Literature Review
All posts tagged with “Clinical News | Physician & Nursing News.”
Research spotlight: characterizing patient perceptions of palliative care in surgical settings
05/24/26 at 01:20 AMResearch spotlight: characterizing patient perceptions of palliative care in surgical settings Mass General Brigham | Patient Care; by Claire Morton, MD and Zara Cooper, MD, MSc; 5/19/26 ... Question: What did you find? Generally, patients were not familiar with palliative care. If they had heard of it, they often equated it with hospice or end-of-life care, leading to misconceptions about its scope and purpose. However, our observations revealed that patients frequently initiated discussions about concerns relevant to palliative care, such as social or psychological burdens they were experiencing during their visits with surgeons. This indicated an underlying interest in these domains, even if they were not explicitly aware of how palliative care could address them. ...Question: What are the real-world implications, particularly for patients? ...
AI: as much peril as promise?
05/22/26 at 03:00 AMAI: as much peril as promise? KFF; podcast/transcript hosted by Chip Kahn III with guest Robert Wachter, MD; 5/19/26 Episode 4, AI Series: What does AI mean for patients in bed and doctors at the bedside? Host Chip Kahn and guest Dr. Robert Wachter, Chair of the Department of Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, discuss whether AI will produce a different kind of doctor in the future — a “clinician curator rather than a clinician-diagnostician.” The answer could define the future of medicine and the doctor-patient relationship.
States with the most, fewest licensed nurses per capita
05/22/26 at 03:00 AMStates with the most, fewest licensed nurses per capita Becker's Clinical Leadership; by Mariah Taylor; 5/21/26 The National Council of State Boards of Nursing found the District of Columbia has the most licensed nurses per capita, while Utah is the state with the fewest for the second year in a row. ... Becker’s used 2025 Census data to calculate how many nurses are in each state per 100,000 population. Here are the five with the most and the five with the fewest nurses. ...Most [list starts with highest]: District of Columbia ... Alaska ... New York ... Minnesota ... Massachusetts ... Fewest [list starts with lowest]: Utah ... Washington ... Georgia ... Idaho ... Texas ...
How resolving moral distress unlocks physicians’ potential
05/22/26 at 03:00 AMHow resolving moral distress unlocks physicians’ potential AMA - American Medical Association; by Bobby Mukkamala, MD, President; 5/20/26 The inability to do what feels right affects physicians to a greater degree and can keep us from delivering the care we know our patients need. ... Across medicine, many physicians are confronting something deeper: moral distress. New research shows it is widespread, distinct from burnout, and carries serious consequences for physicians, patients and the healthcare system itself.
Research spotlight: characterizing patient perceptions of palliative care in surgical settings
05/21/26 at 03:00 AMResearch spotlight: characterizing patient perceptions of palliative care in surgical settings Mass General Brigham | Patient Care; by Claire Morton, MD and Zara Cooper, MD, MSc; 5/19/26 ... Question: What did you find? Generally, patients were not familiar with palliative care. If they had heard of it, they often equated it with hospice or end-of-life care, leading to misconceptions about its scope and purpose. However, our observations revealed that patients frequently initiated discussions about concerns relevant to palliative care, such as social or psychological burdens they were experiencing during their visits with surgeons. This indicated an underlying interest in these domains, even if they were not explicitly aware of how palliative care could address them. ...Question: What are the real-world implications, particularly for patients? ...
Reader opinion: HCS supports its nurses, programs, by Talee Messenger
05/20/26 at 03:00 AMReader opinion: HCS supports its nurses, programs, by Talee Messenger The Keene Sentinel, Keene, NH; by Talee Messenger; 5/17/26 For over a century, Home Healthcare, Hospice and Community Services has been built on a foundation of nurses committed to meeting patients where they are. From traveling by foot and trolley in the early years to delivering specialized care today, HCS nurses have continued to lead with compassion and innovation. This Nurses Month, we honor that legacy while reaffirming our commitment to supporting the next generation of nurses. Providing care in rural communities requires adaptability, independence, and a deep connection to the people being served. At HCS, we believe meaningful care depends on shared knowledge and continuous learning.
