Literature Review

A day in the life: Hospice nurseDaily Nurse - The Pulse of Nursing; blog by Renee Hewitt; 4/8/24 Supporting someone with a life-limiting diagnosis or talking about death can be difficult for many people, but not for a hospice nurse. What’s it like to care for patients and their families in the end-of-life process? Maryette Williamson, RN, BSN, knows firsthand from working as a BAYADA Hospice Nurse in Fayetteville, North Carolina. We asked her about her work. What follows is our interview ... [From Maryette] ... "There was a learning curve from long-term care to hospice. The most significant difference in hospice is our focus on quality of life rather than a cure. That was the most important change for me."Editor's Note: Consider linking to this resource with your nurse recruitment tools. Hospice executives, this nurse's common transition when moving from long-term care to hospice. Ensure solid orientation/onboarding/precepting training, time, resources, support, and accountability for new hospice employees. Do not assume that they will automatically translate their years of practice into hospice principles and best practices. 

Ethical issues abound in adoption of Artificial Intelligence in cancer care Oncology Nurse Advisor; 4/4/24There may be ethical barriers to the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) into cancer care, according to a study published online March 28 in JAMA Network Open. Andrew Hantel, M.D., from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, and colleagues evaluated oncologists’ views on the ethical domains of the use of AI in clinical care. The analysis included 204 survey responses from 37 states. ... “These findings suggest that the implementation of AI in oncology must include rigorous assessments of its effect on care decisions as well as decisional responsibility when problems related to AI use arise,” the authors write.

South Dakota State University Nursing School: Hitting the mark where it matters South Dakota State University, "A Message from Dean Krogh," by Mary Anne Krogh; 4/2/24As we welcome the blooming of spring (and the melting of snow), it brings me great joy to reflect on the remarkable achievements and growth within the SDSU College of Nursing. ... One area that fills me with pride is the remarkable expansion we have experienced in the areas of palliative care, rural health and simulation research. These vital areas not only represent the forefront of nursing innovation but also reflect our dedication to addressing critical health care needs in diverse communities. Editor's Note: Congratulations to South Dakota State University School and Dean Krogh! You are hitting the mark for several crucial, timely issues that continue to emerge in the news feeds we receive and distribute to our readers. 

Thinking outside the box: eco concerns prompt greener funeral options Positive.News, by Alison McClintock; 4/5/24 Keeping a lid on your carbon footprint doesn’t stop with your last breath. Your choice of funeral can have a significant environmental impact. In a recent report by the US-based National Funeral Directors Association, 60.5% of those surveyed expressed their interest in greener options including resomation (water cremation) human composting and natural burials.  And while the UK’s funeral preferences are currently split 80:20 between cremations and burials, YouGov research finds that almost a third (29%) of people in the UK would choose alternative committal methods if available. 

Medicine—Both a Science (Care) and an Art (CARE) JAMA Network - Viewpoint; by Theodore J. Strange, MD and Mario R. Castellanos, MD; 4/3/24In the current era, health care is increasingly characterized by the integration of big data, predictive analytics, medical devices, and artificial intelligence. These technological advancements have undoubtedly transformed the landscape of medical care, offering unprecedented precision and efficiency in diagnosis and treatment. Yet, amidst this surge of scientific innovation, the timeless art of medicine (compassion and caring) remains a foundational aspect of patient-centered health care ... The acronym CARE (compassion, assistance, respect, and empathy) encapsulates these enduring values. ... In a world increasingly driven by data and algorithms, these qualities foster a trusting and supportive relationship between health care professionals and patients, thereby enhancing the healing process and enriching the overall health care experience.

World Hospice & Palliative Care Day: October 12, 2024 The Worldwide Hospice and Palliative Care Alliance; 4/6/2024World Hospice and Palliative Care Day [WHPCD] has been marked every year since 2005. Join us on Saturday 12 October 2024 to advocate for better hospice and palliative care services around the world. The WHPCD theme for 2024 is "Ten Year's since the Resolution: How are we doing?" ... Download a wealth of resources, including last year's toolkit ...

Navigating new requirements in the 2025 proposed Hospice Rule Hospice News, by Jim Parker; 3/5/24 If the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) proposed 2025 hospice rule is finalized as written, hospices may encounter some hurdles implementing some of the new requirements. MS late last month issued its proposed hospice rule for 2025. The proposal called for a 2.6% increase in hospice per diem base rates, a number that many stakeholders say is insufficient in today’s economic climate.

In the spirit of Ramadan: Diverse access to palliative care Medscape UK, by Dr. Mohammed Sattar; 4/4/24 St. Gemma’s Hospice hosted their first ever Ramadan community iftar in Moortown, Leeds on March 19, with almost 100 guests in attendance. For me, this was a historic moment. This iftar was about creating a sense of community. ... [I've] seen the visionary leadership that is provided by St. Gemma’s senior team, ... taking careful consideration of what hospice and palliative care services should look like in an ever-changing Leeds population. The team members ask themselves some difficult questions about how to become an inclusive service for all and no faiths. The iftar, the sunset meal when Muslims break their daily fast, was a testament to that. ...

USDA Rural Development accepting applications for grants to fund high-speed Internet and digital equipment for rural and tribal communitiesU.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development, by Leigh Hallet; 4/4/24The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development invites grant applications for two programs that fund broadband access. The Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Grant Program helps organizations provide online training, education, and health services. It funds services, training, and equipment to digitally connect people to education, training, and health care resources.

Medical marijuana laws benefit patients without harming public mental health, study finds ScienceBlog, University of Basel; 4/4/24 A study by researchers at the University of Basel has found that the approval of marijuana for medical use in the United States has had little impact on the mental health of the general population, while benefiting those for whom it is intended. The study, which analyzed data from nearly eight million people, sheds light on the ongoing debate surrounding the effects of marijuana legalization on public well-being and its therapeutic value.

The iconic stethoscope is getting a 21st century makeoverManaged Healthcare Executive, by Peter Wehrwein; 4/4/24 Two years ago, a pair of New Zealand physicians wrote an opinion piece in a peer-reviewed journal of the Royal Australasian of Physicians about point-of-care ultrasound. The gist of their argument was that ultrasound ought to be used more routinely to detect various heart and lung conditions. The somewhat cheeky title of that article is “Update on Echocardiography: Do We Still Need a Stethoscope?” Jason Bellet has spent more than a decade making pretty much the opposite case: Not only do healthcare professionals still need a stethoscope, they need a vastly improved, 21st century version that harnesses digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI).

Jamestown Regional Medical Center employees give over $36K to medical center’s mission The Jamestown Sun; 4/4/24 Jamestown Regional Medical Center employees came together this year to raise over $36,000 through the annual Employee Giving Campaign. The funds raised go directly to the JRMC Foundation, which benefits the community through new equipment, staff training and patient comfort items. onations support cancer care, hospice, equipment and technology, infant loss and bereavement, Family BirthPlace, the Employee Support Fund, Kala's Korner and the Greater JRMC Fund ...