Literature Review
Second Opinion Expert announces strategic relationship with Intra Care Home Health Providers
05/07/24 at 03:00 AMSecond Opinion Expert announces strategic relationship with Intra Care Home Health Providers Cision PRWeb; by SecondOpinionExpert, Inc / PRNewswire; 5/3/24 SecondOpinionExpert, Inc. (SOE), a leading healthcare technology company, announced today that it has formed a strategic relationship with Intra Care Home Health Providers, Inc. and its affiliated home health and hospice companies. ... Intra Care Home Health Services, Inc., a Los Angeles, CA based healthcare company, along with the related Intra Care SFV, Inc., Specialized Home Health Services, Inc., and Intra Care Hospice, Inc., (Intra Care) will all work with SOE as part of this relationship.
AI governance and cybersecurity certifications: Are they worth it?
05/07/24 at 03:00 AMAI governance and cybersecurity certifications: Are they worth it? CSO; by Maria Korolov; 5/6/24The International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP), SANS Institute, and other organizations are releasing new AI certifications in the areas of governance and cybersecurity or adding new AI modules to existing programs. These may help professionals find employment, but with the area being relatively new, experts warn certifications could be out of date almost immediately. ... On the other hand, the new AI governance and cybersecurity certifications cover the basics needed to get up to speed, create a foundation layer on which people can build later, create a common language for practitioners to use, and will typically include ongoing training requirements to help people stay current. Here, in alphabetical order by organization are all the AI governance training and certificates known at the time of publishing. ...
Scotland Regional Hospice Golf Tournament garners $180K
05/07/24 at 03:00 AMScotland Regional Hospice Golf Tournament garners $180KThe Laurinburg Exchange; 5/3/24 The Scotland Regional Hospice Golf Tournament returned to Scotch Meadows Country Club for the 38th year on Tuesday and Wednesday raising $180,383. Since its inception in the 1987, $4.7 million has been raised and all proceeds go toward Scotland Regional Hospice. ... About 60 volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure success of the tournament. Volunteer co-coordinator Bill Hill said, “This tournament is 95% volunteer run. ... SRH is a non-profit organization that provides end-of-life care to people in the area.
Workers at two Essentia Health facilities file for union representation
05/07/24 at 03:00 AMWorkers at two Essentia Health facilities file for union representation Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA); by Sam Fettig and Lauren Bloomquist; 5/2/24 Registered nurses at Essentia Miller Hill Surgery Center and nurses and other healthcare workers at Essentia Solvay Hospice House announced this week that they have filed for an election with the National Labor Relations Board to form a union represented by the Minnesota Nurses Association ... because they want a voice in their workplace to improve both working conditions and how care is provided to their patients. ... At Essentia Solvay Hospice House, workers across the board, including Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, Nursing Assistants, Administrative Assistants, Environmental Services workers, and Cooks, filed for a union election.
Hospice of South Central Indiana receives grant from MDRT Foundation
05/07/24 at 03:00 AMOur Hospice of South Central Indiana receives grant from MDRT Foundation Shelby Chamber; 5/3/24 Thanks to the Greater Horizon Financial Group’s partnership, Our Hospice has received a $2,500 grant for its Pediatric Hospice Care services from the Million Dollar Round Table Foundation (MDRT). The MDRT gives to charitable organizations worldwide, demonstrating the generosity, service, and impact of MDRT members. This year, the MDRT Foundation will award over $1.8 million in MDRT member-endorsed grants to over 350 charitable organizations worldwide. ...
Home-based pediatric hospice and palliative care provider visits: Effects on healthcare utilization
05/07/24 at 03:00 AMHome-based pediatric hospice and palliative care provider visits: Effects on healthcare utilization The Journal of Pediatrics; by Steven M. Smith, MD; Daniel H. Grossoehme, DMin; Kate Cicozi, MD; Audrey Hiltunen, MD; Catherine Roth, MPH, CCRP; Gwendolyn Richner, BA; Stephani S. Kim, PhD, MPH; Nguyen K. Tram, PhD; Sarah Friebert, MD; May 2024 journal issue Objective: This hypothesis-generating study sought to assess the impact of home-based hospice and palliative care (HBHPC) provider home visits (HV) on healthcare use. Conclusion: HBHPC provider HVs were associated with fewer inpatient admissions, hospital days, and intensive care unit days, and increased clinically relevant phone calls and phone calls before emergency department visit. These findings indicate that HBHPC HV may contribute to decreased inpatient use and increased use of the HBHPC team.
