Literature Review
Real vs. fake news: Myths vs. facts about hospice care
07/30/24 at 03:30 AMReal 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.
Despite past storms’ lessons, LTC residents again left powerless
07/30/24 at 03:00 AMDespite past storms’ lessons, LTC residents again left powerless: How a long-term care facility prepares for and handles power outages is one of the first questions potential residents should ask KFF Health News - Rethinking65; by Sandy West; 7/29/24 ... Even after multiple incidents of extreme weather — including a 2021 Texas winter storm that caused widespread blackouts and prompted a U.S. Senate investigation — not much has changed for those living in long-term care facilities when natural disasters strike in Texas or elsewhere. ... [While] nursing homes face such federal oversight, lower-care-level facilities that provide some medical care — known as assisted living — are regulated at the state level, so the rules for emergency preparedness vary widely. ... Editor's Note: While this article is written for the public, its content applies to all hospices that (1) provide hospice facility care, and/or (2) partner with senior care facilities: nursing homes, long-term care, assisted living, senior living communities, and PACE. This can be an important QAPI analysis and gap improvement.
A rabbi shares what he’s learned speaking with people in their final moments of life
07/30/24 at 03:00 AMA rabbi shares what he’s learned speaking with people in their final moments of life: Exploring the final moments before death is a reminder of what really matters in life Forward - Jewish. Independent. Nonprofit.; by Rabbi Daniel Cohen; 7/28/24 I have been at the bedside of many people in their final moments on earth. The experience can be either haunting or inspiring. Ironically, my first experience of saying goodbye to someone I loved was as a 9-year-old boy. My grandfather was dying from lung cancer ... I remember the final moments as if they were yesterday. ... I have seen people call out to loved ones in the days or moments before their body and soul separate. I have seen people wait for a loved one to arrive at their bedside, further testimony that the body may be dying but the soul is very much alive. ... In truth, exploring the final moments before death is not intended to be depressing, but a reminder of what really matters in life. ... Looking at the day of death can awaken us to invest more fully in life. Each of us possesses an inner voice beckoning us and pushing us towards greatness. Do we hear that voice and do we invest in it?
Death can be a gentler exit for those enrolled in hospice care
07/30/24 at 03:00 AMDeath can be a gentler exit for those enrolled in hospice care The Blade; by Kimberly Wynn; 7/28/24 A baby coming into the world needs a lot of care, and families prepare for that wailing, cooing bundle of life with cribs, and changing tables and advice from mothers-in-law. When baby formula was in short supply, family members branched out to scour retail shelves for the necessities. For those leaving this world, care is also needed, according to Victoria Palenske, branch director for Elara Caring, which offers home health and hospice services in the Toledo area. Such souls may need oxygen, pain medications, and spiritual counseling, as well as a hand to hold. “People deserve a lot of care at the beginning of life, but they also deserve care at the end of their life,” said Ms. Palenske, who began her career as a registered nurse whose focus turned to hospice services. “It is a calling.”Editor's Note: Thank you Elara Caring for this mission-oriented description of hospice care that gently addresses "dying," in contrast to some hospice materials that deny or completely divert purposes related to terminal illness, dying, death, or bereavement.
Financial Crime Weekly: Hospice provider fined $26.3M for false Covid claims
07/30/24 at 03:00 AMFinancial Crime Weekly: Hospice provider fined $26.3M for false Covid claims Benzinga; by Michael Julian; 7/28/24 Provista Health, a Dallas-based hospice provider, has been ordered to pay $26.3 million for billing Medicare for a variety of medically unnecessary respiratory pathogen panel (RPP) tests that were given to nursing homes during the pandemic, the Department of Justice announced on Thursday. ... In a July 2023 complaint, the U.S. alleged that the RPP tests were not medically necessary because the beneficiaries had no symptoms of a respiratory illness and because the tests were for uncommon respiratory pathogens. The complaint also alleged that Britton-Harr and Provista submitted claims for RPP tests that were never ordered by physicians and sometimes for RPP tests that were never performed, including over 300 claims for nasal swab test samples that were supposedly collected from beneficiaries who had already died.