A husband’s story of end-of-life care at home
05/20/26 at 03:00 AMA husband’s story of end-of-life care at home MedPage Today's KevinMD.com; by Ron Louie, MD; 11/27/25... When my wife died at home, it wasn’t really a surprise. ... Over the previous few weeks, we had notified her primary care physician’s office of the need for a home hospice referral, but because of some snafu, the correct wording wasn’t used, and the paperwork stalled. ... Years before, we had already obtained a POLST (Portable Order for Life-Sustaining Treatment, our state’s “green form”), signed by a doctor, that made clear my physician wife’s choices in advanced directives: no CPR, tube feedings, or IV treatments. ... Since we didn’t have an active home hospice referral, I knew that firefighters could pronounce her death; my own license had lapsed in retirement. ... The firefighters left, but the police stayed quite awhile until they were cleared by the Medical Examiner’s office. ...Editor's Note: This caregiver story powerfully tells challenges experienced by a retired oncologist/spouse. Calling all leaders who are part of referral and admissions processes, pay attention to the problems caused by delays: firemen, police, and (not named) lack of bereavement care.
Proposing a framework to license autonomous clinical AI: as autonomous clinical AI continues to evolve, we need uniform regulatory standards, says LDI Fellow
05/19/26 at 03:00 AMProposing a framework to license autonomous clinical AI: as autonomous clinical AI continues to evolve, we need uniform regulatory standards, says LDI Fellow Penn LDI - Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics; by Alon Bergman, PhD; 5/15/26 Late last month, Utah’s Medical Licensing Board called for the immediate suspension of the state’s pilot program with the AI company Doctronic. The program lets a chatbot evaluate patients and recommend prescription renewals for nearly 200 chronic condition drugs, with the state planning to phase out physician review of each case. The board said that it only learned about the pilot after it had launched. Its warning was blunt: proceeding without proper clinical oversight “potentially places Utah citizens at risk.” ... Utah is one of at least 47 states now considering more than 250 bills governing clinical AI, producing a patchwork of rules on bias audits, payment policy, and patient consent.Editor's Note: See related article by the same author Alon Bergman, AI doctors should be licensed. Here’s a framework to do that: Utah's pilot program with Doctronic shows that federal action is necessary.
10 of the biggest regrets nurses hear from dying patients
05/19/26 at 03:00 AM10 of the biggest regrets nurses hear from dying patients SavingAdvice.com; by Amanda Blankenship; 5/15/26 ... Hospice nurse Bronnie Ware famously documented several of the most common regrets she heard from patients nearing death, including working too much and failing to stay close to loved ones. These end-of-life regrets offer important lessons for anyone hoping to live with fewer disappointments and more peace.
Wisconsin-made film "Winter Hymns" gets more showings on the silver screen
05/19/26 at 03:00 AMWisconsin-made film "Winter Hymns" gets more showings on the silver screen WKWO-27 ABC, Madison, WI; by Lucas Kihmm; 5/17/26 A movie that's produced and filmed right here in Wisconsin, Winter Hymns tells the story of a palliative care doctor meeting with a series of dying patients over a one day span. Writer and Director of the film Nathan Deming sat down with 27 News anchor Lucas Kihmm to talk about the movie and says he was inspired by his father, who was a palliative care physician, to make the film. ... It's now getting more exposure to audiences across the state and country after Flix Brewhouse gave Deming the opportunity to show his film in theaters.
Integrative review of simulation-based pain management education in undergraduate nursing programs
05/16/26 at 03:25 AMAssessing PA student interest in hospice and palliative medicine
05/16/26 at 03:20 AMAssessing PA student interest in hospice and palliative medicineThe American Journal of Hospice & Palliative Care; by Ryan Baldeo, Rachael Broder; 4/26While hospice and palliative medicine (HPM) is a critical and growing field, Physician Associates (PAs) are underrepresented. This study sought to assess PA student interest in HPM and identify strategies to increase engagement with the Physician Associates in Hospice and Palliative Medicine (PAHPM) organization. The survey assessed attitudes toward HPM and identified barriers to organizational involvement. Lack of awareness was the primary barrier to involvement (75.8%). Students expressed interest in educational resources (63.6%), job opportunities (57.6%), and mentorship (51.5%). Most respondents (81.8%) do not currently follow PAHPM on social media, but 72.7% indicated they would follow an Instagram account.