The power of art in palliative care
05/07/24 at 03:00 AMThe power of art in palliative care InSight+, Melbourne, Australia; by Caitlin Wright; 5/6/24 ... Melbourne artist Jeffrey Kelson is known for his thought-provoking portraits, several of which have been exhibited at the Melbourne Holocaust Museum. He believes a portrait is a window into a subject’s heart and mind. However, after being diagnosed with late-stage pancreatic cancer, it wasn’t this style of art that Mr. Kelson was drawn to. As soon as he felt well enough to return to his studio, he started work on a series of colourful collages. “At one point, my wife came into the room and commented on how bright they were and how full of life force. She was surprised that I could create pieces that were so energetic when I felt so ill. I hadn’t really thought about it. I just needed to work,” he told InSight+. ... Palliative care specialist Dr Eric Fairbank was one of Mr Kelson’s art students for several years before Mr. Kelson’s diagnosis. He said Mr Kelson’s approach to his diagnosis has confirmed his belief that the best outcomes of cancer treatment are achieved when they’re complemented by the patient’s own resources of mind, will and spirit. [Click on the title's link to view several of his paintings.]
Families are often unaware of benefits of palliative hospice care, says retired oncologist
05/07/24 at 03:00 AMFamilies are often unaware of benefits of palliative hospice care, says retired oncologist KSMU Ozarks Public Radio; radio segment by Linda Regan; 5/5/24 In this episode of our local program Making Democracy Work, host Linda Regan speaks with returning guest Dr. Robert Carolla, retired medical oncologist and board member for Hospice Foundation of the Ozarks. Carolla discusses palliative hospice care and says that families often sign up too late to receive all of the supportive benefits. He says “death is a part of life” and explores common misconceptions associated with hospice care.
Chesapeake Life Center offers monthly LGBTQIA+ drop-in grief support group
05/07/24 at 02:45 AMChesapeake Life Center offers monthly LGBTQIA+ drop-in grief support group Southern Maryland News Net; 5/6/24 Chesapeake Life Center will host a monthly drop-in grief support group for members of the LGBTQIA+ community. ... Grief is a hard and vulnerable time, and it is important to have safe spaces to process what we are going through. This group is intended for adult members of the LGBTQIA+ community who are grieving a past or approaching death. The group will be facilitated by a licensed queer therapist but will be loosely structured to offer an opportunity for participants to share their feelings and grieve with community.Editor's Note: Hospice & Palliative Care Today does not post upcoming, local hospice events, grief support groups, volunteer trainings, etc. However, we're posting this LGBTQIA+ grief support due to its unique need, with opportunities for replication in other hospices.
Elder abuse is easy to miss
05/07/24 at 02:15 AMElder abuse is easy to missNextAvenue; by Leida Snow; 5/6/24 Here is what to look for if you suspect a caregiver--whether a relative or a professional--is mistreating a loved one. ... People are living longer in their own homes outside of nursing homes or other institutional settings, which means that at some point each of us is likely to be a caregiver or looking for continuing health care for a loved one or ourselves. ... "My husband was in home hospice for the last months of his life." ... [A bereaved caregiver describes incidents with her husband's care.] Then I ... went to the other room and called the agency's 24-hour number. 'I want her out of here,' I said. 'Please send someone else as soon as you can.' Lou briefly rallied the next morning, but he died later that day. Did the aide hasten his death? I believe she did."
Empathy exhaustion in nursing
05/07/24 at 02:00 AMEmpathy exhaustion in nursing Psychiatry Advisor; by Elizabeth Quaye; 5/5/24 This article looks at the role of empathy in nursing, the causes and symptoms of empathy exhaustion, and steps nurses can take to address it. ...
Highlighting Nurses Week: Tidewell Foundation raising the next generation of hospice nurses
05/07/24 at 02:00 AMHighlighting Nurses Week: Tidewell Foundation raising the next generation of hospice nurses Observer; by Tidewell Foundation; 5/2/24 ... Serving Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee, and Sarasota counties [Florida], the Tidewell Foundation provides the philanthropic support needed to ensure all who need the world-class care of Tidewell Hospice ... funds the only accredited non-profit Nurse Residency program in the United States. Tidewell began its Nurse Residency Program in 2018 to combat the nursing shortage in our region. Now, 6 years later, it is the first hospice to be accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), joining a network of 264 nurse residency programs across the nation.
