Literature Review



Alliance Statement on MACPAC Report

03/23/25 at 03:00 AM

Alliance Statement on MACPAC Report National Alliance for Care at Home, Alexandria, VA and Washington, DC; Press Release; 3/18/25 On Thursday, March 13th, the Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC) released its semi-annual report, which included three chapters and five recommendations. (See analysis from the National Alliance for Care at Home HERE and HERE.) Two recommendations in the MACPAC report concern home and community-based services (HCBS):

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[Germany] Web-based educational tools and decision aids for patients with advanced cancer: A systematic review

03/22/25 at 03:55 AM

[Germany] Web-based educational tools and decision aids for patients with advanced cancer: A systematic reviewPatient Education and Counseling; Phoebe Ullrich, Henrike Voß, Laura Unsöld, Michael Thomas, Matthias Villalobos; 2/25In advanced cancer care, patient involvement in decision-making is complex. Web-based solutions are promising because of easy accessibility and dissemination and the ability to adapt information to patients' needs and new treatment developments. Still, only a few evidence-based web-based educational tools and decision aids are available. Filling this gap is essential to empower patients to make informed and goal-concordant treatment decisions.

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[UK] Why we need to consider frailty in the assisted dying debate

03/22/25 at 03:55 AM

[UK] Why we need to consider frailty in the assisted dying debateAge and Aging; Sarah A Hopkins, Annabel Price, Simon N Etkind; 2/25Assisted dying/assisted suicide (AD/AS) is legal or decriminalised in several countries and Bills to legalise it are currently being considered by the UK and Scottish Parliaments. Older adults living with frailty make up an increasing proportion of those who die, yet the possible implications of AD/AS for these individuals are relatively unexplored. Frailty complicates AD/AS in relation to eligibility because of ambiguity over whether frailty constitutes a terminal illness, challenges in accurately predicting prognosis, and difficulty determining reversibility of suffering. Frailty also blurs the distinction between terminal illness and disability, in contrast to the clear-cut language of current proposed legislation where those with a terminal illness are eligible, but those with disability are not. Further consideration is needed regarding eligibility, safeguards in the context of relational autonomy and for those who already feel a burden, and how to mitigate risks of further entrenching ableist and ageist attitudes.

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Feasibility study of using electronic patient-reported outcomes to screen patients with advanced solid cancers for palliative care needs

03/22/25 at 03:50 AM

Feasibility study of using electronic patient-reported outcomes to screen patients with advanced solid cancers for palliative care needsJournal of Palliative Medicine; Tara L Kaufmann, Matthew Kearney, Dagoberto Cortez, John W Saxton, Katie Goodfellow, Carolyn Smith, Patrick Chang, Katherine Sebastian, Aaron Galaznik, Julie Scott, Elizabeth Ann Kvale, Arif H Kamal, Antonia V Bennett, Angela M Stover, Ashley M Henneghan, Michael Pignone, Gabrielle Betty Rocque; 3/25Standardized, needs-based screening and triage systems are essential to more effectively address patients' palliative care needs. We developed a 13-item ePRO [electronic patient-reported outcomes] palliative care survey to assess multidimensional palliative care needs and conducted a pilot study (n = 25) of a palliative care screening intervention using ePRO monitoring and presentation of ePRO reports to a multidisciplinary care team. Patients found the ePRO palliative survey acceptable and appropriate. Screening patients for unmet palliative needs using ePRO monitoring is feasible, acceptable, and appropriate among patients, but more work is needed to understand the perspectives of diverse patients and how to integrate ePRO palliative care screening into clinical workflows.

