Literature Review

Flu cases continue to rise across the countryABC 6 News, Rochester, MN; by KAALTV; 2/10/25Flu cases are continuing to rise across the country as doctor visits for flu-like symptoms are now reaching their highest point in 15 years. The CDC estimates at least 24 million illnesses this flu season alone, with 13,000 turning deadly. Right now, about 31% of flu tests are coming back positive, nearly double the peak from last season. Doctors say your best line of defense is vaccination.Editor's note: We see this surge across news media sources, and compiled this state-specific list for you. 

Non-profit news: Sullivans commit $1.6M to support palliative care The Swellesley Report, Wellesley, MA; by Bob Brown; 2/11/25 Steve and Rebecca Sullivan of Wellesley have made a $1.6 million commitment to support palliative care at Newton-Wellesley Hospital. This adds to their $1.5M gift in 2021 to endow the chief of palliative care position.

Love takes off the masks we fear we cannot live without and know we cannot live within. ~ James BaldwinHonoring Black History Month 2025

Leaders-First Leadership and the 9 Touchstones with Jes Deshields Teleios Collaborative Network (TCN); podcast by Chris Comeaux; 2/12/25 Jes DeShields, founder of Crescent Leadership, discusses her leadership journey, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery, personal stories, and sustainable growth.  She introduces the concept of 'crescendo' in leadership development, which occurs when the journey builds to a key pivot point or impact point. The discussion also covers the significance of integrity in leadership, the balance between confidence and self-reflection, and the leader-first leadership model, which prioritizes leader growth to foster effective organizational change. Then, it delves into the nine touchstones of effective leadership, which are the title of Jes’ book, 9 Leader Touchstones.

Rebuilding trust in medical science: How doctors and scientists can bridge the misinformation divide Association of American Medical Colleges  (AAMC); by Patrick Boyle; 2/11/25 Medical science has not fully recovered from the distrust that erupted among some segments of the public during the COVID-19 pandemic. Skepticism and misinformation about vaccines and other health matters are spreading. Can anyone help doctors and scientists build faith in medical expertise? Reed Tuckson, MD, is trying. Tuckson is cofounder and chair of the Coalition for Trust in Health & Science, a nonprofit that focuses on “ensuring that everyone is empowered to make informed and personally appropriate health decisions … based on accurate, understandable, and evidence-based information.” ...Tuckson recently spoke with AAMCNews about applying what has been learned over the past several years to responding to misinformation and distrust in medical science. ...

A CEO’s strategic guide to leading people facing cancer CEO World Magazine; by Joelle Kaufman; 2/10/25 Cancer doesn’t just affect individuals – it impacts entire organizations. As leaders, we must anticipate and prepare for the moment when cancer touches our teams. With over 18 million cancer survivors currently in the U.S. workforce and over 2 million new diagnoses annually, the question isn’t if cancer will affect your organization but when and how you’ll respond. ... The first step will be how you respond when an employee shares that cancer is impacting their life. The second step is how you will manage while cancer is having its impact. ... When we get this right, we build more than just protocols – we build resilient organizations that demonstrate our values through action. In doing so, we create the kind of workplace where people can bring their whole selves, face life’s challenges with dignity, and continue contributing meaningfully to our shared mission. Editor's note: Getting this "right" matters especially for hospice and palliative care organizations. Read this article for both strategic professional guidelines and a personal story from a CMO/business owner.

It’s inoperable cancer. Should AI make call about what happens next? The Harvard Gazette - Harvard University; by Alvin Powell; 2/10/25AI is already being used in clinics to help analyze imaging data, such as X-rays and scans. But the recent arrival of sophisticated large-language AI models on the scene is forcing consideration of broadening the use of the technology into other areas of patient care. In this edited conversation with the Gazette, Rebecca Weintraub Brendel, director of Harvard Medical School’s Center for Bioethics, looks at end-of-life options and the importance of remembering that just because we can, doesn’t always mean we should. When we talk about artificial intelligence and end-of-life decision-making, what are the important questions at play? ...

