Literature Review



Heritage Hospice’s “Scatter Hearts” project honors veterans and patients

02/21/25 at 03:00 AM

Heritage Hospice’s “Scatter Hearts” project honors veterans and patients The Advocate-Messenger, Danville, KY; by Josely Labarrere; 2/19/25 Heritage Hospice volunteers are spreading love and appreciation this Valentine’s season with the “Scatter Hearts” project, a heartfelt initiative designed to bring joy to hospice patients, particularly veterans. ... “The volunteers thought it would be a good time to honor our veterans, acknowledge the sacrifices they have made for us, and bring a smile to our hospice patients,” said Wendy Hellard, Director of Volunteer Services at Heritage Hospice. ... The wooden hearts, designed to be displayed on doors, were individually painted by Heritage Hospice volunteers and community members in bright and cheerful colors. Special hearts featuring patriotic red, white, and blue designs were created for veteran patients."

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Over a quarter of adolescents, young adults with cancer who want to die at home do not

02/21/25 at 03:00 AM

Over a quarter of adolescents, young adults with cancer who want to die at home do not Healio; by Jennifer Byrne; 2/20/25 More than one-fourth of adolescents and young adults with cancer who wished to die at home did not attain this goal, according to research published in JAMA Network Open. Researchers conducted a retrospective cohort study that included adolescents and young adults (AYA; age range, 12 to 19 years) with cancer who died between 2003 and 2019. The cohort included patients treated at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Kaiser Permanente Northern California or Kaiser Permanente Southern California. ... Healio spoke with Odejide about the rationale for the study, the importance of the findings, and strategies oncologists can employ to ensure more goal-concordant end-of-life care for AYA patients with advanced cancers. [Click here for Helio's discussion with the lead researcher, Oreofe O. Odejide, MD, MPH, associate professor of medicine at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.]  Editor's note: Examine this JAMA article, which we posted in our Saturday Research issue, 1/18/25: "Preferred and actual location of death in adolescents and young adults with cancer."

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Today's Encouragement: You are your ...

02/21/25 at 03:00 AM

You are your best thing. ~ Toni Morrison Honoring Black History Month 2025

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Historic flooding hits Kentucky: Death toll rises to 14 as recovery efforts continue

02/21/25 at 03:00 AM

Historic flooding hits Kentucky: Death toll rises to 14 as recovery efforts continue NBC WLWT-5, Cincinnati, OH; by Emily Sanderson; updated 2/18/25The death toll is continuing to rise across Kentucky amid devastating flood conditions. Beshear says at least 14 people have died due to the severe flooding, weather. The deaths include a mother and her child who were swept away by flood waters in their car. The governor confirmed hundreds of people have been displaced. Swift Water Boat Teams and 146 Kentucky National Guard soldiers have been activated. Beshear says there have been over 1,000 water rescues already. Ohio Task Force 1 has also been activated as a Type III team in response to heavy flooding in Kentucky and surrounding states. [Additionally, snow is expected with temperatures] set to drop significantly, with wind chills dropping below zero. Officials said 300 roads are still impacted or closed, with standing water still an issue across the state. ... The governor also started a donation fund for those impacted by flooding. Donations can be made at TeamKyReliefFund.ky.gov. Beshear stressed the first things the fund will be used for is funerals for victims. ... 

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New Day Healthcare acquires Christian Senior Care Services

02/21/25 at 03:00 AM

New Day Healthcare acquires Christian Senior Care Services  Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 2/20/25 New Day Healthcare has acquired the home-based care company Christian Senior Care Services in Houston for an undisclosed sum. The deal, New Day’s 13th to date, expands the company’s personal care services division into five additional counties in the Houston metro area. The operation will continue to operate under its current brand, and the entire staff will remain in place. ... The transaction adds personal care services to New Day’s hospice and home health operations in the Houston area, a key step in the provider’s efforts to build out a multi-faceted continuum of care. ... Similar to national demographic trends, a growing aging population is driving demand for hospice in Texas. Seniors 65 and older represent 13.8% of the Lone Star State’s overall population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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'Fast and furious' AI sparks health system refocus