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Employer-sponsored digital health platforms for mental wellness—A good investment

03/22/25 at 03:50 AM

Employer-sponsored digital health platforms for mental wellness—A good investmentJAMA Network Open; Molly Candon, PhD; Rebecca E. Stewart, PhD; 2/25The authors evaluate an employer-sponsored digital health platform (Spring Health; Spring Care Inc) that screens employees for mental health conditions and, when warranted, connects them to treatment. Hawrilenko et al found a reduction in health care spending among digital health platform users compared with a matched comparison group. These findings contribute to a broader literature that considers the economic value of employer-sponsored interventions aimed at mental wellness ... There are broader implications of the study by Hawrilenko et al, because employer-sponsored digital health platforms are among the quickest and easiest pathways to grant a majority of US individuals accessible mental health care. 

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Evaluating performance of the Surprise Question to predict 12-month mortality in patients with end-stage liver disease

03/22/25 at 03:45 AM

Evaluating performance of the Surprise Question to predict 12-month mortality in patients with end-stage liver diseaseAmerican Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care; Sarah Homann, MD; Jamie Pfaff, MD; Elizabeth Stovicek, MD; Rajiv Agarwal, MD, MSC;, Sumathi K. Misra, MD, MPH; Jill M. Pulley, MBA; Justin K. Siemann, PhD; Ashley Spann, MD, MSCAI; Stacey Tillman, MD; Cheryl L. Gatto, PhD; Mohana Karlekar, MD; 2/25ESLD [end-stage liver disease] is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Early PC engagement has been proposed as a solution to improve the physical and psychological burden associated with ESLD. ... hepatologists were asked the SQ [surprise question]: “Would you be surprised if this patient were to die in the next 12 months?” as a prompt to consider consultation to specialty PC [palliative care]. While the SQ should not be solely used as a prognostic indicator of death, our study proves that the SQ can be utilized by hepatologists as a screening tool with good sensitivity for identifying patients with ESLD who may be at higher risk of death and therefore may benefit from PC co-management.

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Inpatient use of valproic acid in agitated delirium by palliative medicine

03/22/25 at 03:40 AM

Inpatient use of valproic acid in agitated delirium by palliative medicineAmerican Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine; Sarah Jacobs, DO; Leah Herbst, DO; Carlos Fernandez, MD; Zankhana Y. Mehta, MD; Amanda Young, MS; Mellar P. Davis, MD; 2/25Valproic acid (VPA), an anti-epileptic medication available in intravenous and parenteral forms, has recently been used to treat agitation associated with delirium. VPA as an adjunct in treating delirium has been reported to be opioid, antipsychotic and benzodiazepine sparing. ... this study did show that 50% of patients did not require benzodiazepines or antipsychotics at all, and that VPA might have a role in sparing the use of medications such as antipsychotics and benzodiazepines which have poor evidence in the management of agitation in delirium.

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Perceptions of patient-clinician communication among adults with and without serious illness

03/22/25 at 03:35 AM

Perceptions of patient-clinician communication among adults with and without serious illnessJAMA Network Open; Carine Davila, Sarah Nouri, Stephanie H Chan, Brian Feltz, Anna Gosline, Zamawa Arenas, Jane Kavanagh, Joanna Paladino, Lindsay A Dow, Vicki A Jackson, Rebecca Sudore, Christine S Ritchie, Elizabeth Lindenberger; 3/25In this cross-sectional study, adults with serious illness more often had worse patient-clinician communication experiences. Compared with adults without serious illness, adults with serious illness were more likely to report leaving a visit unsure about next steps ...; being afraid to ask questions or speak up ...; believing they were talked down to or made to feel inferior...; and believing that they were treated unfairly by clinicians ... Further research is needed to better understand and develop interventions to improve perceptions of patient-clinician communication experiences for adults with serious illness.

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Nursing home residents, family members, and staff members views about a good death and preferred place of death for a nursing home resident

03/22/25 at 03:15 AM

Nursing home residents, family members, and staff members views about a good death and preferred place of death for a nursing home residentOmega-Journal of Death and Dying; Janet Sopcheck, Ruth M. Tappen; 2/25Our study ... revealed that residents, like family members and staff members, had mixed opinions of the place of death for the NH resident, highlighting the importance of having advance care planning sessions with residents and their families to gain an understanding regarding their choices. Our study found the predominant and common qualities across the three participant groups of a good death include painless or pain-free, without suffering, peaceful, quiet, and dying in my sleep. Interestingly, almost one-fifth of the participants disagreed with the term good death, offering that death is not good as the person is no longer alive. Based on this study’s finding, using the term a good death in research and in advance care planning sessions may not be relevant or appropriate and instead focus on what care is necessary to promote a natural death, as mentioned by a few participants.

