Literature Review
All posts tagged with “General News | Changing the Culture of Dying.”
Cancer: It’s not like the movies
03/25/24 at 03:00 AMCancer: It’s not like the moviesUCI Health, by Heather Shannon; 3/21/24Movies have the power to make fictional stories seem so vivid they leave an impression and a feeling that lasts forever. That’s especially true for films about someone diagnosed with cancer who ultimately meets a tragic end. “Patients often come in with an image in their head based on the movies they’ve seen that had a cancer patient in it,” says UCI Health medical oncologist Dr. Arash Rezazadeh Kalebasty. ... Rezazadeh and his co-authors found several problems with how cancer was characterized in the movies, including: Cancer type ...; Curability ...; Palliative care ...
Legendary healthcare researcher John E. Wennberg, who shaped efforts to reform the nation’s healthcare system, dies at 89
03/20/24 at 03:00 AMLegendary healthcare researcher John E. Wennberg, who shaped efforts to reform the nation’s healthcare system, dies at 89Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine, by Susan Green; 3/18/24John E. (Jack) Wennberg, MD, MPH, founder and director emeritus of The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, the Peggy Y. Thomson Professor in the Evaluative Clinical Sciences Emeritus at the Geisel School of Medicine, and founding editor of the Dartmouth Atlas of Health Care, died March 10, 2024. He was 89 years old. “His work pioneered a field that has grown into an entirely new academic discipline in medicine,” Duane Compton, PhD, Geisel School of Medicine dean, says. ... Wennberg focused on improving decision quality by combining better clinical evidence with informed patient preferences. The introduction of shared decision-making between clinicians and patients to preserve warranted variation due to patient preferences is now embedded in health policies across the globe.
Navigating difficult conversations with patients with terminal cancer diagnoses
03/19/24 at 02:00 AMNavigating difficult conversations with patients with terminal cancer diagnoses Oncology Nursing News, by Darlene Dobkowski, MA; 3/18/24 Although oncology nurses need strong communication skills to help all of their patients navigate their cancer journeys, it is critical to have the ability to have difficult conversations with patients who received a terminal diagnosis, ... Betty Ferrell, Ph.D., M.S.N., CHPN, director and professor in the Division of Nursing Research and Education in the Department of Population Sciences at City of Hope in Duarte, California, said in an interview with Oncology Nursing News. For the past 24 years, her institution has been directing a project called the End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium (ELNEC), which is a palliative care training program and includes a module focused on communication. ... “One of the things that we teach nurses is … that your No. 1 job is to listen,” Ferrell said. “Another thing that we say to nurses is, it is not your job to have all the answers. Patients ask very unanswerable questions. ‘Why me?’ is not an answerable question. But when a patient says, ‘Why me,’ then we want nurses to have good communication skills to say, ‘I can imagine why you're asking that question. Because as you've shared with me, you had no idea that you might be diagnosed with cancer, or you're the first person in your family to ever have cancer.’”
Doctor with terminal cancer shares the three things everyone should consider doing to prepare for death
03/15/24 at 02:30 AMDoctor with terminal cancer shares the three things everyone should consider doing to prepare for deathYour Tango, by Alexandra Blogier; 3/12/24Kim is a resident doctor who was diagnosed with metastatic sarcoma when she was 28 years old. She invites people to see what her life is like, as both a medical resident and a cancer patient, focusing on the practice of gratitude and being present. ... Kim revealed the three most important things she’s done as a cancer patient to get the administrative side of her affairs in order, which she recommends everyone do, even if they're not sick.
Is extending life by weeks worth the toll some cancer drugs take? Doctors push for 'common-sense oncology'
03/13/24 at 03:00 AMIs extending life by weeks worth the toll some cancer drugs take? Doctors push for 'common-sense oncology' CBC News, by Amina Zafar and Christine Birak; 3/11/24 People may celebrate a 2-week improvement in survival without acknowledging costs. When a treatment buys a few weeks or months but comes with with a lot of side-effects, then the perspectives of people with cancer may differ, says Dr. Christopher Booth. ... The goal of what they call "common-sense oncology" is to prioritize treatments that meaningfully improve survival and quality of life. They aim to address what they see as problems in the field, such as a lack of critical thinking in oncology training, falling standards for drug approvals and avoidance of end-of-life discussions.
Opportunity uncovered: How COVID-19 accelerated healthcare transformation
03/12/24 at 03:00 AMOpportunity uncovered: How COVID-19 accelerated healthcare transformation Managed Healthcare Executive; by Patrick Horine, MHA; 3/6/24The COVID-19 pandemic left an indelible mark on the healthcare landscape, spotlighting critical areas for improvement while accelerating transformations that were already underway. From addressing disparities in equity and access to adopting digital health strategies, the pandemic has forced healthcare to move swiftly to meet urgent needs. First, let us look at some of the issues we had been facing and how these were changed by the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic. ...