02/21/25 at 03:00 AM

'Fast and furious' AI sparks health system refocus Becker's Health IT; by Laura Dyrda; 2/19/25Health systems are beginning to hire chiefs of artificial intelligence and other AI leaders to bring new expertise into the system with the goal of becoming a more sophisticated, data-driven organization. Lisa Stump, executive vice president, chief digital information officer and vice dean of information technology at Mount Sinai Health System and Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City, participated in the search and hiring process for Girish Nadkarni, MD, Mount Sinai's first chair of artificial intelligence and human health to create a formal department at the Icahn School of Medicine dedicated to AI. She now partners with him and the system's chief clinical officer – calling themselves the "digital and technology partners" group – to structure a center of excellence around AI and digital health, focusing on the patient and consumer experience.

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BCN expands community grief care and integrative medicine with grant

02/21/25 at 02:30 AM

BCN expands community grief care and integrative medicine with grant Bluegrass Care Navigators; News; 2/12/25 Saint Joseph Hospital and Saint Joseph East have awarded Bluegrass Care Navigators (BCN) $50,000 to support grief services and integrative medicine programs. This funding will help BCN provide essential care to more than 1,000 diverse individuals across Lexington, Frankfort, and Cynthiana and address significant health challenges in 2025. Our Community Grief Services include individual and group counseling, Camp Hope for children and adults, and crisis response. With this grant, we anticipate being able to serve more than 800 individuals through community grief counseling. Our Integrative Medicine offerings—music, art, massage therapy, and mindfulness—expand to be able to support approximately 300 patients with 800 visits, enhancing physical and mental health. ... "Together, we are creating a meaningful impact in the community and improving the mental health and well-being of those we serve,” said Liz Fowler, president and CEO of BCN. Editor's note: After this 2/12 post, multiple hospice areas served by Bluegrass Care Navigators were flooded this week, notably Harlan and Pike Counties. We thank BCN for your community grief systems already in place, with significant support ahead for those you serve. 

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Harley Owners Group & Community make splash for JRMC Hospice

02/21/25 at 02:00 AM

Harley Owners Group & Community make splash for JRMC Hospice NewsDakota.com, Jamestown, ND; by Steve Urness; 2/18/25 The spirit of generosity and adventure was alive and well at the 19th annual Polar Pig Walk the Plank & Chili Cook-off, held Feb. 1 at Stutsman Harley-Davidson. ... This year, Polar Pig reached an incredible milestone—surpassing $300,000 raised for JRMC Hospice since its inception. ... This year alone, $19,405 was raised, directly benefiting the care provided by the JRMC Hospice team. Braving the winter air, dozens of participants in a wide variety of costumes took the plunge, leaping into the water in the name of hospice care. Spectators cheered as JRMC team members, community members and families joined in the fun, embracing the cold for a cause. The event also featured a chili cook-off and silent auction.Editor's note: We don't know the temperature for this North Dakota polar plunge on Feb 1. However, the weather on Thu 2/20 in Jamestown, ND is -8°.  Bravo to these brave souls!

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[Netherlands, UK, Canada, Australia] The green ICU: how to interpret green? A multiple perspective approach

02/20/25 at 03:00 AM

The green ICU: how to interpret green? A multiple perspective approach Critical Care; by Elisabeth Smale, Heather Baid, Marko Balan, Forbes McGain, Scott McAlistar, Jan J. de Waele, Jan Carel Diehl, Erik van Raaij, Michel van Genderen, Dick Tibboel & Nicole Hunfeld; 2/18/25Mitigating environmental impacts is an urgent challenge supported by (scientific) intensive care societies worldwide. However, making green choices without compromising high-quality care for critically ill patients may be challenging. ... To put this challenge of achieving quality care standards with sustainable use of resources into perspective, the current paper pinpoints a three-step approach towards a green ICU by (I) measuring environmental sustainability, (II) outlining strategies to improve sustainability and (III) elaborating on how to communicate results to create a synergy of sustainability initiatives within ICUs. Editor's note: With its focus on care for critically ill patients, how might this three-step approach be applied to hospice GIP settings?