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Prevalence of depression and anxiety among adults with chronic pain-A systematic review and meta-analysis

03/22/25 at 03:15 AM

Prevalence of depression and anxiety among adults with chronic pain-A systematic review and meta-analysisJAMA Network Open; Rachel V. Aaron, PhD; Scott G. Ravyts, PhD; Nicolette D. Carnahan, PhD; Kavya Bhattiprolu, BS; Nicole Harte, MClinPsychol; Claire C. McCaulley, BA; Lauren Vitalicia; Alexandria B. Rogers, PhD; Stephen T. Wegener, PhD; Joanne Dudeney, PhD; 3/25Chronic pain, defined as pain that persists for more than 3 months, is a prevalent and disabling condition affecting 21% of adults. In this systematic review and meta-analysis of depression and anxiety among individuals with chronic pain, approximately 40% of adults had clinically significant depression and anxiety. Women, younger people, and people with nociplastic pain were most likely to have depression and anxiety. The co-occurrence of chronic pain with depression and anxiety is a significant public health concern necessitating routine screening in clinical settings, equitable access to specialty care, and innovative treatment development. 

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Medical interpreters’ experiences with patients who are near end-of-life and their family members

03/22/25 at 03:15 AM

Medical interpreters’ experiences with patients who are near end-of-life and their family membersJournal of Pain and Symptom Management; Joycelyn Howard DNP, RN, AGCNS, ACHPN ; Alexia M. Torke MD, MS; Susan E. Hickman PhD; Greg Sachs MD; Sylk Sotto-Santiago EdD, MBA, MPS; James E. Slaven MS, MA; Denise Robinson PhD, RN, FNP; 3/25In 2019 the United States Census Bureau reported 8% of the United States Population “speak English less than very well”. Ensuring individuals with a non-English language preference (NELP), previously referred to as limited English proficiency, have equitable access to healthcare includes providing high quality interpreter services. Although self-efficacy for interpreting EOL [end of life]conversations is generally high, interpreters desire education about EOL care. Interventions are also needed to address the high emotional toll of interpreting EOL conversations. Education and training about EOL care may help them to not only convey information accurately but also cope with emotional nuances characteristic of these significant conversations, ultimately elevating the quality of care for patients and family members in vulnerable and important moments.

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Disparities in end-of-life symptom burden linked to complex interplay among wealth, health, and social support

03/22/25 at 03:05 AM

Disparities in end-of-life symptom burden linked to complex interplay among wealth, health, and social supportJAMA Network Open; Peter A. Boling, MD; 3/25On average, US health care spending in the last year of life alone was $80,000, with 12% ($9,500) being out of pocket and mostly incurred before the final 6 months. This problem worsened in the past decade when the nonspecific diagnosis of failure to thrive was removed as a condition eligible for hospice care and more stringent definitions were applied for dementia, which became the next bubble as the hospice balloon was squeezed. Hospice care is a means of reducing symptom burden, but the Medicare payment model discourages prolonged enrollment during slowly progressing advanced chronic illness and effectively limits funding of social support during hospice care, which is particularly problematic for patients with cognitive and functional impairment and for their friends and families. Considering suffering as a medical condition warranting treatment rather than a social problem requiring support services might help with the evolution of a Medicare policy that might provide a more graduated approach to end-of-life care.

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Today's Encouragement

03/22/25 at 03:00 AM

Beware the ides of March! ~William Shakespeare’s play The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, 1599

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Saturday newsletters

03/22/25 at 03:00 AM

Saturday newsletters focus on headlines and research - enjoy!