Pro-life hospice group launches ‘Do Not Euthanize’ Registry to protect Canadians patients
05/07/24 at 02:00 AMPro-life hospice group launches ‘Do Not Euthanize’ Registry to protect Canadians patients InfoWars / LifeSiteNews; by Anthony Murdoch; 5/6/24 One of Canada’s only fully pro-life hospices, the Delta Hospice Society (DHS), has launched a new Do Not Euthanize (DNE) National Registry that it says will help “defend” vulnerable citizens’ lives from “premature death by euthanasia.” Angelina Ireland, executive director of the DHS, told LifeSiteNews that the new DNE National Registry is live as of May 1, 2024, with the goal being to have everyone who has already signed, or will sign, a DNE, added to the registry.
Hospice remains a blind spot for Medicare Advantage
05/07/24 at 02:00 AMHospice remains a blind spot for Medicare Advantage Axios; by Maya Goldman; 5/6/24 As Medicare Advantage grows bigger and bigger, there's one area the industry and regulators haven't figured out how to make work yet: hospice. Why it matters: The end-of-life care option is the only Medicare service that can't be offered in the private-run alternative, which now covers over half of enrollees. ... Catch up quick: Usually, when a Medicare Advantage beneficiary decides to enter hospice after receiving a terminal diagnosis, traditional Medicare pays for this care while they remain enrolled in their private plan. ... Editor's Note: This practical, user-friendly article outlines the purposes, challenges, and outcomes of Medicare Advantage with hospice patients. Share this with your leaders and board members.
Elara Caring, cited in death of visiting nurse Joyce Grayson, vows to contest violation
05/06/24 at 03:30 AMElara Caring, cited in death of visiting nurse Joyce Grayson, vows to contest violation McKnights Home Care; by Adam Healy; 5/3/24 The Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited home health, hospice and personal care provider Elara Caring for failing to provide adequate safeguards to protect visiting nurse Joyce Grayson from workplace violence. Grayson, a licensed practical nurse, was killed last Oct. 28 while providing a home health visit for a client living in a halfway house in Willimantic, CT. The DOL disclosed this week that its OSHA division cited New England Home Care, where Grayson worked, and Jordan Health Care Inc., which both do business as Elara Caring, with a “Willful-Serious” citation. Elara Caring faces up to $163,627 in penalties resulting from the citation. ...
Cuddle beds bringing comfort and compassion to palliative care
05/06/24 at 03:15 AMCuddle beds bringing comfort and compassion to palliative care WarwickToday [Australia]; by Lucy Waldron; 5/3/24 The Warwick Hospital has welcomed a double-sized palliative care cuddle bed, generously donated by the Warwick RSL Sub-branch through the Belinda McGowan Foundation. The Belinda McGowan Foundation is dedicated to providing cuddle beds to rural, remote, and regional healthcare facilities, aiming to offer comfort and companionship to patients and their families during palliative care and end-of-life moments.
CMS: Advance health equity during National AANHPI Heritage Month
05/06/24 at 03:00 AMCMS: Advance health equity during National AANHPI Heritage Month CMS.gov; email 5/2/24 During May, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Office of Minority Health (CMS OMH) recognizes National Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month by highlighting disparities for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. These communities account for more than 7% of the U.S. population and have the fastest population growth rate among all racial and ethnic groups, having almost doubled since 2000. Between 2017 and 2019, the number of Asian Americans enrolled in Medicare grew by 11%, which was the highest percentage increase in enrollment compared to White, Black, and Hispanic enrollees. ... [Read for more descriptions, data and resources.]
What Walmart’s exit means for the future of telehealth
05/06/24 at 03:00 AMWhat Walmart’s exit means for the future of telehealthModern Helathcare; Brock E.W. Turner; 5/3/24 There is a dark cloud hovering over virtual care as big companies have struggled to launch telehealth-centric businesses. Retail giant Walmart announced Tuesday it was closing all of its clinics and shuttering its virtual care platform. The decision impacted 51 clinics across five states and represents a sharp reversal of a five-year strategy. ... Here is what five telehealth executives and investors had to say about recent challenges in virtual care. ...
Breaking the silence: The mounting need for trauma-informed hospice care
05/06/24 at 03:00 AMBreaking the silence: The mounting need for trauma-informed hospice care Hospice News; by Holly Vossel; 5/3/24Traumatized and abused hospice patients and providers often experience an array of lingering physical, emotional and psychological effects that can fall into a silent abyss of unmet needs. ... Many seniors have experienced some form of trauma or abuse in their lifetime. ... More data has become available in recent years around the prevalence of different types of abuse and trauma. Roughly 10% of seniors 65 and older nationwide are victims of some type of abuse each year, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) reported. Caregiver neglect represents 5.1% of these cases, with psychological and physical abuse impacting 4.6% and 1.6% of seniors, respectively. ...Editor's Note: This article highights interviews with Dr. Ashwin Kotwal, assistant professor at the University California San Francisco; Carole Fisher, president, National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI); Dr. Cameron Muir, chief innovation officer, NPHI; Andrea Devoti, executive vice president at the National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC); Lindsey Owen, executive director of Disability Rights Vermont.
