Literature Review
All posts tagged with “Clinical News.”
Helping Korean Americans with end-of-life planning is her passion
12/12/24 at 03:00 AMHelping Korean Americans with end-of-life planning is her passion Penn Medicine News; by Daphne Sashin; 12/10/24 Eunice Park-Clinton, DNP, MSN, MBE, is standing before a crowd of Korean American senior citizens, and she wants to talk about the end of life. ... Park-Clinton, a nurse case manager in the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania’s Emergency Department and an assistant nursing professor at West Chester University, is undeterred. Speaking in Korean, she takes a kind but frank approach as she walks the seniors through life-sustaining treatments they might be offered in their final days and the need to decide what they will—and won’t—want for a dignified end of life. ... As a Korean American herself, Park-Clinton’s passion for culturally sensitive planning comes from her personal familiarity with the community and its norms. In her work as a nurse, she has personally witnessed older Korean and other Asian immigrants experience health disparities due to their lack of knowledge of the concept.
Commentary: The coat my mother never wore
12/12/24 at 03:00 AMCommentary: The coat my mother never wore National Public Radio - WBUR, Boston, MA; by Karen Propp; 12/11/24 Shortly before Thanksgiving 2018, I bought my 87-year-old mother a winter coat — a silvery-gray one that matched her hair. None of us could remember the last time she had left the house, spoken in full sentences or walked without assistance, but my father hoped that a new ultra-light coat might change things. ... Having been close to others with progressive or terminal illnesses, I did not share his optimism. But it felt cruel to dash my father’s hope, so I hung the coat in the front hall closet, as if it were a talisman that could bring us a miracle. My mother died peacefully, late in the morning that December 24. By the time the men from the funeral home arrived, it was already dark outside. ...Editor's note: Click on the title's link to read how this simple coat evoked a daughter's grief, coping, and realization of her mother's qualities within herself. Non-clinical leaders: in case you're not aware, the extensive body of grief research reveals that grief does not have a last "stage" of "acceptance." Rather, mourning begins with a first step or "task" of accepting realities of the loss (Worden), with another step or "task" of establishing enduring connection (Worden)--which this daughter found within herself. These are not stages. Rather, they are ongoing cycles (mini and macro), with other identified, individualized dynamics.
Caring for emotional and spiritual needs of ICU families
12/12/24 at 02:00 AMCaring for emotional and spiritual needs of ICU families Medical Xpress; by Regenstrief Institute; 12/10/24 Family members of intensive care unit (ICU) patients often experience psychological and spiritual distress as they deal with serious illness and potential death. A new paper authored by a national team of experts at the intersection of health and spirituality highlights the critical role of the spiritual care provided by chaplains in supporting family members of ICU patients. ... "Our model describes three important ways that chaplain care supports ICU family members and helps them when faced with difficult decisions," said study co-author and chaplain-researcher George Fitchett, DMin, Ph.D., professor of religion, health and human values at Rush University Medical Center. "Chaplains provide family members with spiritual and emotional support. They also facilitate conversation with the medical team and help family members process the information from those conversations. Significantly, our study highlights the care provided by chaplains to ICU patient families and its impact on important outcomes." Editor's note: Click here for Improving Outcomes for for ICU Family Members: The Role of Spiritual Care, published in the Journal of Palliative Medicine, Oct 2024.
New fellowship will help imprisoned women plan for end of life
12/11/24 at 03:10 AMNew fellowship will help imprisoned women plan for end of life Washington State University - WSU Insider; by Scott Swybright; 12/9/24 Incarcerated individuals have few personal rights, but one they do retain is the ability to create advance directive plans for their health care. Unfortunately, few know that this is the case. A new project led by a Washington State University graduate student will educate more incarcerated people about their options as they approach the end of their lives. “When folks are incarcerated, they lose most of their bodily autonomy and basically become property of the government,” said Tosha Big Eagle, a doctoral student in WSU’s prevention science program at the WSU Vancouver campus. “Advance directives are one outlier, but nobody tells them about that right.” To help educate prisoners, Big Eagle recently received a fellowship from The Order of the Good Death, a group helping all people face end-of-life concerns, fears, and legalities. Big Eagle’s project will focus on ensuring incarcerated people at the Washington Corrections Center for Women (WCCW) have access to end-of-life resources.