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If you’re known for these 5 habits, your leadership skills are off the charts

03/21/25 at 03:00 AM

If you’re known for these 5 habits, your leadership skills are off the charts Inc.; by Marcel Schwantes; 3/19/25 In an era of constant disruption, every leader should aspire to have these skills and habits. Business is more unpredictable than ever, and it’s hitting leaders hard. More than half (57 percent) of executives say their companies faced serious disruption last year—way up from the year before. Employees are also checking out—engagement is at a 10-year low. The old way of leading, where authority and expertise ruled, isn’t cutting it anymore. The best leaders today aren’t just the smartest or most experienced—they’re the ones who know how to build trust, bring people together, and lead with confidence and compassion. ... Five power skills of essential leadership: ...

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Hosparus Health hosts senior resource fair for community

03/21/25 at 03:00 AM

Hosparus Health hosts senior resource fair for community NBC WNKY News 40, Bowling Green, KY; by Noah Faerber; 3/18/25 Hosparus Health invited partners from the community to WKU’s Medical Science Complex for a senior resource summit. It offered seniors a chance to speak with different organizations that can help them prepare for their future. From Bowling Green Parks & Rec’s fitness department to different healthcare groups, staff were excited to have so many groups out to help look toward what’s next.

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Executive Personnel Changes - 3/21/25

03/21/25 at 03:00 AM

Executive Personnel Changes - 3/21/25

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[Australia] Advance care planning has brought 'comfort and peace' to Annaliese Holland

03/21/25 at 03:00 AM

[Australia] Advance care planning has brought 'comfort and peace' to Annaliese Holland ABC News; by Eva Blandis and Daniel Keane; 3/19/25Young South Australian woman Annaliese Holland, who is preparing for major high-risk surgery, has spoken about the importance of advance care planning. The 25-year-old was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease and terminal illness several years ago. Ms. Holland wants young people to have more open conversations about death and end-of-life care. ... "I say my life is like walking on a field of landmines, not knowing when it will go off,"  she said. While it is a harrowing statement, she is harnessing her situation to help others — Ms. Holland is a strong supporter of advance care planning.

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‘Early discussions on what to expect can lessen the strain’

03/21/25 at 03:00 AM

‘Early discussions on what to expect can lessen the strain’ Nursing Times; by Kylie Chaffin; 3/19/25 The article explains the pros and cons of nutrition and hydration at end of life and the several types of artificial nutrition and hydration that can be used, written in a way patients and families can understand. Resources and educational articles, like this one, can also be a great way to introduce new or even more effective ways nurses and care team members can support patients and families when pursuing a palliative approach to their health and wellbeing. My question for readers is, “Should the conversation of end-of-life, hospice and palliative care, and nutritional changes, be initiated sooner rather than later in patients with a terminal diagnosis?”

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‘Dying people are incredible teachers’: Hospice nurse leans on personal loss experience to speak about end of life, write children’s books

03/21/25 at 03:00 AM

‘Dying people are incredible teachers’: Hospice nurse leans on personal loss experience to speak about end of life, write children’s books Dayton Daily News, Dayton, OH; by Beth Anspach; 3/20/25 Kim Vesey has experienced more than her share of loss. Her husband, Les, passed away in 2006 of colon cancer. “He died at home with Hospice care,” Vesey said. “Having worked in this area and experiencing it myself, this took it all to a much deeper level and changed my understanding of the process of grief.” ... She was hired for her first Hospice job in 1985. “It’s taught me a lot about life and living and what is important,” she said. “Dying people are incredible teachers.” ... After losing her husband, Vesey continued her work in Hospice care. Then in 2017, her daughter Sarah, who had struggled with severe asthma her entire life, passed away after going into cardiac arrest. She was just 29 years old and left behind a 4-year-old son, Warren. She was also pregnant with her second child. “My experience of losing my daughter shined a light on the struggle for children who are grieving,” Vesey said.“ ... Today, Vesey has published four books with two additional scheduled to be published this year, including a book about losing a beloved pet. ...

