Literature Review
PE-Backed Legacy Hospice acquires HomeCare Hospice
04/26/24 at 03:00 AMPE-Backed Legacy Hospice acquires HomeCare HospiceLevin Associates; by Avery Swett; 4/19/24 Legacy Hospice, backed by the Chicago-based private equity firm Prairie Capital, announced this week its acquisition of HomeCare Hospice ... HomeCare Hospice is a leading provider of hospice and palliative care services throughout the state of Mississippi. The company operates four locations across the state.
Eagle Telemedicine announces solution to counter lack of palliative care
04/26/24 at 03:00 AMEagle Telemedicine announces solution to counter lack of palliative careCision, PRNewswire-PRWeb; by Eagle Telemedicine; 4/25/24 Eagle Telemedicine adds new specialty to increase access to life-saving palliative care in underserved communities. ... Only 71% of U.S. hospitals provide palliative care and metropolitan hospitals are 15% more likely to offer palliative care than rural hospitals (National Institute of Health). Through Eagle's Tele-Palliative Care, hospitals everywhere can offer this next level of care, any day of the year.
The M&A strategies behind HouseWorks, Care Advantage and PurposeCare
04/26/24 at 03:00 AMThe M&A strategies behind HouseWorks, Care Advantage and PurposeCare
Executive Personnel Changes - 4/26/24
04/26/24 at 03:00 AMExecutive Personnel Changes - 4/26/24
Cardinal Health, OptumRx break up
04/26/24 at 03:00 AMCardinal Health, OptumRx break up Becker's Hospital Review, by Paige Twenter; 4/22/24Cardinal Health's pharmaceutical distribution contracts with OptumRx, a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group, will not be renewed, the medical distributor said April 22. The contracts, which mainly included non-specialty bulk shipments to Optum's mail dispensing sites, will expire in late June. In 2023, sales to OptumRx generated 16% of Cardinal Health's consolidated revenue. "Total sales to OptumRx generate a meaningfully lower operating margin than the overall pharmaceutical and specialty solutions segment," Cardinal said. McKesson Corp. won the contract, according to Bloomberg, which cited Evercore ISI.
Today's Encouragement: When the story of these times gets written ...
04/26/24 at 03:00 AMWhen the story of these times gets written, we want it to say that we did all we could, and it was more than anyone could have imagined. - Bono
New hospice home set to open in Burton, offering home-like care for end-of-life patients
04/26/24 at 03:00 AMNew hospice home set to open in Burton, offering home-like care for end-of-life patients mlive.com; by Fuad Shalhout; 4/25/24A new hospice home is expected to open in Burton [MI] this summer. ... By creating a guest home in Burton, individuals will receive hospice care in a home-like setting to live out their final days instead of a hospital. ... “We’ve been renovating it for the last six months just making it safe for people,” said Diane Welker, one of the group’s founders and a retired palliative care nurse practitioner at Hurley Medical Center. The foundation received a $4,300 grant from Home Depot to pay for the flooring, and the Community Foundation of Greater Flint provided a $45,000 grant to help with renovations.
Hospice groups, AOs speak out on proposed Accreditor Oversight Rule
04/26/24 at 03:00 AMHospice groups, AOs speak out on proposed Accreditor Oversight Rule Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 4/22/24Some accreditation organizations (AOs) have balked at the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) proposed rule designed to strengthen oversight of those institutions. ... Three such organizations currently have deeming authority for hospices, The Joint Commission, the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) and Community Health Accreditation Partner (CHAP). These accreditors have joined a host of other stakeholders in making public comments on the proposed rule, with some requesting clarifications and others outright denying that CMS has the authority to establish such requirements.