HSPN Staffing Summit: Leveraging technology for person-centered care
12/11/24 at 03:00 AMHSPN Staffing Summit: Leveraging technology for person-centered care Hospice News; by Sophie Knoelke; 12/9/24 This article is sponsored by CareXM. This article is based on a virtual discussion with Kathleen Benton, President and CEO of Hospice Savannah. ... Dr. Benton has a master’s degree in medical ethics and a doctorate in public health. She has offered and reviewed many publications relevant to the topics of palliative care, ethics, hospice, and communication. [Dr. Benton:] I was schooled in clinical ethics and really mediating ethical dilemmas in health care. Looking at, is this in the best interest of the patient? Are we truly following the patient’s wishes? Many of the dilemmas, I would say a good 90%, occur at the end of life. ... [At] the root of [really trending] cases was one missing element. That element was the lacking area of communication. What do I mean by that? I believe that health care does the worst job of probably all other areas of communicating with folks. We have really taken what it is to be human out of what it is to treat a patient and a person. [Click on the title's link to continue reading this insightful discussion.]
Gift packages made for hospice patients in west Alabama
12/10/24 at 03:00 AMGift packages made for hospice patients in west Alabama WBRC 6 News, Birmingham, AL; by Kelvin Reynolds; 12/9/24 While it’s usually between people who know each other, that’s not always the case. A group in west Alabama arranged gift packages for folks using hospice and or home healthcare services who may not have many more holidays to celebrate. Anita Jones and others assembled dozens of care packages, working with Aveeno Home Health and Aveeno Hospice offices in Demopolis and Livingston to identify people in need. The company will distribute the care packages to its patients. ... McElroy Trucking from Cuba, Alabama helped pay for the items. They included books, blankets, shaving equipment, and other personal items.
What adult children should know when discussing their parents’ end-of-life care
12/10/24 at 03:00 AMWhat adult children should know when discussing their parents’ end-of-life care StudyFinds; by StudyFindsStaff, reviewed by Christ Melore; 12/8/24 Talking about death can be difficult for anyone at any time. For adult children who need to know their parents’ final wishes, it can be excruciating. A new survey is revealing the stark disconnect between our beliefs and actions when it comes to end-of-life planning. While an overwhelming 90% of adults recognize the importance of these critical conversations, half have yet to take the first step with their closest loved ones. ... The numbers tell a revealing story. Twenty-six percent of respondents simply keep putting off the conversation, while 23% admit they don’t know how to approach the topic. Sixteen percent are outright scared to broach the subject, creating a wall of silence around a universal human experience. ... When people do open up, the conversations prove surprisingly rich and multifaceted.
Stillwater Hospice hosts month LGBTQ+ grief group
12/09/24 at 03:15 AMStillwater Hospice hosts month LGBTQ+ grief group Northeast Indiana Public Radio, 89.1 WBOI, Fort Wayne, IN; by Ella Abbott; 12/5/24 Stillwater Hospice has a grief support group for those in the LGBTQ+ community, offering a safe, affirming space to open up about the challenges of loss. ... The group was started in 2022, following the opening of the Fort Wayne Pride Center downtown. Stillwater director of communications Bonnie Blackburn-Penhollow said people in the LGBTQ+ community can have additional stressors added onto their grieving. “They may not feel like they can have grief, or express their grief, if their family is not approving," she said. "They need to be able to talk to people who understand what those kind of constrictions on life are like.” The goals of the group are to create coping strategies for navigating grief, build resilience while honoring loved ones and address the unique experiences and challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals while grieving.