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Mayo Clinic Hospice to present improv show on end-of-life care at Marion Ross theater

02/20/25 at 03:00 AM

Mayo Clinic Hospice to present improv show on end-of-life care at Marion Ross theater Albert Lea Tribune; 2/18/25 In honor of Mayo Clinic Hospice celebrating 45 years of service to Southeast Minnesota, in collaboration with Danger Boat Productions, the Naeve Health Care Foundation, and the Mayo Clinic Dolores Jean Lavins Center for Humanities in Medicine, invites the community to attend “End-of-Life: Live and Unscripted.” The event will be held at the Marion Ross Theatre from 6 to 7 p.m. March 27, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. This unique improv show aims to bring the community together for an evening of laughter and learning. Attendees will gain insights into advanced care planning, important end-of-life care considerations and ways to support the community during end-of-life stages.Editor's note: Though readers surely will not be able to attend, we post this to spark your collaborations for community engagement and education through the arts. 

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Today's Encouragement: Life is not a spectator sport ...

02/20/25 at 03:00 AM

Life is not a spectator sport. If you’re going to spend your whole life in the grandstand just watching what goes on, in my opinion, you’re wasting your life. ~ Jackie RobinsonHonoring Black History Month 2025

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Part payer, part provider: VNS Health embraces the future

02/20/25 at 03:00 AM

Part payer, part provider: VNS Health embraces the futureHome Health Care News; by Joyce Famakinwa; 2/18/25As one of the biggest home-based care organizations in New York, VNS Health is leaning into its size and capabilities. ... “Our real challenge is, how do we leverage the large number of programs and services we already offer to ensure a seamless journey through the most difficult times in a person’s life,” VNS Health CEO and President Dan Savitt told Home Health Care News. ... "Being both a payer and provider allows us an opportunity to work with people in our community throughout their health care journey." ... "We use analytics to identify home care patients with late stage conditions who can benefit from enrollment in our advanced illness management program. Then we use analytics to determine when it may be appropriate to consider moving this patient population into hospice care." 

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Change Healthcare data breach: Industry 'not fine' 1 year later

02/20/25 at 03:00 AM

Change Healthcare data breach: Industry 'not fine' 1 year later Modern Healthcare; by Lauren Berryman; 2/19/25 It’s been one year since the unprecedented Change Healthcare cyberattack crippled hospitals, medical groups, payers and pharmacies. For some providers, troubles linger. The industry continues to grapple with the aftermath of the breach of UnitedHealth Group's technology subsidiary, which exposed data on 190 million consumers. Core functions, including claims processing, prescription management, payment, prior authorization and insurance verification froze after UnitedHealth disconnected systems Feb. 21, 2024, following the hack by ransomware group BlackCat.

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ViVE 2025: Improving clinical workflows amid workforce shortages

02/20/25 at 03:00 AM

ViVE 2025: Improving clinical workflows amid workforce shortages HealthTech; by Teta Alim; 2/18/25 As the U.S. braces for a dearth of physicians and nurses, healthcare organizations are transforming processes to attract and retain talent. By 2034, experts have projected, there will be a shortage of between 17,800 to 48,000 primary care physicians. For full-time registered nurses, 2030 projections are even steeper. Healthcare organizations are well aware of these forecasts and have been testing and deploying solutions to improve employee satisfaction and retention and attract new talent. At ViVE 2025 in Nashville, Tenn., industry leaders discussed how improvements supported by artificial intelligence (AI) are offering promising results for streamlining workflows. [Click on the title's link to read this discussion.]