Survey illustrates value of quality onboarding programs at home care firms
04/26/24 at 03:00 AMSurvey illustrates value of quality onboarding programs at home care firms McKnights Home Care, by Adam Healy; 4/24/24 Investing in a robust, high-quality onboarding and training program can yield big returns for home care firms, especially when workers are in short supply, according to a new survey report by healthcare technology company Viventium. The firm surveyed 175 administrators and 220 caregivers working at post-acute care firms. It found that caregivers are nearly 90% more likely to feel secure in their employment and be more engaged with their work after having a good onboarding experience. These positive results can lead to lower turnover rates and better-trained employees, according to the report.
Oncology social workers' involvement in palliative care: Secondary data analysis from nationwide oncology social workers survey
04/26/24 at 02:00 AMOncology social workers' involvement in palliative care: Secondary data analysis from nationwide oncology social workers surveyPalliative & Supportive Care; by Ting Guan, Karlynn BrintzenhofeSzoc, Alyssa Middleton, Shirley Otis-Green, Tara Schapmire, Makeeta Rayton, Krista Nelson, Michael L Grignon, Brad ZebrackResults: Responses from a secondary data set of 243 oncology social workers involved in palliative care results in a 6-factor solution comprising 34 tasks. These factors were identified as: Therapeutic Interventions for Individuals, Couples, and Families; Facilitate Patient Care Decision-making; Care Coordination; Assessment and Emotional Support; Organization and Community Service; and Equity and Justice.Significance of results: The findings can be used to develop job descriptions and education for social workers employed in palliative cancer care. The clear role descriptions also make social work visible to other professionals in palliative oncology. By clarifying the roles of oncology social workers, this study contributes to the improvement of palliative care delivery and enhances interprofessional collaboration within cancer care teams.
Remembrance Ceremony raises more than $76,000 for nonprofit hospice services
04/26/24 at 02:00 AMRemembrance Ceremony raises more than $76,000 for nonprofit hospice services Press Release; Avow Hospice, Naples, FL; 4/24/24 Avow gathered hundreds of individuals in Cambier Park for its 18th annual Butterfly Release on April 6, 2024. The remembrance ceremony was marked by an outpouring of generosity, with attendees and supporters contributing more than $76,000 to support Avow's mission. Funds raised will directly benefit Avow community bereavement programs, ensuring that it can continue to offer free grief and loss services to the community. The ceremony gave flight to more than 1,000 butterflies, symbolizing hope, transformation, and remembrance. The moving celebration of life honored 650 loved ones as their names were read aloud during the ceremony.
How the FTC's ban on noncompetes will shake up healthcare workforce strategies
04/26/24 at 02:00 AMHow the FTC's ban on noncompetes will shake up healthcare workforce strategiesHealthleaders; by Jay Asser; 4/25/24CEOs will have to adjust their strategies to maintain their workforce if the final rule stands. Key Takeaways:
Beyond compensation: Culture as a benefit
04/26/24 at 02:00 AMBeyond compensation: Culture as a benefit HR Daily Advisor; by G Hatfield; 4/24/24 Compensation is not the only factor that nurses consider when choosing a health system. Benefits packages, workplace culture, safety, and flexibility all play a role in the decision-making process. CNOs should take a look at their health system’s offerings to make sure they are attractive to new nurses and that they are staying competitive in the industry. During the HealthLeaders’ Nurse Labor and Compensation NOW Summit, Robin Steaban, Chief Nursing Officer at Vanderbilt University Hospital, spoke about innovative perks to attract and keep nurses, and how workplace culture and safety play a role as benefits alongside compensation.
Analysis finds 4 in 5 nursing facilities don’t meet staffing requirements
04/26/24 at 02:00 AMAnalysis finds 4 in 5 nursing facilities don’t meet staffing requirements McKnights Long-Term Care News, by Josh Henreckson; 4/24/24 More than 80% of nursing homes do not meet the updated requirements in the final staffing mandate from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, according to new analysis from media outlet KFF. Those findings further amplify the chorus of concerns raised by providers following the news that CMS was raising its proposed requirement of 3.0 hours of care per resident per day to 3.48 in Monday’s final rule. CMS leaders, including Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, attempted to address sector questions and concerns at a press event Tuesday afternoon. ...
