Literature Review
What contributes to promote sexual health in cancer palliative care? A realist review
03/23/24 at 03:00 AMWhat contributes to promote sexual health in cancer palliative care? A realist reviewSexual Medicine Reviews, by Donz Roxane, Russia Bruno, Barbaret Cécile, Debbie Braybrook, Perceau-Chambard Elise, Reverdy Thibaut, Economos Guillaume; 3/24.[France, UK] Of the 2056 articles identified, 38 articles were included in the review. The data reported in these articles contributed to 7 CMO hypotheses: (1) improving communication skills, (2) healthcare provider training, (3) reorganizing the patient environment in care settings or at home, (4) managing sexual symptoms and also general symptoms, (5 and 6) patient-centered counseling or couple counseling, and (7) lifting the taboo.
Racial Disparities in low-value care in the last year of life for Medicare beneficiaries with neurodegenerative disease
03/23/24 at 03:00 AMRacial Disparities in low-value care in the last year of life for Medicare beneficiaries with neurodegenerative diseaseNeurology Clinical Practice, by Margarethe E. Goetz, PhD, PA-C; Cassie B. Ford, PhD; Melissa A. Greiner, MS; Amy Clark, PhD; Kim G. Johnson, MD; Brystana G. Kaufman, MD; Sneha Mantri, MD, MS; Ying Xian, MD, PhD; Richard J. O'Brien, MD, PhD; Emily C. O'Brien, PhD; and Jay B. Lusk, MD, MBA; 4/24.We found racial disparities in care utilization among patients with neurodegenerative disease in the last year of life, such that Black decedents were more likely to receive specific low-value care services and less likely to receive high-value supportive care than White decedents, even after adjusting for health status and socioeconomic factors.
State of the service: Pediatric palliative and hospice community-based service coverage in the United States
03/23/24 at 02:05 AMState of the service: Pediatric palliative and hospice community-based service coverage in the United StatesJournal of Palliative Medicine, by Meaghann S. Weaver, MD, PhD, MPH, HEC-C; Tej Chana; Deb Fisher, PPCNP; Hope Fost; Betsy Hawley, MA; Kristin James, LCPC; Lisa C. Lindley, PhD, RN, FPCN, FAAN; Kaeli Samson, MA, MPH; Steven M. Smith, MD; Alix Ware, JD, MPH; and Christy Torkildson, PhD, RN, PHN; 11/23.Objective: To quantify and describe the inclusion of children in services, staffing, and care scope offered by community-based hospice organizations in the United States. Design and Subjects: This study utilized an online survey distributed to organizational members of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) in the United States. Results: A total of 481 hospice organizations from 50 states, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico responded. Conclusions: Children remain underrepresented in the extension of care offered through community-based hospice organizations in the United States particularly in nonmetro settings.
Mortality risk following end-of-life caregiving: A population-based analysis of hospice users and their families
03/23/24 at 02:00 AMMortality risk following end-of-life caregiving: A population-based analysis of hospice users and their familiesSocial Science & Medicine, by Mike Hollingshaus, Ken R. Smith, Huong Meeks, Katherine Ornstein, Eli Iacob, Djin Tay, Caroline Stephens, Rebecca L. Utz; 3/24.Highlights:
Providence Chief Nursing Officer: All hospitals should be using these 3 tools
03/22/24 at 03:15 AMProvidence Chief Nursing Officer: All hospitals should be using these 3 tools MedCity News, by Katie Adams; 3/19/24 The workforce shortage is especially acute among nurses. There are 193,100 projected job openings per year for nurses in the U.S. between 2022 and 2032, but only 177,400 new nurses are predicted to enter the workforce during that entire 10-year period. That isn’t even enough to fill one year’s worth of the projected job openings. In order for this issue to improve, hospitals must embrace the technology on the market that has been proven to alleviate nurse burnout, said Syl Trepanier, chief nursing officer at Providence, in a recent interview at the ViVE conference in Los Angeles. ...
Maryland health officials have applied for new federal ‘AHEAD model.’ Here’s what it means.
03/22/24 at 03:15 AMMaryland health officials have applied for new federal ‘AHEAD model.’ Here’s what it means. Maryland Matters, by Danielle J. Brown; 3/20/24State health officials have placed their bid for Maryland to be among the first participants in a federal program that will help fund state initiatives to improve patient outcomes and bridge inequities, while constraining hospital and medical costs. The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is rolling out the new States Advancing All-Payer Health Equity Approaches and Development Model, called the AHEAD Model, and states are invited to apply for funding.
Meet the 'Flower Lady': Crafting bouquets of comfort and compassion for hospice patients
03/22/24 at 03:00 AMMeet the 'Flower Lady': Crafting bouquets of comfort and compassion for hospice patients NBC 5 On Your Side, by Mike Bush; 3/19/24 In the heart of Evelyn's House, a hospice facility dedicated to providing comfort in life's final moments, resides 79-year-old Anne Hensley, affectionately dubbed the "flower lady" by staff and patients alike. ... Her lifelong passion for floral artistry has since blossomed into a symbol of solace and compassion within the halls of Evelyn's House. ... For Anne, her role as the "flower lady" is more than just arranging bouquets; it's a labor of love rooted in empathy and understanding.