Dr. James O’Connell on caring for the homeless in Boston
12/09/24 at 03:00 AMDr. James O’Connell on caring for the homeless in Boston Simmons University, Boston, MA; by Simmons University; 12/6/24 “A mile from here, people are experiencing the same health disparities as they have in Third World countries,” said Dr. James O’Connell, founder and president of Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program (BHCHP) and Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. ... In 1985, O’Connell was the founding physician of a program to support the people experiencing homelessness in Boston. The program received funding through a four-year grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Pew Charitable Trust. ... [Story about getting a homeless man into hospice care at a nursing home.] When [O'Connell] questioned him about hospice, Santo shared his perspective. “He told me, ‘I appreciate all you’ve done, but I didn’t know anyone there. I don’t want to die there. I want to die with my friends.’” After that, they arranged end of life care for Santo at the shelter. “I had never thought to ask him what he wanted,” said O’Connell. “I have since learned that I have to listen to what people want.”
Living and growing: Spiritual care at end of life
12/09/24 at 03:00 AMLiving and growing: Spiritual care at end of life Juenaeu Empire; by Claire Richardson; 12/7/24My favorite Gold Creek trail was damaged in one of the 2024 storms that swept through Juneau and altered the creek with a deluge of boulders, rocks and uprooted trees. You could only walk about 100 yards before the alders blocked the route. I didn’t venture there again until recently. Imagine my surprise when the dogs disappeared down the trail and this time, with wind blowing leaves to the ground, I could see clearly that the trail had been restored. Someone had cut off branches that impeded travel and without leaves to blur the way, I could easily find the new route. I felt a delightful sense of discovery, for here was an old, familiar trail now accessible on a frosty fall morning. Even though I knew where I was going, the newness of the path energized me. I moved forward with a smile. Spiritual care offered through hospice can be a lot like finding an old soul trail, but with new twists and turns. ... Think of your hospice chaplain as a fellow hiker. While we can’t make the journey for you, we can listen carefully to your story of traveling through life. We can walk with you at your pace, perhaps pointing out a few game trails you could explore, but always following your lead.
Reading aloud to my friend in hospice was my long goodbye to her
12/09/24 at 03:00 AMReading aloud to my friend in hospice was my long goodbye to her Thrive; by Patty Dann; 12/6/24 Reading a book aloud or being read to are constant threads in the tenderest moments of my life. When I was a child, my mother sat on my bed and read three books to me every night, so it would have been natural for me to sit on her bed and read to her during her final days. COVID-19 prevented that. Four years later, Batya, a woman in my building — the same age my mother was when she died — was in hospice at home. Each day, I read to her. ... Being with someone as they die is like taking a loved one to the airport. There’s often traffic along the way, and you never know how long it will take, but you do get the privilege of saying a final goodbye. Not being with my mother in her end days left an ache in my heart, but reading aloud to Batya helped me pass on a gift, something I was prevented from doing before.
Holiday joy for children in hospice: Inside the North Pole ‘Fantasy Flight' at Dulles
12/09/24 at 02:00 AMHoliday joy for children in hospice: Inside the North Pole ‘Fantasy Flight' at Dulles NBC Washington News4; by Joseph Olmo; 12/7/24 Early on Saturday morning, the crowd of almost 100 kids was buzzing with excitement as they waited to board their "North Pole"-bound flight out of Dulles International Airport. Some of the kids wore masks. Others were in wheelchairs, walked with crutches, or had lost their hair. Many are patients with Alexandria nonprofit Children's Hospice International (CHI) -- and all, though they may not know it, were celebrating what could be their last holiday with their families. It's a sobering fact that seems at odds with the joy and enthusiasm aboard the Boeing 777 airplane. But as United Airlines said in the press release, that's exactly the point of the flight. "Come join us as we fly some magic into the lives of children who need it most this holiday season," United said. And magic was provided. Flight attendants and pilots took their job very seriously as they guided passengers to their seats for the flight to NTP: North Pole International, of course. "Did we already write our letters to Santa?" asked one flight attendant, as she walked a family through the tinsel-decorated tunnel to the plane. "Yes," a tiny voice replied. The flight, begun at Dulles 34 years ago in 1990, is an annual event for children battling life-threatening illnesses, and their families. [Click on the title's link to continue reading this story.]
