Literature Review

Hospice Insights Podcast - Stories of successful hospice leadership: The CEO and Chief Medical Officer relationship JD Supra; by Husch Blackwell; 8/21/24 A strong and engaged Chief Medical Officer (CMO) may be a hospice CEO’s most important asset. But what does a successful CEO/CMO relationship look like and how must it evolve to meet today’s challenges? In this episode we get to find out, as Husch Blackwell’s Meg Pekarske is joined by HopeHealth CEO Diana Franchitto and Dr. Edward Martin, CMO, whose trusted relationship has been instrumental to the organization’s success and clinical expansion.

Molina Healthcare of Ohio donates $125,000 to address shortage of home care and hospice nurses Business Wire; by Ben Jackey; 8/21/24 Molina Healthcare of Ohio ("Molina") awarded a $125,000 grant to the Center for Community Based Care (CCBC), the nonprofit foundation arm of the Ohio Council for Home Care & Hospice (OCHCH). The investment will fund efforts to address the shortage of nurses in home care and hospice settings and support a new hotline aiding Ohioans managing serious illnesses from home. ... "Molina believes all individuals should have access to high-quality care and our support of CCBC will help create greater capacity for Ohioans to receive care from home," said Ami Cole, plan president for Molina Healthcare of Ohio. "CCBC is reducing gaps in health equity and we are proud to invest in their work."

5 DEI expectations organizations should have of all leaders Forbes; by Julie Kratz; 8/18/24 Without leadership support, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts do not work. ... For organizations wrestling with holding leaders accountable for DEI, consider these questions: 

Cognitive impairment in the workplace Alzheimer's Association; email 8/14/24, webpage posted 8/8/24 Due to the aging of the U.S. population, rates of cognitive impairment and dementia in the workplace are on the rise. This creates challenges for employers, many of whom may not know how to best support employees who are experiencing symptoms of cognitive impairment. Conversely, employees may be hesitant to share with their employer the challenges that they’re experiencing. ... Recommendations Regarding Dementia in the Workplace ... [Click on the title's link for this excellent HR information.]

How Texas healthcare facilities can prepare for new workplace violence prevention standards for healthcare workers JW News; by Jeffrey H. Frost; 8/14/24 ... On May 15, 2023, Governor Abbott signed SB 240, relating to workplace violence prevention in certain healthcare facilities. ... Texas healthcare facilities must meet Chapter 331 workplace violence prevention requirements by September 1, 2024. ... Covered facilities [which includes hospice] must establish a workplace violence prevention committee, prevention plan, and policy. ... At a minimum, the prevention plan must: (i) be tailored to the practice setting; (ii) define “workplace violence”; (iii) provide for annual training; (iv) review physical security and safety; (v) create a reporting system; and (vi) adjust the care assignments (if possible) of employees and providers who have been assaulted or threatened. Editor's Note: For non-Texas hospice and palliative providers, what Workplace Violence Prevention Plan do you have in place, or not? This article provides excellent information and action plans for you to use.

Giving feedback can be daunting for new leaders — here’s how to provide it thoughtfully The Conversation; by Tracy Walsh; 8/11/24 Giving performance feedback at work can be a stressful experience, especially for new leaders and their employees. It often evokes feelings of anxiety, uncertainty and defensiveness. ... Yet, feedback has never been more important. ... When feedback is delivered thoughtfully and perceived as constructive by employees, it can bridge the gap between potential and performance and provide clarity in times of uncertainty. ... [It] includes recognizing achievements, fostering professional development and building trust with employees. ... It’s equally important for leaders to seek and receive feedback from their employees. Embracing feedback enhances adaptability by providing leaders with real-time insights into what’s working and what’s not, allowing them to make necessary adjustments. [Click on the title's link for descriptions and guides.]

