural hospitals: One state story

05/24/25 at 03:30 AM

Impact of an inpatient telepalliative care consult service in rural hospitals: One state storyJournal of Hospice and Palliative Nursing; by Anup Bhushan, Scott D Hurley, Patrick J Coyne; 2/25Palliative care has become a standard of care for patients with serious illnesses. However, many rural hospitals do not have access to specialized palliative care consultation. This article describes the journey taken by a palliative care team to improve access to palliative care and overall patient outcomes at rural hospitals throughout the state of South Carolina by using the telehealth modality. The impact, challenges, and benefits of the program are discussed.

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Palliative care in acute care surgery: research challenges and opportunities

05/24/25 at 03:25 AM

Palliative care in acute care surgery: research challenges and opportunitiesTrauma Surgery Acute Care Open; by Amelia W Maiga, Vanessa Ho, Rachel S Morris, Lisa M Kodadek, Thaddeus J Puzio, Gail T Tominaga, Masami Tabata-Kelly, Zara Cooper; 3/25Acute care surgeons routinely care for individuals who may benefit from palliative care. Patients exposed to traumatic injury, emergency surgical conditions, major burns and/or critical surgical illness are more likely to be experiencing a serious illness than other hospitalized patients. This narrative review summarizes the current state of research challenges and opportunities to address palliative care in acute care surgery.

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Palliative care consults in the Southeast: Lower readmissions despite increased length of stay

05/24/25 at 03:20 AM

Palliative care consults in the Southeast: Lower readmissions despite increased length of stayJournal of Palliative Medicine; by Hillary E Davis, Heather Reed-Day, Erin W Jackson, R Eric Heidel, Justin Wolfe, Adam J Tyson; 3/25We aimed to understand how PC consultations in a southeastern program, affected by pandemic-related care delays, impacted common clinical performance metrics. Our cohort study using MS-DRG matching indicates that despite increased LOS, PC consultations were associated with significantly lower readmission rates. This suggests their potential to improve resource utilization, especially in regions affected by pandemic-deferred care.

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Trends in the use of advance care planning and cognitive assessment and care planning service visits: Moving toward a palliative-informed approach for ambulatory care of community-dwelling persons with dementia and their caregivers

05/24/25 at 03:15 AM

Trends in the use of advance care planning and cognitive assessment and care planning service visits: Moving toward a palliative-informed approach for ambulatory care of community-dwelling persons with dementia and their caregiversAlzheimer's & Dementia; by Jennifer B Seaman, Yurun Cai, Dianxu Ren; 4/25Both the advance care planning (ACP) visit and cognitive assessment and care planning service (CAACPS) visit offer palliative-oriented care for persons with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD); however, the rate of ACP visits remains low, and little has been reported regarding CAACPS visits. Furthermore, few reports describe use of either visit among Medicare Advantage (MA) beneficiaries. Discussion: Few MA beneficiaries with ADRD received ACP or CAACPS visits, and the delivery of CAACPs visits is similar to that reported for non-MA beneficiaries.

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