Focusing on life rather than illness: the lived experience of children with life-threatening and life-limiting conditions-a qualitative study
12/03/24 at 03:00 AMFocusing on life rather than illness: the lived experience of children with life-threatening and life-limiting conditions-a qualitative study Palliative Care and Social Practice; by Trine Brun Kittelsen, Charlotte Castor, Anja Lee, Lisbeth Gravdal Kvarme, Anette Winger; 11/29/24 This study seeks to address gaps in existing knowledge, especially the limited inclusion of children's perspectives and the exclusion of children with communicative and cognitive disabilities. The aim of this study was to explore the lived experiences of children living with LT/LL conditions. ... The findings showed that the children's attention revolved around life rather than illness. The analysis revealed the presence of three themes: wanting to engage in life, being dependent on familiar relations, and the importance of cherished items.
From grief to giving: Volunteer Jules Sebek finds her way to Hospice of the Western Reserve
11/29/24 at 03:00 AMFrom grief to giving: Volunteer Jules Sebek finds her way to Hospice of the Western Reserve The News-Herald, Ohio; by Jean Bonchak; 11/28/24 After retiring from a lengthy and successful career at a local company, Jules Sebek was inspired by her past positive experiences with Hospice of the Western Reserve to pursue a volunteer position with the agency. ... “I truly get more than I give,” she said. Sebek’s introduction to hospice came about when the agency supported her parents during their end-of-life journeys and also provided care for her husband, who died eight years ago. ... A year after his death, Sebek joined hospice volunteers as a receptionist and found the experience helpful in terms of becoming familiar with the staff and other aspects of the agency. Throughout the years, she has supported a wide range of situations and finds working with married couples particularly relatable because of her own experiences. ... “I can say ‘I know what you’re going through. I’ve been there,’” she said. “If there’s a wedding picture I’ll look at the spouse and ask them to tell me their love story. Their eyes light up.” ... “I’m constantly inspired,” she said. ... Over time she has come to realize that her work with hospice holds significant importance in her life. “I can’t not do it. It’s a calling,” she said.
No One Dies Alone: new Parker hospital program offers companionship to those at the end of life
11/29/24 at 02:00 AMNo One Dies Alone: new Parker hospital program offers companionship to those at the end of life Parker Chronicle; by Haley Lena; 11/27/24 Katherine Wiley, a volunteer at AdventHealth Parker, was in the hospital’s emergency department when she saw first-hand how being alongside a stranger during their final moments of life can have a profound impact on those around them. Wiley sat with an elderly woman who was dying with no one around. The patient’s sons were trying to get to the hospital from Colorado Springs but didn’t make it in time. “When they got there, I told them that I had been with their mom so she was not alone and they were very grateful,” said Wiley. Wiley shared this story with the CEO of the hospital, Michael Goebel, at the annual volunteer luncheon last year, and the following week, the No One Dies Alone program was being set up. “We can provide companionship to patients in the dying process who are truly alone,” said Wiley. “In doing so, (it) provides a gift of respect and dignity to another human being at the end of life.” The volunteers of the program are called “compassionate companions.” They do not provide medical care, but they assist with comfort care measures – they sit beside the patient, hold their hands, play soothing music or read to the patients. For as many circumstances there are that lead a person to be hospitalized, there are also as many reasons why a patient is alone. The patient could have outlived other family members and friends, said Wiley, or are estranged from their family. It could be because the patients themselves don’t want to have their family see them die, but don’t want to be alone. Or they could be a John/Jane Doe who was in an accident. “We want to be there for them, whatever those reasons are,” said Wiley. “This sort of thing feeds my soul.”
Disclosure practices in Muslim patients and the impact on end-of-life care: A narrative review
11/27/24 at 03:00 AMDisclosure practices in Muslim patients and the impact on end-of-life care: A narrative review American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care; by Mona Tereen; 11/26/24 ... Non-disclosure practices hold significant weight in end-of-life care for Muslim communities, where cultural and religious beliefs are deeply intertwined with healthcare decision-making. This narrative review explores the complexities of medical decision-making and disclosure practices among terminally ill Muslim patients, examining how these factors shape palliative care delivery. Conclusion: Non-disclosure practices present significant barriers to effective palliative care in Muslim communities. To improve care outcomes, culturally competent communication strategies and family-centered decision-making models are crucial.