Other Business Headlines of Interest, updated 3/21/24 per nasdaq.com
03/22/24 at 03:00 AMOther Business Headlines of Interest, updated 3/21/24 per nasdaq.com
A Western Slope program is helping older Coloradans maintain independence
03/22/24 at 03:00 AMA Western Slope program is helping older Coloradans maintain independence The Colorado Trust, by Nancy Lofhholm; 3/20/24 [Case example of a 74-year-old widow, wheelchair, who can live alone in her home because of PACE.] ... The center houses the HopeWest PACE program, which delivers wide-ranging services for older adults. HopeWest PACE is a local fulfillment of a national Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services program known as PACE, which stands for Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly. HopeWest PACE is one of 150 programs nationwide that carry out the PACE mandate to keep qualifying older adults like Powell living in their homes by providing them with a holistic bundle of health care and social and emotional support. It includes primary and specialty medical care, prescription medications, physical and occupational therapy, recreation, dietary counseling, and mental health counseling.
5 myths about dying that too many people believe
03/22/24 at 03:00 AM5 myths about dying that too many people believeThe Hearty Soul, by Maria Sykes; 3/21/24 Myth# 1: I should always stay positive for the sake of my loved one.Myth #2: I should make sure my loved one eats, drinks, and sleeps as normal.Myth #3: I need to prolong my loved one's life as much as possible.Myth #4: It's important to limit the use of painkillers to keep my loved one healthy.Myth #5: If I seek help to care for my loved one, I'm a failure.
ANNOUNCEMENT: Explore Upcoming Conferences at Our Education Page
03/22/24 at 03:00 AMExplore Upcoming Conferences at Our Education Page
Today's Encouragement: Never doubt that a small group ...
03/22/24 at 03:00 AMNever doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. - Margaret Mead
Palliative care in the older adult with cancer and the role of the geriatrician: a narrative review
03/22/24 at 03:00 AMPalliative care in the older adult with cancer and the role of the geriatrician: a narrative review Annals of Palliative Medicine, by Bibban Bant Deol, Lisa Binns-Emerick, MOhammad Kang, Pragnesh Patel; 3/15/24 online ahead of print Conclusions: Embedding primary care geriatrics in the palliative care arena helps to provide more access to this care. This integration helps providers address basic symptom management, advance care planning and work with individuals on goals of care to assure the care being provided is congruent individual's priorities. Older adults respond to symptoms different than their younger counterparts. Management of these symptoms has to be addressed in a manner commiserate with their age.
New ACO model paves way for innovative home-based primary care services: CMS
03/22/24 at 03:00 AMNew ACO model paves way for innovative home-based primary care services: CMS McKnights Home Care, by Adam Healy; 3/20/24 The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on Tuesday unveiled a new person-centered care payment model that expands how and where beneficiaries can receive primary care. “People whose primary care provider participates in the ACO PC Flex Model may get care in more convenient ways, like care based at home or through virtual means, extra help managing chronic diseases, and more preventive health services to keep them healthy,” CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure said in a statement. “Not only will people with Medicare receive more coordinated, seamless care that addresses their unique needs, but CMS is supporting primary care clinicians and giving them more flexibility to provide person-centered care.”
UnitedHealth says unit Change has restored and rebuilt functions handled by Amazon
03/22/24 at 03:00 AMUnitedHealth says unit Change has restored and rebuilt functions handled by Amazon Reuters; 3/20/24 UnitedHealth Group said on Wednesday its unit Change Healthcare's cloud-based services for handling medical claims were completely rebuilt and restored, about a month after a cybersecurity attack on the subsidiary crippled healthcare in the United States. Amazon's cloud services for two of Change Healthcare's applications were restored from backups and cleared by their cybersecurity partners, the insurer said.
How home care providers build out successful training programs
03/22/24 at 03:00 AMHow home care providers build out successful training programs Home Health Care News, by Patrick Filbin; 3/19/24 Building a successful and sustainable caregiver training program in personal home care demands meticulous planning and execution. From defining leadership responsibilities to establishing a comprehensive training schedule, every aspect plays a pivotal role in shaping the program’s effectiveness. Strong training programs and ongoing education also go a long way in retaining caregivers in an industry where every provider is trying their best to hold onto the employees they onboard.