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Improving quality of life and end-of-life care: Standardizing goals of care notes in EHRs

02/20/25 at 03:00 AM

Improving quality of life and end-of-life care: Standardizing goals of care notes in EHRs EurekAlert! - American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), Indianapolis, IN; Regenstrief  Institute, peer-reviewed publication; 2/19/25 ... A new study by researchers from Regenstrief Institute, the Indiana University School of Medicine and Indiana University Health presents the standardized goals of care note they developed, deployed and evaluated as a quality improvement initiative at IU Health, a large, statewide healthcare system. ... The study authors report:

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How music is rewriting end-of-life care

02/20/25 at 03:00 AM

How music is rewriting end-of-life care The Daily Iowan; by Madison Schuler; 2/18/25 The form of therapy relieves not only patients but also family members. Over the years, music has been used to express emotions for some while creating connections and memories for others. Listening to a certain song can take people back to a specific moment. Whether it elicits joy, pain, anger, or sadness, music has a different effect on each individual. Music stays with people throughout their lives, always bringing forth those emotions or memories. For those in end-of-life care, music can do the same. ... Today, hospitals and hospice centers are seeing an increase in the use of music therapy, specifically in end-of-life care. [Click on the title's link to learn more.] Editor's note: Click here for the national directory of CBMT board certified music therapists. Click here for my 2005 book in Routledge's Series in Death, Dying and Bereavement, Music of the Soul - Composing Life Out of Loss.

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800 Geisinger nurses strike: 5 things to know

02/20/25 at 03:00 AM

800 Geisinger nurses strike: 5 things to know Becker's Hospital Review; by Kelly Gooch; 2/19/25Members of Service Employees International Union Healthcare Pennsylvania began a five-day strike Feb. 17 at Geisinger's Luzerne County facilities in Pennsylvania, union and health system spokespeople confirmed to Becker's. Five things to know:

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Innovations in serious illness care with Bree Owens

02/20/25 at 03:00 AM

Innovations in serious illness care with Bree Owens Teleios Collaborative Network (TCN); podcast by Chris Comeaux; 2/19/25 In this episode of TCNtalks, host Chris Comeaux interviews Bree Owens, a licensed clinical social worker and co-founder of The Holding Group.  They discuss Bree’s journey in the healthcare field, particularly in Palliative Care. Bree shares insights on learning the importance of meaningful conversations with patients and their families about care options, which led her to the unique model of The Holding Group.  Her organization has created space, hence the name The Holding Group, for a patient-centered approach, helping patients and their families find the right care at the right place and at the right time.  Bree emphasizes the significance of informed consent and the role of social workers in facilitating these discussions to enhance patient outcomes and satisfaction.

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Juniper House on National Historic Register

02/20/25 at 03:00 AM

Juniper House on National Historic Register K103, Portland, OR; 2/18/25 The Juniper House is among Oregon's latest entries in the National Register of Historic Places ... for its statewide significance as Oregon's first end-of-life care home dedicated exclusively to residents with HIV/AIDS [May 1987] and for its substantial impact on statewide healthcare and LGBTQ+ history. ... In addition to caring for residents, the work of Juniper House included advocacy and educational efforts that were crucial in shaping public opinion and responses to HIV/AIDS.

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Addressing overtreatment in end-of-life cancer care

02/20/25 at 02:30 AM

Addressing overtreatment in end-of-life cancer care Medscape; by David J. Kerr, CBE, MD, DSc; 2/19/25 ... What do we mean by overtreatment? This means that many patients who are approaching the end of life receive treatments, like directed anticancer therapies, that are unlikely to provide clinically meaningful benefits and may do more harm than good. This is an expression that I use often in the clinic when I'm explaining to patients that we have reached the end of the road in active interventions, such as chemotherapeutic drugs, that will do more harm than good. It doesn't stop us from doing our very best to look after patients. We focus on improving the quality of life and maintaining that for as long as we can, while continuing to care and look after the patients. ... Overtreatment may even, one would argue, accelerate death when you consider those 1% or 2% mortality rates that can be associated with some treatments that we offer. ...