How the DOJ-UnitedHealth Group lawsuit could change hospice M&A Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 2/11/25 A U.S. Justice Department (DOJ) victory in its lawsuit to block UnitedHealth Group’s (NYSE: UNH) acquisition of Amedisys is unlikely to have a cooling effect on hospice M&A, according to some experts. The UnitedHealth Group subsidiary Optum in June 2023 agreed to acquire Amedisys in a $3.3 billion deal. Optum in February 2023 also acquired the home health and hospice provider LHC Group for $5.4 billion. DOJ in December 2024 filed the lawsuit to kill the deal. The state attorneys general of Maryland, Illinois, New Jersey, and New York are also plaintiffs in the suit. ... DOJ’s chief concern is that the combination of the two companies would dampen competition in the hospice and home health space. Should the transaction proceed, Optum would control 30% or more of the home health or hospice services in eight states, according to the Justice Department’s complaint.

Wilton’sTurnover Shop surpasses historic milestone — $1 million in donations to Visiting Nurse & Hospice  Good Morning Wilton, Wilton, CN; by Reader Contributed to GMW; 2/7/25 A legacy of generosity has reached a historic milestone — the Turnover Shop of Wilton has surpassed $1 million in lifetime donations to Waveny LifeCare Network’s Visiting Nurse and Hospice. This extraordinary achievement, 80 years in the making, continues to fuel the Network’s Patient Care Fund, ensuring that home care and hospice services remain accessible to those in need, regardless of financial circumstances. “This milestone is a powerful testament to the impact of community-driven generosity,” Homecare at Waveny Vice President Carol Smith said. ... As two deeply rooted nonprofit organizations, Waveny’s Visiting Nurse & Hospice and the Turnover Shop share a mission of service, dedication and heartfelt support for their community. 

AdventHealth's AI chief aims to cut through the 'uncertainty' of AI in healthcare Becker's Hospital Review; by Naomi Diaz; 2/5/25 AdventHealth, based in Altamonte Springs, Fla., has appointed Rob Purinton as its first chief artificial intelligence officer, a newly created role aimed at reducing uncertainty around AI while guiding the health system's overall strategy for using the technology. "We think there's some uncertainty in the future with AI and healthcare, and so my job is to take some of that uncertainty out," Mr. Purinton told Becker's. "The future could be bright and productive and rosy and a really great experience for consumers and clinicians, or it could be the opposite of that. ..."

Discover the charitable spirit behind Giving Hearts Day in North Dakota Hot975FM.com; by Scott Haugen; 2/10/25 February is a special month. It's the month for Groundhog Day, Super Bowl, Lincoln's birthday, Valentine's Day, Washington's birthday, and Presidents Day. That is a lot to squeeze into a short month! Another day to keep in mind comes up on February 13th. That's Giving Hearts Day.  Giving Hearts Day is an extremely beneficial giving campaign for close to 550 charities in northwest Minnesota and North Dakota. Giving Hearts Day is meant to encourage people to support a cause they care about, and push the enthusiasm around this yearly celebration to help charities raise their profile and strengthen relationships with donors. Established in 2008, Giving Hearts Day is a 24-hour charitable celebration for North Dakota and northwest Minnesota.

Men to share stories of grief on charity walk BBC News, West of England; by Dawn Limbu; 2/8/25 Hundreds of men from Somerset and Wiltshire are being encouraged to share their experiences of grief and bereavement on an eight-mile (12km) charity walk. Dorothy House Hospice Care is hosting its annual 'Men's Walk to Support' to raise funds to help the charity continue to provide free end-of-life care. The walk on 8 March will take participants from the charity's hospice in Winsley, Wiltshire, to Bath Pavillion in Somerset. Dan Varley, community and events fundraiser, said the walk can be really "powerful" for men who have experienced bereavement. 

Seasons Hospice executive director appointed to lead statewide agency Owatonna People's Press; 2/10/25 Seasons Hospice is proud to announce that Kristina Wright-Peterson, current Executive Director, has been selected as the next Executive Director of the Minnesota Network of Hospice and Palliative Care (MNHPC), effective June 1, 2025. MNHPC serves as the leading voice for hospice and palliative care providers across Minnesota, advocating for high-quality, compassionate end-of-life care. Notably, Ms. Wright-Peterson will be the first MNHPC Executive Director with direct experience as a hospice provider—a milestone that underscores the importance of practitioner-led leadership in shaping the future of hospice care. “Seasons Hospice will always hold a special place in my heart,” said Ms. Wright-Peterson. “Even more importantly, it will serve as the benchmark for the high-quality end-of-life care that should be accessible to everyone in our great state.”