Amid tense negotiations, Oregon nurses allege patient neglect by PeaceHealth during strike
03/22/24 at 03:00 AMAmid tense negotiations, Oregon nurses allege patient neglect by PeaceHealth during strike Eugene Register-Guard, by Miranda Cyr; 3/20/24 Tensions between PeaceHealth and Sacred Heart home health and hospice nurses persist, with the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) claiming last week that PeaceHealth neglected patients during the nurses' two-week strike in February. ... ONA has been negotiating a new contract with PeaceHealth for a full year. The last contract expired in April of 2023. Despite 40 negotiation meetings, no agreement has been reached, according to ONA.
$4.25 million gene therapy for kids becomes world's priciest drug
03/22/24 at 03:00 AM$4.25 million gene therapy for kids becomes world's priciest drug NBC LEX18, by Alex Arger; 3/20/24 A lifesaving gene therapy for children born with a rare and debilitating disease has just been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The catch? Its wholesale cost has been set at $4.25 million, making it the most expensive medicine in the world. Orchard Therapeutics announced the hefty price for Lenmeldy Wednesday, two days after the FDA approved the therapy as the only treatment for kids with metachromatic leukodystrophy, or MLD.
Noem signs bill removing some medical marijuana dispensary protections
03/22/24 at 03:00 AMNoem signs bill removing some medical marijuana dispensary protections SDPB Radio (South Dakota Public Radio), by Evan Walton; 3/19/24 Gov. Kristi Noem has signed a bill removing some protections medical cannabis facilitates now receive. Senate Bill 71 allows local law enforcement to inspect, search, seize, prosecute, or impose disciplinary action on medical cannabis dispensaries. This includes medical cannabis cultivation, manufacturing, and testing facilities.
Is cybersecurity spending too low to prevent another Change breach?
03/22/24 at 03:00 AMIs cybersecurity spending too low to prevent another Change breach? Modern Healthcare, by Brock E.W. Turner; 3/19/24 On Feb. 21, Change Healthcare, which processes 15 billion transactions a year, suffered a ransomware attack that has caused ripple effects throughout the healthcare system, hampering operations and finances for hospitals, physician offices, pharmacies, insurers and patients. Cybersecurity professionals are sounding the alarm on future attacks if healthcare organizations don't start putting more financial resources into protecting their data.
Private equity group Waud Capital Partners acquires Senior Helpers
03/22/24 at 03:00 AMPrivate equity group Waud Capital Partners acquires Senior Helpers McKnights Home Care, by Adam Healy; 3/21/24 Private equity firm Waud Capital Partners is acquiring Senior Helpers, a home care franchise company with nearly 400 locations in the United States, Canada and Australia, for an undisclosed amount, according to an announcement about the deal released Thursday. ... Advocate Health, which owns Senior Helpers, is the third-largest nonprofit health system in the US, according to a release. Senior Helpers provides wellness services such as meal planning, grocery shopping, medication management, transportation, companionship and assistance with activities of daily living.
Lawmakers threaten harsher penalties for negligent providers, CEOs in wake of crippling cyberattack
03/22/24 at 03:00 AMLawmakers threaten harsher penalties for negligent providers, CEOs in wake of crippling cyberattack McKnights Home Care; by Adam Healy; 3/20/24 Roughly a month after Change Healthcare fell victim to a cyberattack that debilitated a large section of the healthcare system, Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Xavier Becerra, secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, devised a plan to penalize providers that fail to protect their patients’ data.
UnitedHealth hack takes toll on healthcare providers to the nation's poor
03/22/24 at 02:45 AMUnitedHealth hack takes toll on healthcare providers to the nation's poor Reuters, by Julie Steenhuysen; 3/20/24 The ransomware attack on UnitedHealth that has disrupted payments to U.S. doctors and healthcare facilities nationwide for a month, has taken an especially harsh toll on the community health centers that serve more than 30 million poor and uninsured patients. Many large healthcare centers have been able to resume receiving payments and making claims after the hack by using alternative technology, UnitedHealth says. ... One Texas-based association said if the situation continues through the end of this month, some members will not be able to make payroll.
Planning for National Healthcare Decisions Day 2024: 8 ideas to spread the word
03/22/24 at 02:00 AMPlanning for National Healthcare Decisions Day 2024: 8 ideas to spread the word the conversation project; 3/12/24 Looking for ideas to plan and promote NHDD in your community? We’ve pulled together some ideas from the hundreds of local, state, and national groups across the country who have shared what they did last year or are planning for this April 16th. Be sure to take a peek at this roadmap to help you navigate all things NHDD, including where to find more examples. We hope the information ... will spark ideas and get you started.
Medicare Advantage health equity factor to shake up ratings
03/22/24 at 02:00 AMMedicare Advantage health equity factor to shake up ratings Modern Healthcare, by Nona Tepper; 3/20/24 A federal effort to promote health equity will redistribute billions of dollars in Medicare Advantage Star Ratings bonus payments among health insurance companies. Beginning in 2027, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will reward Medicare Advantage plans that demonstrate progress addressing health disparities. At the same time, the agency scrapped a bonus policy that benefited insurers that sustained high overall quality ratings over time.