Pet Peace of Mind program alleviates stress for hospice patients
11/27/24 at 03:00 AMPet Peace of Mind program alleviates stress for hospice patients Poteau Daily News; by Ashley Torres; 11/26/24 Heart of Hospice in Poteau has announced a new program that will be helping with pet care while patients are on hospice care. The Pet Peace of Mind program, which began at Heart of Hospice Poteau on Nov. 15, aims to support the bond between pets and hospice patients during their final days. According to Heart of Hospice, the Pet Peace of Mind program “recognizes and actively supports the unique bond between hospice patients and their pet,” and “aligns with the Heart of Hospice mission to provide exceptional care and unparalleled service to the patients and families who have placed their trust in us.” The program is funded through donations, and the work is done by volunteers. ... The Pet Peace of Mind program is aptly named, because it is all truly done to alleviate the anxiety and stress that hospice patients often feel while worrying about what will happen to their beloved pets when they are gone. Knowing that their pet’s needs are being met while they are on hospice care, and knowing that their pet will be taken care of even afterwards, allows the patient to focus on their own comfort during their last days.
Education, telehealth, and access initiatives aim to improve cancer care for veterans
11/27/24 at 03:00 AMEducation, telehealth, and access initiatives aim to improve cancer care for veteransOncLive; by Kyle Doherty; 11/26/24 Manali I. Patel, MD, MPH, MS, details several interventions developed to better serve veterans with cancer who are experiencing economic, social, and geographic barriers to care. Despite having the option of cancer care through the Veterans Affairs (VA) health network, veterans with cancer still experience economic, social, and geographic barriers to receiving high-quality care. This has prompted investigators to develop several interventions to better serve these patients. “Veterans have higher rates of lung cancer [compared with] civilian populations; prostate and bladder cancer [rates] are also pronounced [among] veterans, [and we also see] higher rates of melanoma, [all] largely due to exogenous exposure risk,” Manali I. Patel, MD, MPH, MS, said in an interview with Oncology Live. “One of the biggest barriers [to cancer care] for veterans is the lack of system level resources that can ensure veterans understand the diagnosis and treatment options, such that veterans receive care that is concordant with their goals, preferences, and values. Cancer care is quite complex and trying to not only coordinate care but explain the nuances in plain language is challenging. Having resources [available] that proactively assist veterans in their understanding and support them through cancer care is what is most needed to improve patient outcomes.”
New HFSA Consensus Statement provides practical guide for implementing palliative care with heart failure patients
11/27/24 at 03:00 AMNew HFSA Consensus Statement provides practical guide for implementing palliative care with heart failure patients PR Newswire; by Heart Failure Society of America; 11/26/24 Patients with heart failure (HF) suffer from compromised quality of life, high mortality, and complex medical decision-making. Palliative care is an essential part of a comprehensive HF care plan. Integration of Palliative Care into Heart Failure Care: Consensus-Based Recommendations from the Heart Failure Society of America (HFSA), published today in the Journal of Cardiac Failure (JCF), is a practical guide for implementing palliative care as a component of overall HF care. It has been shown that palliative care interventions improve disease-specific quality of life, symptom control, and caregiver burden among patients with HF. Authors of the statement are indicating that HF clinicians should be skilled in providing primary palliative care with competence in basic domains including the management of physical and psychosocial symptoms and serious illness communication.
Hospice of the Chesapeake launches new dementia program amid ‘urgent, significant’ need
11/27/24 at 03:00 AMHospice of the Chesapeake launches new dementia program amid ‘urgent, significant’ need Hospice News; by Holly Vossel; 11/25/24 Hospice of the Chesapeake has unfurled a new dementia care program aimed at providing improved emotional, educational and practical support for patients and their caregivers as their conditions progress. Demographic trends were among the key factors that drove the program forward, said Monica Escalante, chief strategy and information officer at Hospice of the Chesapeake. The Maryland-based hospice and palliative care provider has seen a significant increase in demand for dementia care amid a growing population of seniors with Alzheimer’s disease and related conditions across its service region, which spans four counties in the state.
