Literature Review

How UCSF Health is rebuilding an 'instrumental' management layer Becker's Hospital Review; by Kelly Gooch; 12/17/24Middle managers have long played a crucial role in industries across the U.S. However, a November article from global management consulting firm Korn Ferry describes "a disappearing layer of middle management," particularly among professional-service firms that are "delayering" to improve flexibility and responsiveness. ...  [Data] shows that in 2023, middle managers accounted for 31.5% of all layoffs, with an average of 22% between 2018 and 2022. While Mitul Modi, Korn Ferry senior client partner in the firm's global healthcare services practice, said layoffs of managers have occurred at various health systems in 2024, he told Becker's he is not seeing this occur with patient-facing roles. Instead, he has observed an increased emphasis on developing middle managers. ... One example of this is San Francisco-based UCSF Health. ... UCSF Health's efforts center around investing in a management core training program.[Click on the title's link to continue reading.]

Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed collection; Comment request Federal Register - United States Government; A Notice by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Health  and Human Services; 12/16/24 The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is announcing an opportunity for the public to comment on CMS' intention to collect information from the public. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), Federal agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information (including each proposed extension or reinstatement of an existing collection of information) and to allow 60 days for public comment on the proposed action. Interested persons are invited to send comments regarding our burden estimates or any other aspect of this collection of information, including the necessity and utility of the proposed information collection for the proper performance of the agency's functions, the accuracy of the estimated burden, ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected, and the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology to minimize the information collection burden.

Embracing life when nearing death The Aspen Times - Snowmass Sun; Aspen, CO; by Allison Daily; 12/13/24 Receiving a terminal diagnosis is one of life’s most profoundly difficult moments — a collision of disbelief, fear, and uncertainty. With some diseases, there’s a glimmer of hope for a miracle; with others, the focus shifts to navigating the process ahead. When Rita Hunter first asked to meet with me, I had no idea she had been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig’s Disease. As we settled into my office, she got straight to the point: “I want you to help me with this last part of my life.” I left our first session rattled, but we established a clear understanding over time. She needed someone with whom she could be brutally honest — someone to discuss, without judgment, what she was willing and unwilling to endure. ... In her final days, her body let her know when it was time, and she showed extraordinary grace. She was a gift to this community, and she was a gift to me. She taught me more than I could ever give to her. Rita had become a model of how to live fully, even in the face of an unchangeable reality. Editor's note: Click on the title's link to read this inspirational story, and to learn this clinician's "treehouse" imagery intervention.

Executive Personnel Changes - 12/13/24 

The Green Workforce Conversation with Neil Yeo: How sustainability shapes tomorrow All Work - Future of Work Podcast; by Frank Cottie; 12/10/24 In this episode of The Future of Work ® Podcast, we dive deep with Neil Yeoh, Founder & CEO of OnePointFive, a Forbes Next 1000-awarded Climate Advisory and Academy with a global network of 700+ sustainability professionals across 45 countries. ... Why This Matters:

Why introverted leaders outperform extroverts by 28% Forbes; by Cynthia Pong, JD; 12/8/24 Move over, charismatic showboats—introverted leaders drive 28% higher productivity from proactive, engaged teams compared to their extroverted counterparts, according to research by Adam Grant from Wharton, Francesca Gino from Harvard Business School and David Hofmann from UNC-Chapel Hill’s Business School. The finding runs counter to conventional wisdom about what makes an effective leader. While extroverts often steal the spotlight at work, introverted leaders are quietly revolutionizing modern workplaces by demonstrating how thoughtful competence can outshine performative leadership any day of the week. ... The secret sauce to introverted leaders’ success? They’re mastering:

Edward D. Viner, celebrated chief physician and medical pioneer, has died at 89 The Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia, PA; by Gary Miles; 12/10/24 Edward D. Viner, 89, of Haverford, retired and celebrated acting chief of medicine at Pennsylvania Hospital, chief of medicine emeritus at Cooper University Hospital, hospice and inpatient care pioneer, expert in hematology and oncology, longtime physician to the Philadelphia Orchestra and Philadelphia Flyers, mentor, and veteran, died Sunday, Dec. 1, of acute myeloid leukemia at his home. ... He established the nascent hospice program at Pennsylvania Hospital in 1975 after facing his own catastrophic medical situation in 1972 and became its chief advocate and fundraiser. ...  In 2015, Dr. Viner established and directed the Center for Humanism at the Cooper Medical School of Rowan to “foster the development of humanistic and professional health care practitioners.” In July 2024, center officials renamed it the Edward D. Viner Center for Humanism. [Click on the title's link to continue reading Dr. Viner's significant contributions to end-of-life care.]