Skagit Regional Health nurses five months into contract negotiations
07/30/24 at 03:00 AMSkagit Regional Health nurses five months into contract negotiations Skagit Valley Herald, Mount Vernon, WA; 7/27/24 Nurses at Skagit Regional Health have been negotiating a new contract for nearly five months. Their latest contract ended May 31. The contract covers more than 600 registered nurses at Skagit Valley Hospital, its clinics and at Hospice of the Northwest, said Skagit Regional Health nurse Liz Rainaud, who is the local chair of the nurses' union, the Washington State Nurses Association. She said the nurses at Skagit Regional are the lowest paid in the region. During the most recent negotiating session July 9, tentative agreements were made on items such as bonus shifts, shift rotation, calculation of shift differential and sick leave accumulation.
New proposed federal legislation takes aim at concerns regarding perceived “looting” of health care systems by private equity investors
07/30/24 at 03:00 AMNew proposed federal legislation takes aim at concerns regarding perceived “looting” of health care systems by private equity investors JDSupra - Epstein Becker Green; by Melissa Jampol, Enrique Miranda, Kathleen Premo; 7/26/24On June 11, 2024, U.S. Senators Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren from Massachusetts, introduced proposed legislation titled The Corporate Crimes Against Health Care Act (“CCAHCA”), aimed at addressing a perceived “looting” of health care systems by for profit private equity investors. According to Sen. Warren, the bill was introduced to “root out corporate greed and private equity abuse in the health care system,” “prevent exploitative private equity practices,” and to specifically ensure that actions such as “looting” do not happen again by addressing trigger events and targeting real estate investment trusts. ... Finally, the CCAHCA would require health care entities, including, but not limited to: ... a hospice program, a home health agency, ... to publicly report to the Secretary of Health and Human Services on an annual basis: (i) transactions entered into ... [Click on the title's link to continue reading.]
How Medicare Advantage, traditional Medicare differ on end-of-life care
07/30/24 at 03:00 AMHow Medicare Advantage, traditional Medicare differ on end-of-life care Becker's Payer Issues; by Rylee Wilson; 7/24/24 Medicare Advantage enrollees were less likely to receive burdensome treatments or transfers in the last months of life compared to their peers in traditional Medicare, a study published July 19 in JAMA Health Forum found. MA beneficiaries were less likely to die in a hospital than their counterparts in traditional Medicare, the study found. MA enrollees were more likely to receive home-based care at the end-of-life. This home-based care can improve quality but can also leave patients without adequate assistance after a hospitalization, the study's authors wrote. Though Medicare Advantage beneficiaries were less likely to be hospitalized during the last months of life than their counterparts in traditional Medicare, once hospitalized, MA enrollees were more likely to die in the hospital and less likely to be discharged to rehabilitative or skilled nursing facilities.
Hiring, Covenant Care transaction propelling growth at Vitas
07/30/24 at 03:00 AMHiring, Covenant Care transaction propelling growth at Vitas Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 7/25/24 Vitas Healthcare, a subsidiary of Chemed Corp., is reaping the benefits of this recent $85 million purchase of Covenant Health and Community Services hospice business, along with one assisted living facility location. The deal is structured as an asset purchase, which allows the buyer to assume liability for assets included in the transaction. It also brought Vitas into the Alabama market and expands its geographic footprint in Florida and marked the company’s entry into the assisted living space. This is Vitas’ first deal in several years, but more are likely on the way, according to Chairman and CEO Nick Westfall.