Hall to retire from Hospice; new KEDCO CEO to be announced
04/25/24 at 03:30 AMHall to retire from Hospice; new KEDCO CEO to be announced Times Union Online, by David L. Slone; 4/23/24 In giving their quarterly reports to the Kosciusko County Commissioners Tuesday, one organization revealed a forthcoming retirement while the second organization said a new CEO would be taking the helm in June. Suzie Light, Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation interim co-CEO, reported during KEDCO’s first quarter she and Greg Fitzloff served as interim co-CEOs. ... “We are not making a public announcement. We are happy to report that there will be a public announcement soon on the new CEO, who will take the helm in mid June. We’re really excited that we’ve got a very talented individual who’s coming on board. ...," Light stated.
States lack resources to support new Medicaid waiver programs, association asserts
04/25/24 at 03:00 AMStates lack resources to support new Medicaid waiver programs, association asserts McKnights Home Care, by Adam Healy; 4/22/24 Medicaid 1115 waivers, which are commonly used to improve or expand home- and community-based services, face serious challenges as understaffed state programs are increasingly incapable of moving proposals through the administrative “pipeline,” the National Association of Medicaid Directors said in a recent letter. “The tough reality is that the Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services, which has taken many steps to streamline its administrative processes, simply does not have the staff resources to move forward all of the waivers in its pipeline,” Kate McEvoy, executive director of NAMD, wrote in the letter.
My Patients tell me they've had a paranormal experience. I believe them — I had one too.
04/25/24 at 03:00 AMPatients tell me they've had a paranormal experience. I Believe Them — I had one too. MSN HuffPost, by Scott Janssen; 4/23/24 Tank’s life has been full of conflict and strife. Now he’s stuck in a wheelchair on his back porch with me, a hospice social worker, peppering him with questions. He’s pondering my query about why he’s feeling peace about his impending death. His eyes soften as he motions with his head toward the workshop near the back fence. “You remember me telling you about my older boy?” he asks. “The one that died by suicide?” I ask. “Yeah, I remember.” “If you count my old man, I was the second-worst father that ever lived. Most of my life I figured I’d go straight to hell when I died.” ...
Nurses protest AI at Kaiser Permanente
04/25/24 at 03:00 AMNurses protest AI at Kaiser Permanente Becker's Health IT, by Giles Bruce; 4/22/24 Hundreds of nurses gathered April 22 to protest the use of artificial intelligence at Oakland, Calif.-based Kaiser Permanente. The California Nurses Association held the demonstration at Kaiser Permanente's San Francisco Medical Center to coincide with the beginning of KP International's Integrated Care Experience conference. "It is deeply troubling to see Kaiser promote itself as a leader in AI in healthcare, when we know their use of these technologies comes at the expense of patient care, all in service of boosting profits," said Michelle Gutierrez Vo, BSN, RN, a president of the California Nursing Association and registered nurse at Kaiser Permanente Fremont (Calif.) Medical Center, in a statement. ...
The moral compass of medicine: Exploring ethical dilemmas
04/25/24 at 03:00 AMThe moral compass of medicine: Exploring ethical dilemmas Medscape, by Lambeth Hochwald; 4/23/24 While the ethical conflicts discussed in medical school once focused primarily on patient privacy, end-of-life issues, and conflicts of interest with pharmaceutical companies, today, the list of ethical dilemmas facing physicians has risen to include everything from gender care and vaccine issues to weight loss drug access and abortion regulations in some states. ... So, what happens when a physician’s expertise clashes with local, state, or national politics?
A leading authority in senior care and services: Seniors Blue Book
04/25/24 at 03:00 AMA leading authority in senior care and services: Seniors Blue Book Iowanews Headlines; 4/23/24Seniors Blue Book, a trusted name in senior care and services, has been recognized as a leading authority in the industry. With a dedication to improving the lives of seniors and their families, Seniors Blue Book has consistently demonstrated its commitment to providing high-quality, reliable information and resources for the senior community. ... For over 40 years, Seniors Blue Book has been at the forefront of the senior care and services industry, offering a wide range of resources and solutions designed to improve the lives of older adults and their families.