The professional guest: Ethical challenges in home-based end-of-life care among interprofessional teams
05/16/26 at 03:10 AMThe professional guest: Ethical challenges in home-based end-of-life care among interprofessional teamsNursing Ethics; Inbal Halevi Hochwald, Gila Yakov, Moran Weiss, Liron Inchi, Inbal Mayan, Ron Sabar; 4/26Home-based end-of-life palliative care presents unique ethical challenges that differ fundamentally from those in institutional settings. Healthcare professionals navigate the complex role of being both clinical experts and guests in patients' domestic environments, operating in a context where professional authority is continuously negotiated rather than institutionally established. Home-based palliative care places professionals at the intersection of clinical responsibility and domestic sovereignty, a position for which existing frameworks offer insufficient guidance. Addressing these structural and relational challenges requires both individual-level preparation, including training in ethical decision-making in low-control environments, and systemic policy reform.
Ribbon cutting held for Bernardo Hospice Care
05/14/26 at 03:00 AMRibbon cutting held for Bernardo Hospice Care The Newberry Observer, Newberry, SC; by Kelly Duncan; 5/11/26 Dr. Michael Bernardo has been a staple in the Newberry community for over 30 years, providing care for families in all stages of life, from childbirth and adult medicine to making the transition to geriatric care and opening his own hospice practice, Bernardo Hospice Care, in 2023. Last week, Bernardo Hospice Care was officially welcomed into the community with a ribbon cutting ceremony. ... Earlier this year Beranardo was named Physician of the Year by the SC Home Care & Hospice Association. ...
AI ethical minefields in clinical decision-making
05/13/26 at 03:00 AMAI ethical minefields in clinical decision-making Hospice News; by Holly Vossel; 5/11/26 ... Quickly evolving AI technologies will play a role in hospices’ sustainability as demand rises and workforce resources dwindle. Hospices need innovative care models, which involves leveraging AI in different ways, said Dr. Kimberly Curseen, the new board of directors president at the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM). ... Ensuring accurate data and safeguarding patient privacy and autonomy can lead companies to run into certain AI ethical “danger zones.” Hospices need to understand the limitations of AI, particularly when considering the use of these technologies to augment clinical decision making, according to Dr. Javier Zaglul, hospice and palliative care fellow at Florida Atlantic University.
Clinician grief is a hidden crisis in modern hospice care
05/13/26 at 03:00 AMClinician grief is a hidden crisis in modern hospice care MedPage Today's KevinMD.com; by Linda Ellington, RN; 5/12/26 I stood knocking at the door of my hospice patient like I did every Monday for the past eight months. A musically talented man in his early 40s was always waiting for my weekly nursing visit, more so for the aspect of socialization. He was diagnosed with colon cancer two years prior and had a colostomy bag, leaving this once vibrant, social, even handsome man a shell of what he once was. He became introverted and allowed only one friend to check on him occasionally. He had no family and only one estranged child who lived in another country. There was no answer at the door ...
Proposed Rulemaking - Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing: Licensed Practical Nurse Pronouncement of Death
05/13/26 at 03:00 AMProposed Rulemaking - Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing: Licensed Practical Nurse Pronouncement of Death Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; 5/9/26 ... Background and Purpose: Prior to the recent amendment to the VSL, the authority to pronounce death in a home hospice setting was limited to registered nurses (RN), physicians, physician assistants and coroners. As a practical matter, that means that an LPN, who is often present and delivering end-of-life care to hospice patients, has to contact an RN and wait for the RN's arrival for the deceased to be pronounced dead, the family contacted, if they are not present, and the body released to a funeral director or county coroner. This approach is not practical or efficient. Moreover, it is not compassionate to grieving families to wait, sometimes for hours, for the RN to arrive to have their loved one removed.
A daughter honors her father in career choice while following her mother’s lead: Sara and Alicia Offenbacker on the day Alicia graduated with her nursing degree from Rutgers Camden
05/12/26 at 03:00 AMA daughter honors her father in career choice while following her mother’s lead: Sara and Alicia Offenbacker on the day Alicia graduated with her nursing degree from Rutgers Camden SNJ Today; by Margie Barham; 5/10/26 For Sara and Alicia Offenbacker, hospice care is more than a profession; it’s a shared calling rooted in love, loss, and the powerful bond between a mother and daughter. Sara Offenbacker has spent the past four years as program manager at NJHealth Hospice and Palliative Care. ... Working alongside her is her daughter, Alicia, an RN case manager who plays a central role in patient care ... Working together is meaningful, but Alicia’s decision to become a nurse and to choose hospice runs much deeper.
