Literature Review

Quality, culture are watchwords for hospices in 2024Hospice News, by Jim Parker; 2/9/24Amid intensified regulatory scrutiny, staffing headwinds and shifts towards value-based care, hospices need to ensure that they’ve made a strong commitment to quality and to foster a positive workplace culture, according to hospice leaders.Notable mentions: Adnrew Molosky, Chapters Health; Craig Dresang, Yolo Care's.

Hospice of the Plains annual hog roast draws big crowdNews Channel Nebraska, by Forrest Hershberger; 2/4/24Hospice of the Plains supporters took part in the 21st annual hog roast an auction hosted by the Sterling Elks Club February 3. The annual event is one of the major fundraisers for the organization, according to Tiffany Storch, CEO/Administrator of Hospice of the Plains.

Hospice provider BrightSpring begins trading on NASDAQHospice News, by Jim Parker; 1/29/24BrightSpring Health Services, Inc. has begun trading on the NASDAQ under the stock symbol BTSG. BrightSpring is a home- and community-based health care services platform that serves more than 400,000 patients daily.Notable mentions: Jon Rousseau, CEO BrightSpring.

StateServe’s Delta Care Rx acquisition fueled by hospice cost saving potentialHospice News, by Holly Vossel; 1/29/24Durable medical equipment (DME) provider StateServ has acquired Delta Care Rx, a national hospice pharmaceutical benefits manager (PBM). The acquisition is a move aimed at leveraging technology to improve quality, care delivery and operational efficiencies among hospice, palliative and post-acute care providers, according to Drew Mihalyo, founder, president and COO of Delta Care Rx.

 Where do we end our lives? American Council on Science and Health, by Chuck Dinerstein, MD, MBA; 2/5/24The concept of an elephant's graveyard, where old elephantes supposedly go to die, is more of a myth than a scientifically supported phenomenon. Humans do not have a specific location where we gather to die, but a study looks into the matter nevertheless.

Lee County belt tightening means a reduction in hospice careWIUM Trstates Public Radio, by Will Buss; 2/1/24Lee County Supervisors are looking for ways to reduce spending. As a result, the health department is scaling back the level of hospice care it provides terminally ill residents. Administrator Michele Ross said the department has pushed to retain hospice service but will refer more residents to private providers.

How hospices are diversifying their services in 2024Hospice News, by Holly Vossel; 1/31/24Palliative care, pediatric end-of-life care and end-of-life doula (EOLD) services are top of mind for hospices that are diversifying their services in 2024.Fewer than half of 143 respondents to Hospice News’ 2024 Outlook Survey, conducted with Homecare Homebase, reported that their hospice organizations would pursue new care types this year. But the aim of their service diversification efforts may indicate future trends. Service diversification trends in hospice could ramp up as value-based care models incentivize this path, according to Tony Kudner, chief strategy officer of the home-based care consulting company Transcend Strategy Group. 

Patty and Jay Baker reinforce palliative care at Mount Sinai: A significant stride towards enhanced patient care and medical trainingMedriva, by Zara Nwosu; 1/31/24The partnership between Patty and Jay Baker and Mount Sinai is much more than a financial investment. It represents a significant step forward in the advancement of palliative care. By focusing on both patient care and medical training, this initiative addresses the needs of the healthcare system from multiple angles. This comprehensive approach ensures that all aspects of care, from diagnosis to treatment, are improved.

Four Seasons Home Care named 6th in nationFour Seasons press release; 2/1/24The Top 100 Leader in Experience Award is the highest recognition awarded by Home Care Pulse (HCP) and is only awarded to 100 home care businesses in North America. Recipients must consistently rank among the very highest in 10 or more quality metrics. As a Top 100 Leader in Experience Award recipient, Four Seasons Home Care is recognized among the very best home care providers participating in the nationwide HCP Experience Management Program.

Skowhegan nonprofits say they have moved on after former director stole thousands Portland Press Herald, by Jake Freudberg; 1/30/24Jason Gayne, the former executive director of the Skowhegan Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Hospice Volunteers of Somerset County, began his prison sentence Monday for stealing thousands from the nonprofits, but leaders of the two organizations said they have already worked to move forward. For the last two years, the Skowhegan Regional Chamber of Commerce has had a clear goal: returning the organization to its members. “From the ground up, we rebuilt everything,” said Luke York, the chair of the chamber’s board of directors.

Anorexia Nervosa: Evaluating disparities in places of death in the United States over 22 years using the CDC WONDER databaseCureus / NCBI, by Nirmal Patel, Rahul Tyagi, Deepanwita Biswas, Ayesha Birjees, Chetana Rajesh 6, Sadia Khan; posted via NCBI 1/30/24Conclusions:[This] study found that death in home and hospice was more common than in medical or hospital nursing facilities in all four analyzed groups. These findings highlight the critical need for significant advancements in end-of-life care, particularly in home and hospice settings.

Avow Kids awarded grant for children experiencing lossFlorida Weekly - Naples Ediition; 1/25/24Avow has been awarded a $55,300 grant from Champions for Learning as part of a multi-agency Future Ready Collier collaboration project to fund resiliency programming. Funds are designated to Avow Kids, which provides support to children ages 5-17 who are experiencing grief or loss in any capacity. The grant will ensure the continued availability of the program and its resources, which are offered at no cost to participants

Why hospice utilization rates have fallenHospice News, by Jim Parker; 1/25/24National hospice utilization rates have fallen since 2020, though the total number of patients served remains consistent. ... Mathematically, the percentage declined in part because of continually changing demographics.Publisher's note: This article quotes a decline in Medicare hospice utilization rates through 2021, which is true. However, we are seeing a rebound / increase in 2022 and 2023 information.