Leadership's perceptions of palliative care during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study
04/25/24 at 03:00 AMLeadership's perceptions of palliative care during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, by Tamara Vesel, Audrey Covaleski, Veronica Burkarth, Emma Ernst, Linda Vesel; 4/19/24Background: This study aimed to explore the perceptions, understanding, and utilization of palliative care before compared to during the COVID-19 pandemic among health system leadership. Results: ... Emerging themes included the role of palliative care before compared to during the COVID-19 pandemic, facilitators and barriers to palliative care delivery, and recommendations for future practice. Participants reported that the COVID-19 pandemic increased palliative care utilization, reinforced positive perceptions of the specialty, and emphasized its role in maximizing healthcare efficiency. Many participants found palliative care financing to be a barrier to delivery; ...
The cancer caregiving burden trajectory over time: varying experiences of perceived versus objectively measured burden
04/25/24 at 03:00 AMThe cancer caregiving burden trajectory over time: varying experiences of perceived versus objectively measured burden The Oncologist, by Laura A Siminoff, Maureen Wilson-Genderson, Marcin Chwistek, Maria Thomson; 4/23/24 Conclusions: Cancer caregiving is dynamic; [caregivers] CGs must adjust to the progression of the patient's disease. We found an association between subjective and objective burden both within and between CGs. Black CGs were more likely to report lower subjective burden compared to their White counterparts. More detailed investigation of the sociocultural components that affect caregiver experience of burden is needed to better understand how and where to best intervene with targeted supportive care services.
UPMC lays off 1,000 employees, citing market challenges
04/25/24 at 03:00 AMUPMC lays off 1,000 employees, citing market challengesModern Healthcare, by Caroline Hudson; 4/24/24UPMC is laying off about 1,000 employees, or slightly more than 1% of its workforce. The layoffs are effective immediately, a spokesperson said Wednesday. The cuts mostly affect non-clinical, non-member-facing and administrative employees, Paul Wood, chief communications officer at UPMC, said in a statement. ... Pittsburgh-based UPMC operates 40 hospitals and 800 doctor's offices and outpatient sites in Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland and some international locations. Its insurance division covers more than 4 million members. The nonprofit health system reported a $31 million net loss in 2023, compared with a more than $1 billion loss the prior year. Operating losses for 2023 totaled $198 million.
Kisco Senior Living data breach could affect more than 26,000
04/25/24 at 03:00 AMKisco Senior Living data breach could affect more than 26,000 McKnights Senior Living, by Lois A. Bowers; 4/22/24 More than 26,000 Kisco Senior Living residents and others could have been affected by a June hacking incident, legal counsel for the company said last week. The Carlsbad, CA-based operator, which manages 25 senior living communities across eight states and Washington, DC, said in an April 16 letter to those potentially affected that the data breach occurred around June 6. Names and Social Security numbers could have been revealed in the incident, according to counsel.
New facility is first in Wisconsin to serve homeless people with terminal illnesses
04/25/24 at 03:00 AMEnd-of-life care facility for people experiencing homelessness opens on Monona Drive [Wisconsin] Isthmus, Madison, WI, by Linda Falkenstein; 4/23/24It started as an idea from palliative care physician Dr. Ann Catlett. Catlett had experienced having to discharge terminally ill patients who had no housing onto the streets. And she had seen a model home where patients without a home could live out their days in peace, receive hospice services and other daily palliative care. ... Thus was born Solace Friends, a Madison-area nonprofit with the goal of opening a care facility for people with terminal illnesses who are unhoused or experiencing housing insecurity. ... The opening of the adult family home was celebrated Tuesday with a press conference and tour of the facility.