Addressing barriers to advance care planning by adults with advanced cancers
11/26/24 at 03:00 AMAddressing barriers to advance care planning by adults with advanced cancers Regenstrief Institute, Indianapolis, IN; by Shelley Johns, PsyD and Susan Hickman, PhD; 11/25/24 In one of the first studies to test the utility of mindfulness to support advance care planning by adult cancer patients and their family caregivers, researchers from Regenstrief Institute and Indiana University have found that mindfulness showed promise in improving quality of life and advance care planning outcomes in patients and their family caregivers coping with advanced cancer. ... Mindfulness emphasizes paying attention to the present moment with an attitude of openness, compassion and interested curiosity accomplished through meditation and other exercises to manage stress. “Mindfulness is about noticing what’s here so we can choose the wisest response and hopefully be less emotionally reactive,” said Dr. Johns. “Mindfulness practices help individuals increase their mindfulness muscle, so to speak. Anything that we do in our life ... can be done with mindful focus, with mindful attention."
How to start the most difficult conversation in the world this holiday season
11/26/24 at 03:00 AMHow to start the most difficult conversation in the world this holiday season EIN Presswire, Philadelphia, PA; by Cremstar; 11/25/24 According to a Caring.com Survey only 32% of Americans have a will. This Thanksgiving take advantage of this year’s holiday gatherings to plan for the inevitable. ... “There isn’t one right way to approach this topic. It really depends on the person you’re talking with,” says J.G. Sandom, CEO of Cremstar, a leading online cremation service. For example, if you know your person doesn’t like to be taken by surprise, give them a heads up, says Kate DeBartolo of the Conversation Project, an initiative of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement. Planning a visit with your parent(s)? Let them know beforehand that this topic is on your mind and that you’d like to talk about it with them. This gives them the opportunity to think about what they want, if they haven’t already. Here are Four Tips to ensure a successful dialogue:
Early palliative care linked to better end-of-life outcomes in ovarian cancer
11/25/24 at 03:00 AMEarly palliative care linked to better end-of-life outcomes in ovarian cancer AJMC - The American Journal of Managed Care, Cranbury, NJ; by Brooke McCormick; 11/22/24 Initiating palliative care (PC) more than 3 months before death was associated with improved quality of care and reduced care intensity at the end of life (EOL) for decedents with ovarian cancer, according to a study published in JAMA Network Open. Alongside oncologic treatment, the American Society of Clinical Oncology recommends all patients with advanced cancer receive early, dedicated PC within 8 weeks of diagnosis. PC benefits include prolonged survival, enhanced quality of EOL care, and improved patient and caregiver quality of life (QOL). Early referral to specialist PC is also linked to less aggressive EOL care.
My top 10 list for living with cancer
11/22/24 at 03:10 AMMy top 10 list for living with cancer Cure; by Kelly Irvin; 11/19/24 I’m coming up on the ninth anniversary after my diagnosis of stage 4 ovarian cancer in January 2016. As always, this causes me to ponder my life as someone living with cancer for the rest of my life. I ponder why I’m still here and others are not. Have I used this time well? What have I learned that might be of use for other “lifers,” as well as those just starting on this journey? It’s that last question I’m focused on here. The following is my top 10 list for living with cancer when there’s no likelihood of hearing those magical words “cancer-free.”
The work of hospicing
11/22/24 at 03:00 AMThe work of hospicing Stanford Social Innovation Review; by Vanessa Andreotti and Habib Nabatu; Winter 2025 issue, 11/20/24As we stand at the precipice of endings—of species, ecosystems, organizations, and systems themselves—the work of hospicing is to move beyond fear and embrace the deep transitions ahead with wisdom. To be stewards of this time, we must develop the practices and capacities to tend to these endings, not with urgency or control, but with a kind of stillness that invites the birth of new ways of being. Endings are not failures; they are part of a cycle that requires presence, reverence, and humility. Our hyperfocus on growth and expansion has left us ill-prepared to sit with death—whether it be the death of industries or the biosphere—and this discomfort with grief prevents us from being fully alive in the present. How might we allow the crumbling of outdated structures without rushing to rebuild too quickly? How might we hold space for what is irreversibly changing, without rushing to save or fix it? ...