Rising suicide risk among seniors due to loneliness, mobility, financial insecurity, study finds
03/07/24 at 02:00 AMRising suicide risk among seniors due to loneliness, mobility, financial insecurity, study finds McKnights Home Care, by Adam Healy; 3/5/24As the number of adults over 65 continues to grow, suicide rates among older adults have also been rising, according to data from the National Center for Health Statistics. Between 2008 and 2017, the share of suicide-related emergency department visits among adults 65 years and older more than doubled. These older adults face age-related stressors that can negatively affect mental health, such as declining physical health, reduced mental sharpness, or the loss of friends or loved ones, which can heighten the risk of suicide.
At Frieze LA, Gary Tyler finds resilience after prison—in each stitch of his poignant quilts
03/05/24 at 03:00 AMAt Frieze LA, Gary Tyler finds resilience after prison—in each stitch of his poignant quilts ARTnews, by Steven Vargas; 2/29/24 Los Angeles–based artist Gary Tyler has been making quilts for close to 15 years but has yet to exhibit them in his hometown. This week, he will debut several of his intricate and emotionally packed pieces at Frieze Los Angeles, after having been named the winner of the fair’s Impact Prize. His quilts document the 42 years he spent in prison following a wrongful conviction of murder at age 17. His journey to receiving the prize may be unconventional, but for him, it is a reminder of the resilience of an artist.Publisher's note: This article features another quilter from the Angola Prison Hospice Project.
Unexpected Fatality Review Committee Report UFR-23-017
02/29/24 at 03:00 AMUnexpected Fatality Review Committee Report UFR-23-017Washington State Legislature; 2/27/24... The purpose of the unexpected fatality review is to develop recommendations for Department Of Corrections (DOC) and the legislature regarding changes in practices or policies to prevent fatalities and strengthen safety and health protections for incarcerated individuals in DOC’s custody. ... Consultative remarks that do not correlate to the cause of death but should be considered for review by the Department of Corrections: DOC should continue implementing the end-of-life care program. Editor's Note:
Death can be isolating and dehumanizing. But what if it didn’t have to be?
02/21/24 at 03:00 AMDeath can be isolating and dehumanizing. But what if it didn’t have to be?City Life, by Ben Seal; 2/17/24... In the three years since Elaine’s passing, I’ve longed for a world where more people could be given the chance to die as she did — with the fullness of life surrounding her, and with complete support, emphasizing the emotional and spiritual, not just the medical. In Philadelphia and beyond, a growing community of death-care workers — doulas, nurses, grief counselors, social workers, even funeral directors — is trying to build that world. They are reclaiming death and dying from the institutional model that has become the norm over the past century. Editor's Note: Has hospice now become so institutionalized and medical/regulatory focused that we have lost sight of "emphasizing the emotional and spiritual, not just the medical"? I ask the question, but do not draw judgment, as answers must be contextualized.
This hospice volunteer program is transforming end-of-life care for inmates in Maine
02/19/24 at 02:00 AMThis hospice volunteer program is transforming end-of-life care for inmates in MaineYouTube - News Center Maine, video news; 2/16/24The prisoner hospice volunteer program started in 2001 as a partnership among the Maine Hospice Council, Maine State Prison, and Maine Department of Corrections.
MIDEO Systems Inc. secures contract with city of Austin for innovative end-of-life care solution
02/15/24 at 03:00 AMMIDEO Systems Inc. secures contract with city of Austin for innovative end-of-life care solution BBN, by Waqas Arain; 2/13/24MIDEO Systems Inc., a groundbreaking platform offering video-based advance care planning services, has secured a contract with the City of Austin. The partnership aims to streamline and digitize the process of documenting patients' medical preferences, making it more accessible and understandable for medical professionals.
Silverado Hospice - Hospice stories
02/14/24 at 03:00 AMSilverado Hospice - Hospice Stories
The importance of art in a “good death”
02/14/24 at 03:00 AMThe importance of art in a “good death”Hyperallergic, by Brianna L. Hernandez; 2/11/24... Resham Mantri and Eliana Yoneda are two artists and death doulas who are collaborators and founders of Community Deathcare Digest, an evolving collection of art projects and death cafes, as well as a bi-weekly newsletter about death and care. The newsletter gathers resources and educational content, and coordinates mutual aid for death rituals and funeral needs.
Explore the enormous benefits of multigenerational living in this essential guide for the modern American family
02/07/24 at 04:00 AMExplore the enormous benefits of multigenerational living in this essential guide for the modern American familyNewsDirect; 2/5/24In today's rapidly evolving world, the modern American family encounters unprecedented challenges without a roadmap for guidance. Addressing this pressing need, Under One Roof (River Grove Books, Feb. 5, 2024) emerges as a comprehensive guidebook authored by Emily K. Graham, Angel L. Vargas, and John L. Graham. With a wealth of experience and insights, the authors present innovative approaches to multigenerational living, shedding light on its opportunities and complexities.