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Celebrating Black History Month: 12 Black American medical pioneers

02/20/25 at 02:00 AM

Celebrating Black History Month: 12 Black American medical pioneers Brighton Hospice; blog from 2/24/21, still relevant todayThese trailblazing clinicians, researchers, inventors, and advocates broke barriers, shattered stereotypes, and advanced medicine in this country and beyond. 

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[UK] An interview with Clinical Psychologist (retired) Johanne de Montigny, M.A.Ps.

02/20/25 at 02:00 AM

An interview with Clinical Psychologist (retired) Johanne de Montigny, M.A.Ps. ehospice; interview between Dr. Stefanie Gingras and Johnne de Montigny; 2/14/25 Ahead of her February 19, 2025 lecture entitled “What I’ve learned about accompaniment, death and bereavement: 29 years of psychological services at the heart of an MUHC care team (1986-2015)”, part of the McGill National Grand Rounds programme, Johanne de Montigny shared her thoughts with Program Director and palliative care physician Dr. Stéfanie Gingras.Dr. Stéfanie Gingras (SG): How did you first become interested in the field of palliative care?Johanne de Montigny (JdM): It was a very profound and sudden experience where I almost died that guided me in this choice. I survived a plane crash, in which 17 people (out of 24) died. After this event, I asked myself what I was going to do with my life. For me, that meant choosing a profession that would be meaningful. After returning to school to study psychology, I chose to become a palliative care psychologist. After being confronted with sudden death, I wanted to understand how people reacted when they learned that they were going to die, that they still had time, and how to live with it. ... In those moments, I remembered that before I died – because I thought I was going to die – the young flight attendant who, in the space of a minute before the crash, had managed to help us contain the shock and give us some hope. She told us, “Whatever happens, we’re together and we’re going to get through this together.” That one relational minute made all the difference. It enabled us, I believe, to survive psychically before dying physically. She was my first carer just before she died. ... As for the family, what was most striking for me was the realization that the end of life is a time of unparalleled intimacy. Editor's note: This rich life-reflection provides powerful insights in light of many recent plane tragedies.

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The intersection of medicine and humanity in palliative care

02/20/25 at 02:00 AM

The intersection of medicine and humanity in palliative care Michigan Technology News; Guest Column; 2/19/25 Palliative care stands as a testament to the intricate balance between medical science and human compassion. ...  The human side of palliative care is as vital as its clinical aspect. Patients in palliative care are not just medical cases; they are individuals with personal histories, emotions, and relationships that require acknowledgment and respect. ... This approach necessitates a deep level of empathy and an understanding that every patient’s journey is unique. ...

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Today's Encouragement: There are two ways of exerting strength: One is ..., the other is ...

02/19/25 at 03:00 AM

There are two ways of exerting one’s strength: one is pushing down, the other is pulling up. ~ Booker T. WashingtonHonoring Black History Month 2025

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Founding Friends of Treasure Coast Hospice Safari Nights roars to success: Annual gala raises $198k for Youth and Family Grief Support Programs

02/19/25 at 03:00 AM

Founding Friends of Treasure Coast Hospice Safari Nights roars to success: Annual gala raises $198k for Youth and Family Grief Support Programs Stuart/Martin County Chamber of Commerce, Stuart, FL; Press Release; 2/10/25 The Founding Friends of Treasure Coast Hospice (FFOTCH) welcomed guests to a magnificently decorated “jungle” at its Safari Nights fundraising gala, held on January 11, at Harbour Ridge Yacht and Country Club in Palm City. The sold-out event raised $198,000 to support Treasure Coast Hospice’s Youth and Family Grief Support Programs. ... Foundation Director Agnes Palmer, CFRE [said,] “The success of Safari Nights is a testament to the unwavering commitment of the incredible volunteers who are dedicated to ensuring resources that provide comfort, hope and healing are available to those who are grieving in our community.” ... The 200-plus members of the volunteer group have raised nearly $5,000,000 to support the organization.

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