Fierce 50 Award presented to NPHI CEO at New York Gala National Partnership for Healtcare and Hospice Innovation - NPHI, Washington, DC; Press release; 12/9/24The National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI) and Tom Koutsoumpas, CEO, were honored with a Fierce 50 Award at the 2024 Fierce 50 Awards Gala in New York City on December 5. Hosted by Fierce Life Sciences and Fierce Healthcare, the event celebrated fifty trailblazers—individuals and organizations driving transformative change in healthcare, biopharma, and biotech. NPHI and Tom were recognized in the Innovation category for a bold commitment to healthcare innovation and for leadership in hospice, palliative, and advanced illness care through NPHI’s network of mission-driven, nonprofit providers. ... “It was such an honor to be in New York to celebrate this outstanding achievement, and to be surrounded by other major innovators across healthcare,” said Tom Koutsoumpas, NPHI CEO who gave an acceptance speech. “This recognition reflects the passion and dedication of our nonprofit members in setting standards of quality for hospice and end-of-life care. It was inspiring to share the evening with leaders who, like us, are deeply committed to transforming healthcare to better serve patients, families, and communities.” Editor's note: NPHI is a sponsor of our newsletter.

How hospice CNAs provide comfort in end-of-life care Intelligent Living; by Jennifer Barns; 12/8/24 End-of-life care is one of the most challenging yet meaningful services that healthcare professionals can offer. During such a delicate time, the role of a hospice CNA becomes essential. ... Table of Contents:

5 principles of servant leadership Forbes; by Nancy Padberg; 12/3/24 Servant leadership isn’t just a philosophy; it’s a choice that redefines what leadership should feel like. It’s about prioritizing your associates first. Servant leadership shifts the focus from the traditional leadership model—where the leader’s primary goal is to accumulate power and control—to one where the leader prioritizes the needs of their team, community and organization. This approach builds a healthy workplace culture through collaboration, trust and empowerment. Here are some ways you can embody the principles of servant leadership to improve your company culture from the top down.

‘You did a good job’Jewish Journal; by Ron Wolfson; 12/4/24 As Jews, we are instructed to say 100 blessings every day, each of them making us aware of the many things for which we are grateful – from simple bodily functions to the beauty of the world in which we live. ... I have been thinking about the way in which we show, or don’t show, gratitude to our leaders in the workplace, ... “We often think of our leaders as we do our parents,” my friend, mentor, and business consultant Stuart Matlins says to me. “We believe our parents know everything and they’ll solve every problem. Same thing with our leaders. We “parentize” our leaders, especially our CEOs and presidents of organizations. And just as we children hardly ever complement our parents, when do we ever complement our leaders? We rarely say to them, “You’ve done a good job.” ... Editor's note: To whom might you voice, "You've done a good job." Mentors? Leaders? Others? Reflecting on your own work, what qualities and measurements for "doing a good job" matter to you, the most? Today, go find at least one person to voice, "You did a good job. Thanks."

UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson fatally shot in New York City, reports say USA Today; by Christopher Cann; 12/4/24, updated 11:11 am ET The CEO of UnitedHealthcare, one of the largest insurance providers in the nation, was fatally shot Wednesday morning outside the Hilton hotel in midtown Manhattan, where the company was hosting an investors conference, multiple news outlets reported, citing police sources. Brian Thompson, 50, was shot just before 7 a.m. near the hotel on 54th Street between 6th and 7th Avenues, the New York Post, New York Times and WPIX reported. UnitedHealth did not immediately respond to a request for comment from USA TODAY. A spokesperson for the New York City Police Department who declined to be identified by name told USA TODAY a 50-year-old man was fatally shot outside the hotel, but did provide the victim's name, saying the department was waiting to notify the family. 

VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region names Jessica Boutin CEO Vermont Business Magazine (VB), South Burlington, VT; by Tim, VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region; 12/3/24 Vermont Business Magazine VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region (VNAHSR) has announced that Jessica Boutin as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2025. Jessica, a long-time employee of the organization, steps into the role after years of dedicated service and proven leadership within the agency. "I am incredibly excited for Jessica to step into this role. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working closely with her, witnessing her unwavering commitment to our mission, to our vision and to the patients and families we serve. Jessica has shown time and time again that she has the leadership, compassion and dedication needed to lead our agency. I have complete confidence in her ability to continue our legacy of excellence, and continue to positively impact the communities we serve," said Sara King, outgoing CEO of VNAHSR.