Edinburgh 2024: "One Sugar, Stirred to the Left" guest blog
07/30/24 at 03:00 AMEdinburgh 2024: "One Sugar, Stirred to the Left" guest blog BroadwayWorld, UK; by Jon Lawrence / Kat Mokrynski; 7/27/24 Jon Lawrence guest blogs for BroadwayWorld about bringing One Sugar, Stirred to the Left to the 2024 Edinburgh Festival Fringe. ... "The play is set in a hospice like the one my father was in before he passed away. I wanted to change people’s ideas of what a hospice is. For me, I learned more about life and love in the hospice than I did about death, such was the kindness and compassion of those who worked there. But I also wanted the show to ask people to think about different approaches to death, such as those from other cultures." ... "Hopefully, you’ll find the same truth in humanity that I saw in the eyes of the nurses and doctors who cared for my father during his last days; Hopefully, you’ll find a little of the love I have for my mother and father in the lines. Most of all, I hope you see a little of yourself in all of the characters in the play. If you do, then it will have all been worth it."
Governor’s Invitational Golf Classic raises money for Central Wyoming Hospice
07/30/24 at 03:00 AMGovernor’s Invitational Golf Classic raises money for Central Wyoming Hospice Oil City News, Casper, WY; by Tommy Culkin; 7/26/24 On Friday, dozens of golfers took part in the 11th annual Governor’s Invitational Golf Classic, one of the biggest fundraisers of the year for Central Wyoming Hospice. All proceeds raised from the tournament will be used to ensure as many people receive hospice care as possible, Central Wyoming Hospice Executive Director Kilty Brown said. “The money will primarily be going back to our hospice homes,” Brown said. “We have 14 beds that are open to the public, and anyone can come in, whether they have insurance or a way to pay or not.” Brown estimated that the event will bring in upwards of $70,000 ...
Today's Encouragement: from Celine Dion
07/30/24 at 03:00 AMLife imposes things on you that you can't control, but you still have the choice of how you're going to live through this. ~ Céline Dion, returned to the world stage Friday at the 2024 Paris Olympics' opening ceremony, and the gravity of the moment was not lost on her.
Humana to takeover 23 Walmart Health locations with new CenterWell senior care clinics. Here's where
07/30/24 at 02:00 AMHumana to takeover 23 Walmart Health locations with new CenterWell senior care clinics. Here's where Louisville Courier Journal; by Olivia Evans; 7/25/24 Humana, the Louisville-based health insurance giant, has announced its health care services branch of the company, CenterWell, will open 23 senior primary care centers in Walmart Supercenters. The centers will operate under the CenterWell Senior Primary Care and Conviva Care Centers brand names, according to a press release from Humana.
The bereavement care crisis in hospice facilities
07/30/24 at 02:00 AMThe bereavement care crisis in hospice facilities MedCity News; by Cara McCarty Abbott; 7/28/24 Bereavement care is an essential part of the hospice experience, designed to support those coping with loss. Bereavement care is not just a compassionate gesture; it is a critical component of the hospice care continuum. So why is it so underserved in the U.S.? ... Instead of pushing harder on hospice providers to find more ways to deliver comprehensive bereavement care with less, it's key to address the systemic forces hampering their ability to deliver quality care at the scale required and address these challenges. Editor's Note: Additionally, does your hospice still rely on the misnamed, overused "5 Stages of Grief"? These were determined from 1960's persons who were dying, not from bereaved persons who live on--surviving--the death. Extensive fresh, contemporary, hospice-designed grief resources to support bereavement counselors and the persons they serve are provided by Composing Life Out of Loss, a sponsor for our newsletter.
Keeping for-profits out of hospices in New York State: A moral imperative
07/30/24 at 02:00 AMKeeping for-profits out of hospices in New York State: A moral imperative Mid Hudson News, Albany, NY; 7/28/24 In recent years, the debate surrounding the role of for-profit entities in healthcare has intensified, particularly concerning the hospice sector. New York State, known for its robust healthcare infrastructure and progressive policies, now faces a critical decision: whether to allow for-profit companies to operate hospices. The implications of this decision are profound, as it touches on the very essence of what hospice care represents—compassion, dignity, and support at the end of life. The New York State Assembly is taking action by introducing Assembly Bill 6032, aimed at restricting the expansion of for-profit hospices across the state and preventing existing providers from increasing their capacity.