Curricular reform in serious illness communication and palliative care: Using medical students' voices to guide change
05/06/24 at 03:00 AMCurricular reform in serious illness communication and palliative care: Using medical students' voices to guide change Academic Medicine: Journal of the Association of American Medical Colleges; by Jennifer A Reidy, Kate Brizzi, Stephanie H Chan, Hollis Day, Scott K Epstein, Melissa Fischer, Priya S Garg, Anna Gosline, Carolina Jaramillo, Emma Livne, Suzanne Mitchell, Sarah Morgan, Molly W Olmsted, Patricia Stebbins, Isabella Stumpf, Tamara Vesel, Irene M Yeh, Megan E Young, Roberta E Goldman; 5/1/24 Purpose: To gather and leverage the voices of students to drive creation of required, integrated palliative care curricula within undergraduate medical education in Massachusetts, which is lacking in a majority of U.S. medical schools. Conclusions: This study confirms long-standing themes on students' experiences with SIC and palliative care topics, including feeling inadequately prepared to care for seriously ill patients as future physicians. Our study collected students' perspectives as actionable data to develop recommendations for curricular change.
Fallon Health plans to expand inclusive care program into Southeastern Massachusetts
05/06/24 at 03:00 AMFallon Health plans to expand inclusive care program into Southeastern Massachusetts SouthCoast Today, The Standard-Times; by Kathryn Gallerani; 5/3/24 Fallon Health, a not-for-profit healthcare services organization based in Worcester with more than 45 years of experience providing care, has plans to open a new Summit ElderCare PACE Center in Dartmouth by the end of this year. PACE, a Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, provides services to adults 55 and older, including adults with complex medical needs, so they can age with dignity in their home or community. It's the biggest PACE program in Massachusetts. ... The other Massachusetts Fallon PACE locations are in Webster, Lowell, Leominster and Springfield. Fallon also has a PACE in western New York.
HHS finalizes disability access rule for healthcare providers
05/06/24 at 03:00 AMHHS finalizes disability access rule for healthcare providers Modern Healthcare, by Kara Hartnett; 3/2/24 The Health and Human Services Department finalized a rule that broadens nondiscrimination protections for individuals with disabilities in healthcare environments. ... When the rule takes effect July 1, healthcare organizations will be required to modify facilities and medical equipment to cater to patients' physical and sensory needs. Facilities will have to update features such as elevators and ramps to ensure they are functional and meet federal standards. In addition, healthcare organizations must ensure websites, mobile apps and virtual care programs are user-friendly for people with disabilities and remove disability status as a factor in clinical support tools.
Thyme Care launches virtual palliative care program, appoints medical director
05/06/24 at 03:00 AMThyme Care launches virtual palliative care program, appoints medical director MobileHealthNews; by Jessica Hagen; 5/2/24 Value-based cancer care platform Thyme Care is launching Enhanced Supportive Care, a virtual palliative care support program to assist its members and caregivers with managing physical and psychological symptoms accompanying cancer diagnosis and treatment. The program will be led by Dr. Julia Frydman, the company's first medical director for palliative care. Frydman previously worked in the geriatric and palliative medicine program at New York City's Mount Sinai Health System.
Noncompete ban may squeeze rural hospitals, report shows
05/06/24 at 03:00 AMNoncompete ban may squeeze rural hospitals, report shows Modern Healthcare; by Alex Kacik; 5/2/24 The federal noncompete ban may squeeze rural nonprofit hospitals that continue to see labor costs rise, a new report shows. Last week, the Federal Trade Commission voted to finalize a rule preventing most employers from enforcing or issuing contracts that restrict employees from working for a competitor. ... Larger hospitals are more likely to have the financial flexibility to offer clinicians and staff higher wages, likely at the expense of smaller, rural hospitals, Fitch Senior Director Kevin Holloran said.
Today's Encouragement: Nursing is an art ...
05/06/24 at 03:00 AMNursing is an art: and if it is to be made an art, it requires an exclusive devotion as hard a preparation as any painter's or scultor's work. - Florence NightingaleEditor's Note: Hospice & Palliative Care Today joins you in celebrating nurses, National Nurses Week May 6-12, 2024!