Healthcare added 1 million workers since 2020: 5 things to know Becker's Hospital Review; by Molly Gamble; 8/12/24 Healthcare faces numerous workforce challenges, but the industry has steadily added jobs after the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted staffing. An Altarum analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data finds a dual reality for healthcare: The industry has added more than 1 million workers since March 2020 and, at the same time, thousands more healthcare jobs remain unfilled as demand for workers continues to far exceed the supply. Here are five takeaways from Altarum's jobs analysis, which includes breakdowns of the sectors that led employment recovery:

Valley Health, Blue Ridge hospice collaborate to expand care in Luray WHSV 3, Luray, VA; by Michael Russo; 8/1/24 Health systems in the Valley are joining together to expand their offerings for hospice care. Page Memorial Hospital in Luray will benefit from the collaboration between Valley Health and Blue Ridge Hospice and the pair’s Hospice in the Hospital Program. Valley Health and Blue Ridge Hospice signed an agreement July 15 to allow BRH’s staff to work with Valley Health’s team to provide “supplemental comfort care services” to ensure patients receive comprehensive care throughout and following their stay in the hospital. 

Amid trauma and burnout, it ‘takes courage’ to reflect on mental, emotional well-being Healio; by Jennifer Byrne; 7/31/24 ... [William E. Rosa, PhD, MBE, MS] began to realize that in the stressful, devastating situations he and his colleagues faced daily, there was much to be learned from the principles of trauma-informed care. ... “This is the idea that cultivating an awareness can prevent us from re-traumatizing ourselves and others,” he said. “I think it starts with reflecting on — and telling the truth about — our mental and emotional well-being. That takes courage.” In acknowledging the emotional scars, brokenness and vulnerability that comes from tragedy and loss, individuals can begin to heal a lifetime of stored and unresolved trauma, Rosa said. “As a workforce, you and I see unacceptable rates of suicide, burnout, moral distress and attrition,” he said. “It’s time that we come to safe and supported terms with our trauma — not just as individuals, but as a collective, not only for the patients and families we serve, but for us to survive.”Editor's Note: In this article, Dr. Rosa identified "the emotional impact of taking yet another patient off the ventilator at the end of life." Recent articles we've posted in this newsletter about trauma-informed care been in our "Top Reads." While those articles focused on trauma-informed care of the persons you serve, this focuses on the persons who serve, your all-important direct patient care clinicians.

The most urgent needs in medical education Becker's Hospital Review; by Mariah Taylor; 7/30/24 Healthcare is rapidly changing, presenting challenges to new physicians and the organizations that train them. The rise of AI, new technologies, patient demands and increased awareness in social determinants of health and equity have pushed leaders and organizations to change how they evaluate healthcare workers' preparedness as they enter the field. ...

Real vs. fake news: Myths vs. facts about hospice care The Journal; by Danielle Ruble, Chief Clinical Officer of Hospice of the Panhandle and Panhandle Palliative Services; 7/28/24 Writing an article naturally causes me to pause and reflect not only on my time working in the hospice realm, but also my “why.” Why was I originally drawn to this field of nursing, and why do I stay? My “why” is simple – mission-driven care. More specifically – mission-driven care centered around patient choice. Yes, it’s true, no one chooses to be terminally ill, but the type of care available is a choice. ... According to the Oxford Dictionary, a myth is a “widely held but false belief or idea” and hospice care is often associated with myths and misconceptions. Here are five myths that we frequently hear.

Hospices strategize sustainable growth for Veteran Programs Hospice News; by Holly Vossel; 7/26/24 Hospices combat both operational and financial challenges as they seek to grow and evolve their veteran programs around the diverse and complex needs of patients and their families. Some of the largest expenses associated with offering veteran services include staffing and training costs ... In addition to staff training, this includes having ways to honor veterans for their service, assess the social determinant of health resources they may need and identify gaps of caregiver support. ...Editor's Note: Notable mentions include Carlos Graveran, executive director at Maryland-based Frederick Health Hospice; Sherri Bickley, vice president of patient support services at Oklahoma-based Crossroads Hospice & Palliative Care; and Carla Creegan, PACE director of clinical services and director of adult day swervices at Empath Health.

How home-based care’s leaders foster a multi-generational workforce Home Health Care News; by Joyce Famakinwa; 7/23/24 In order for the home-based care space to benefit from the demographic tailwinds coming its way, it needs to embrace emerging leaders who are bringing in fresh ideas. VNS Health, Andwell Health Partners and UVA Continuum Home Health are just a few of the companies that are throwing their support behind the next generation of leaders. ... Formerly Androscoggin Home Healthcare + Hospice, Andwell is a nonprofit operator that offers home health, hospice, palliative, behavioral health and pediatric care services. The company employs over 500 workers across all 16 counties in Maine. Along with cultivating the next crop of leaders, companies are figuring out how best to work with a multi-generational workforce.