Practicing proactive palliative care in COPD management
07/29/24 at 03:00 AMPracticing proactive palliative care in COPD management Medscape - "In Discussion"; podcast by Leah J. Witt, MD and Anand S. Iyer, MD, MSPH; 7/25/24Let's start talking COPD. Today, we're going to keep talking about Mr Rivera, a case we've been following all season. He's a 78-year-old man with COPD, and we're talking to you about palliative care and symptom management. He has group E COPD. He really has a lot of symptoms and frequent exacerbations.
Today's Encouragement: Passion is a huge prerequisite to winning ...
07/29/24 at 03:00 AMPassion is a huge prerequisite to winning. It makes you willing to jump through hoops, go through all the ups and downs and everything in between to reach your goal. ~ Kerri Walsh, American beach volleyball player and three-time gold medalist
No One Dies Alone: a movement against isolation and loneliness in the final hours
07/29/24 at 03:00 AMNo One Dies Alone: a movement against isolation and loneliness in the final hours The Optimist Daily; by The Optimist Daily Ediorial Team; 7/27/24 The fear of dying alone is one of the most powerful and agonizing feelings that many harbor, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. For some, this fear sadly becomes a reality. To address this issue, the No One Dies Alone (NODA) initiative trains and supports volunteers who provide companionship to people in their final hours. ... The NODA concept began in 1986 in Oregon, United States [by] Sandra Clarke, a nurse. ... [Alison] Bunce founded Compassionate Inverclyde (CI) in 2016 as an Ardgowan Hospice-funded project, where she worked as director of care. Starting with 20 volunteers, CI sought to sit with people who were dying alone, initially in hospices and local hospitals before extending to private homes. Today, CI has grown substantially, with over 100 volunteers available to provide companionship at a moment’s notice.
Caregivers of end-of-life patients reveal the last words they hear most often and the most common regrets from patients
07/29/24 at 03:00 AMCaregivers of end-of-life patients reveal the last words they hear most often and the most common regrets from patients WhatsNew2Day; by Alexander; 7/27/24... While each person’s final moments are different, chaplains and palliative care nurses have said most people approach their death with “radical acceptance.” People who are actively dying also often have a new sense of clarity about the universe and may even have a temporary burst of energy or sudden moments of clarity if they have dementia. The last words patients usually say to their families are to tell them they love them... [Often, people] who are in the midst of dying want to be surrounded by their loved ones and pets. Their final words are often words of love and pleas for forgiveness, as well as expressions of regret, ... [Another described that people show] "a desire for connection" with loved ones and faith. Editor's Note: This article provides a balanced scope of descriptions from several professionals, notably Catherine Duncan, Annemarie Switchulis, Neal Shah, and Zackary Price. In this day of social media, some hospice professionals (past or present) tout definitive, authoritative descriptions of what all dying persons experience, with too many assumptions and generalizations. Beware what you read and distribute, especially if the tone and language (of other articles) are sensationalized in a way to garner social media "expertise," followers and Shares--at the expense of more balanced, sensitive, diverse, personalized experiences.
Cultivating humility, making connections in a contentious world
07/29/24 at 03:00 AMCultivating humility, making connections in a contentious world Tallahassee Democrat; by Rev. Candace McKibben; 7/27/24 The first time I remember hearing about “cultural humility” was some years ago when I served as a member of the Diversity and Inclusion Team at Big Bend Hospice. I recall reading an article by Silvia Austerlic, a Bereavement Manager and Hospice Latino community liaison, at Hospice of Santa Cruz County. She explained what is required to relate in the best interests of patients and families is not “cultural competence,” which is where our team had been focused, but “cultural humility.” “Cultural competence,” while it may be well-meaning, is a framework to help providers understand, appreciate, and work with individuals from diverse cultures. It is focused on gaining knowledge. “Cultural humility,” on the other hand, is focused on relationships. ... Yet another form of humility that seems critically important to me in our time is “religious humility.” This form of humility involves celebrating the inherent dignity of every individual, regardless of their religious affiliation.