Cambia Health Foundation announces 10th cohort of the Sojourns Scholar Leadership Program
01/22/24 at 04:00 AMCambia Health Foundation announces 10th cohort of the Sojourns Scholar Leadership ProgramCambia health foundation; 1/18/24Each Sojourns Scholar receives $180,000 in funding ($90,000 per year over a two-year grant) to carry out an innovative and impactful project in the field of palliative care and execute a leadership development plan designed to support the individual's growth as a national leader in the field. ... Each grantee is a member of an interdisciplinary palliative care team or is otherwise working to advance the field.Click on the link above for descriptions, and then on "Meet Our Cohorts"
Hollywood's portrayal of cancer in movies fuels misconceptions, new study finds
01/18/24 at 04:02 AMHollywood's portrayal of cancer in movies fuels misconceptions, new study findsPR Newswire; 1/17/24... Researchers reviewed more than 100 films released between 2010-2020 and found several key findings about films' lasting impact on public perception of cancer treatment, prevention and care options. Key findings from the study include:
Man with cancer once wanted assisted suicide, but was glad he chose natural death instead
01/17/24 at 04:00 AMMan with cancer once wanted assisted suicide, but was glad he chose natural death insteadLive Action, by Cassy Fiano-Chesser; 1/15/24“In our last moments, when he was awake, I sat on his bed and sang to him — Joni Mitchell’s Both Sides Now. He had watched her sing it at the Isle of Wight pop festival and it was a magical memory he had relived with us.
Black ownership provides a different perspective on hospice care
01/15/24 at 02:00 AMBlack ownership provides a different perspective on hospice careMichigan Chronicle, by Ebony JJ Curry; 10/10/23... In essence, Black-owned hospices stand as beacons of trust, understanding, and respect within the African-American community. They have the power to transform end-of-life care for African Americans, ensuring it is a time of peace, dignity, and compassion, surrounded by providers who understand and honor their cultural context, values, and wishes.
Finding a voice for the terminally ill
01/10/24 at 04:00 AMFinding a voice for the terminally illHealth Affairs, by Richey Piiparinen, 1/9/24A patient with terminal illness reflects on the reluctance in health care to discuss death. Access to the full-text article requires either an online subscription or purchase of 24-hour access to this article.
How to live: What the dying tell us
01/04/24 at 04:00 AMHow to live: What the dying tell usPsychology Today, by Tasha Seiter; 1/2/24Subtitle: The top regrets of the dying and how we can use them to better our lives.Bronnie Ware, a hospice nurse, asked the dying what they regretted most. While it may have been too late for her patients, their answers can tell us about how we should be living while we still have the chance. Here are the top five regrets of the dying, according to her research (both qualitative and quantitative):
I Promised My Sister I Would Write About How She Chose to Die
12/30/23 at 03:11 AMI Promised My Sister I Would Write About How She Chose to DieBy Steven Petrow, Guest ColumnistNew York TimesDecember 28, 2023On the day before my sister Julie died, I lay down on her bed and held her gingerly in my arms, afraid that any pressure would hurt her. She had lost so much weight that she looked like a stick figure I might have drawn when we were kids.
‘Now is the time’ for hospital-at-home—Medically Home CEO
12/22/23 at 03:24 AM‘Now is the time’ for hospital-at-home—Medically Home CEOModern HealthcareDecember 20, 2023Rami Karjian, co-founder and CEO of Medically Home, understood the possibilities of leveraging technology to deliver hospital-level care outside facilities when he helped launch the Boston-based company nearly a decade ago.
The Hospice Action Network Presents 2023 Angel Awards Honorees
12/21/23 at 03:42 AMThe Hospice Action Network Presents 2023 Angel Awards HonoreesNews ReleaseDecember 19, 2023Alexandria, VA—The Hospice Action Network (HAN), the advocacy affiliate group of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO), is pleased to announce its 2023 Hospice Action Network Angel Award Honorees. ... New this year is the addition of the first-ever “Courageous Conversations Award” to be presented, when merited, to a standout individual who has inspired and educated the public on the value of hospice. At 99, former President Jimmy Carter is the longest living U.S. President and the first known President to utilize the Medicare Hospice Benefit. This year’s HAN award recipients are as follows:
A plea before dying—on behalf of those who might need it
12/21/23 at 03:07 AMA plea before dying—on behalf of those who might need itBy Burt RiskedahlTwin Cities Pioneer PressDecember 19, 2023I am so grateful for many of the important legislative bills approved in the 2023 session of the Minnesota Legislature, particularly those that protect reproductive health rights, ensure LGBTQ access to needed care and treatment, and provide significant funding for increased access to education. ... Regretfully, the Legislature failed to enact another important measure, the Minnesota End-of-Life Options Act, that would have also provided important rights to people.