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Delaware House passes end-of-life option bill for terminally ill adults

03/21/25 at 03:00 AM

Delaware House passes end-of-life option bill for terminally ill adults ABC Action News 6, Dover, DE; by 6abc Digital Staff; 3/20/25 Currently, medical aid for euthanasia is legal in 10 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. Delaware's House of Representatives has passed a bill giving some terminally ill residents the right to take their life. The bill allows mentally capable adult residents, who have been given a prognosis of six months or less to live, the option to request and obtain life-ending medication. The bill now heads to the Senate. ... Now, for the 10th time, Delaware lawmakers are trying once again to get the bill passed. ... Governor Matt Meyer has signaled his support if the bill passes the Senate,  ...

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Health care system adaptation and resilience during the wildfire crisis

03/21/25 at 03:00 AM

Health care system adaptation and resilience during the wildfire crisisJAMA Network; by Attila J. Hertelendy, PhD, Jeremy Maggin, MD, MS, and Gregory Ciottone, MD; 3/19/25 ... Within a span of hours, the Palisades and Eaton fires, propelled by record-breaking Santa Ana winds reaching 150 miles per hour, consumed more than 37,000 acres, destroyed more than 16,000 structures, and claimed 29 lives. All told, greater than 186,000 residents were placed under evacuation orders. ... The experience in Los Angeles County demonstrates the value of maintaining dual-purpose resources: facilities and personnel who can transition between routine operations and emergency response functions. This approach is exemplified by Kaiser Permanente’s successful deployment of mobile health vehicles and the use of clinically trained administrative leaders in direct patient care roles during crisis events. Key elements of successful resource mobilization include:

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Today's Encouragement: I hope your decisions in life turn out better than your ...

03/21/25 at 03:00 AM

I hope your decisions in life turn out better than your March Madness bracket! ~ UnknownDownload and print the NCAA Men's Bracket and the NCAAW Women's Bracket. 

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Hastening death by stopping eating and drinking: Hope Wechkin, Thaddeus Pope, and Josh Briscoe

03/21/25 at 03:00 AM

Hastening death by stopping eating and drinking: Hope Wechkin, Thaddeus Pope, and Josh Briscoe GeriPal Podcasts; by Hope Wechkin, Thaddeus Pope, and Josh Briscoe Eric and Alex have featured discussions about complex bioethical concepts around caring for people at the end of life, including voluntarily stopping eating and drinking (VSED), and multiple episodes about the ethical issues surrounding medical aid in dying (MAID). Recently, discussion has emerged about how these issues intertwine in caring for patients with advancing dementia who have stated that they would not want to continue living in that condition: for those with an advanced directive to stop eating and drinking, how do we balance caring for their rational past self and their experiential current self? Should these patients qualify for medical aid in dying medications? And is there a middle path to provide some degree of comfort while also hastening the end of life?

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How our partnership with LovEvolve fosters the message of compassionate care

03/21/25 at 03:00 AM

How our partnership with LovEvolve fosters the message of compassionate care Carolina Caring, Newton, NC; 3/20/25 ... Founded and designed by professional artist Sunny Goode, LovEvolve is a mission-driven organization producing scarves, blankets, and swaddles which hold creative attention to color theory and the message of love. ... LovEvolve has distributed their products across thirteen hospitals nationwide, allowing over 61,000 newborns to be wrapped in love. ... Cardinal Kids [Carolina Caring's pediatric palliative medicine and hospice program] began distributing LovEvolve blankets and swaddles to our hospice patients in December 2024. Though these items are a recent addition to our story, families have already shared that these gifts bring lasting meaning to their hospice experience. These blankets are memory makers, reminding families of the impact that their child has had on this world. Sometimes, parents use the blankets whenever they spend the night with their children at the hospice house. The blankets have also been regifted to siblings as a tangible reminder of their brother or sister. The visual cue of love has been a source of peace for many of our Pediatric nurses, as well.

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