Baptist Health taps 3 vendors to build a population health system that works
07/29/24 at 03:00 AMBaptist Health taps 3 vendors to build a population health system that works Healthcare IT News; by Bill Siwicki; 7/26/24With help from Oracle, Innovaccer and Salesforce, the South Florida provider is scoring big population health wins, including a 7% increase in coding gap closure rate and a 17% increase in annual wellness visit completion rates. Baptist Health South Florida operates a network of 11 hospitals covering four counties. It also includes numerous ambulatory facilities, urgent care centers and emergency departments to provide comprehensive healthcare services across the region. ... "One of our primary issues was the fragmented nature of patient data across multiple provider organizations and electronic health record systems," said Milady Cervera, vice president, population health and physician integrated networks, at Baptist Health South Florida. "This lack of interoperability made it difficult to gain a comprehensive view of our patients' health status, care history and ongoing needs. ..."
What would make AI voice in health care ethical and trustworthy?
07/29/24 at 03:00 AMWhat would make AI voice in health care ethical and trustworthy? The Hastings Center; 7/25/24 Voice as a health biomarker using artificial intelligence is gaining momentum in research, but it’s a challenge to develop diverse AI-ready voice datasets that are free from bias. A first-of-its kind study, published in Digital Health and co-authored by Hastings Center President Vardit Ravitsky, aims to better understand the perspectives of voice AI experts, clinicians, patients, and other stakeholders regarding ethical and trustworthy voice AI. The results will support technological innovation informed by ethical inquiry.
Youngstown hospice nurses help alert feds on alleged insurance fraud; company pays settlement
07/29/24 at 03:00 AMYoungstown hospice nurses help alert feds on alleged insurance fraud; company pays settlementMahoning Matters; by Erina Anwar; 7/26/24 ... The U.S. Department of Justice announced on July 17 that federal prosecutors had settled with Gentiva, formerly known as Kindred at Home, after more than 20 whistleblowers — including two hospice nurses from Youngstown, Ohio — alerted the government for alleged fraud. The [Youngstown] nurses, Jason Medved and Anthony Donnadio, will receive a portion of the payout for reporting the fraud at a Youngstown hospice via a lawsuit they filed in 2023 under the federal False Claims Act (FCA). “As registered nurses, Jason and Anthony owed a duty to their hospice patients first and foremost,” Janel Quinn, a principal of The Employment Law Group said. “They were advocates for ethical medicine, even when it wasn’t easy. This settlement is a fitting recognition of their professionalism and their bravery.”
Advance care questions to ask your loved one
07/29/24 at 03:00 AMAdvance care questions to ask your loved one Parkview Health; 7/27/24 ... To ease into a conversation about decisions and scenarios, we can start with questions that are easier to answer, like: What does a good day look like? If you got to spend the day with your favorite people doing your favorite things, what would you be doing? With whom? ... From there, we can talk about more specifics related to healthcare decisions, such as: If your heart and breathing stop suddenly, would you want to have CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), which can include pushing on your chest, breathing support, medications, and electrical shocks? ... If you knew that death was likely to happen in a brief period of time, would you want to be in the hospital, in a nursing care facility or at home? ... Editor's Note: The wording, sequencing, and open-ended format of these questions gently open the door for the person to reflect on and describe one's wishes, in contrast to some advance care planning questions that focus on filling out a form. Yes, Advance Directives forms are crucial. However, the forms are a tool for now and for needs ahead. The focus is the person, while building a context of relationship and trust.
Empath Health, Trustbridge leaders are setting home health sights high after integration
07/29/24 at 03:00 AMEmpath Health, Trustbridge leaders are setting home health sights high after integration Home Health Care News; by Joyce Famakinwa; 7/26/24 Empath Health is a company in transition. In the spring, it completed an affiliation process with Trustbridge, which formed the largest nonprofit post-acute provider organization in the state of Florida. ... Since completion of the affiliation process, the company has focused on integration, synergistic opportunities and determining how best to deliver care to the communities it serves. One of the people at the helm of this transition is Tarrah Lowry, Empath Health’s chief operating officer and Trustbridge’s interim president. [Click on the title's link to read the recent interview by Home Health Care News' with Tarrah Lowry.]