Thank a nurse 2026: reader submitted letters
05/12/26 at 03:00 AMThank a nurse 2026: reader submitted letters Portland Press Herald, Portland, ME; by various readers of the Portland Press Herald; 5/8/26
Leveraging generative AI within the ADDIE model: A transformative approach for nursing professional development
05/09/26 at 03:40 AMLeveraging generative AI within the ADDIE model: A transformative approach for nursing professional developmentThe Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing; by Maryann Windey, John Bruewer; 4/26This article explores how nursing professional development (NPD) practitioners can use artificial intelligence (AI) and generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) across each phase of the ADDIE (Analyze, Design, Develop, Implement, Evaluate) instructional design model to drive timely, personalized, data-driven education that aligns with health care system priorities, boosts learner engagement, and improves outcomes. Integrating Gen AI within the ADDIE framework positions NPD practitioners as strategic enablers of agile, responsive education. It allows for faster, tailored content development, real-time learner adaptation and evaluation, and alignment of education with organizational performance.
The power of a visiting nurse: from Marian Watts to Nona’s visiting nurse to Katina Zaninovich
05/08/26 at 03:00 AMThe power of a visiting nurse: from Marian Watts to Nona’s visiting nurse to Katina Zaninovich Noozhawk, Santa Barbara, CA; by VNA Health; 5/5/26 “My experience caring for my Nona at home and watching the visiting nurse greatly impacted my decision for home care,” shares Katina Zaninovich, RN. ... The history of visiting nurses dates back to the 19th century, when rapid urbanization and widespread poverty created a need for healthcare services beyond hospitals. In 1908, a visiting nurse, Marian Watts, founded the Visiting Nurses Association of Santa Barbara, California’s third oldest VNA. In that first month, one visiting nurse made 140 visits. Today, ...
Closing the gender gap in medicine: 5 ways to support women physicians
05/08/26 at 03:00 AMClosing the gender gap in medicine: 5 ways to support women physicians CAPC | Center to Advance Palliative Care; by Laurel Kilpatrick, MD, FAAHPM and Sonia Malhotra, MD, MS, FAAP; 4/27/26 From allyship to advocating for systemic change, learn how you can you champion women physicians so they can lead and thrive. Having more women physicians in medicine isn’t just a matter of equity—it’s important for patient outcomes. ... The strategies outlined at the end of the blog apply to all female health care professionals, not just physicians.
How do physicians perceive and manage the influence of their personal end-of-life preferences on clinical practice and end-of-life decision-making with patients? An international qualitative study
05/07/26 at 03:00 AMHow do physicians perceive and manage the influence of their personal end-of-life preferences on clinical practice and end-of-life decision-making with patients? An international qualitative study Health and Medicine Daily | Palliative Care and Social Practice; research portion by Sarah Mroz, Frederick Daenen, and Kenneth Chambaere; 5/5/26 ... Physicians acknowledge the impact of their personal end-of-life preferences on their clinical practice and emphasize the importance of maintaining objectivity and centering decision-making on patient preferences. Physicians adopt strategies to mitigate potential biases. There is a divergence of opinion about whether it is appropriate to share when asked what they would do in the position of their patients. Most believe focusing on patients' values and priorities is essential and others feel sharing is crucial to maintain trust. Physicians struggle with ethical tensions and moral discomfort, particularly when patients' requests conflict with their beliefs. ...
End-of-life doctors reveal 5 common fears people face in their final moments
05/05/26 at 03:00 AMEnd-of-life doctors reveal 5 common fears people face in their final moments SavingAdvice.com; by Amanda Blankenship; 5/3/26 Most people avoid thinking about death, but doctors who work in hospice and palliative care say the same fears come up again and again. ... Research shows that death anxiety is common, with many people experiencing fear tied to the process of dying, not just death itself. ... here are five of the most common fears [identified by these doctors] among people facing their final moments.
Assessment of survival and the decision to engage in palliative care when facing a defeat in the ICU
05/04/26 at 03:00 AMAssessment of survival and the decision to engage in palliative care when facing a defeat in the ICUMedical Decision Making; by Hossam Gad, Daniel Diedrich, and Krzysztof Laudanski; 4/24/26 Highlights