Literature Review
All posts tagged with “Clinical News | Physician & Nursing News.”
Specialized nursing facility clinicians improve end-of-life care
03/18/24 at 03:00 AMSpecialized nursing facility clinicians improve end-of-life care Cornell Chronicle, by Marijke Vroomen Durning, Weill Cornell Medicine; 3/15/24 Specialized nursing facility clinicians, or SNFists, may decrease the likelihood of nursing home residents experiencing stressful hospitalizations and improve the quality of life in their last days, according to researchers from Weill Cornell Medicine. The paper, published March 15 in JAMA Network Open, examined how SNFists uniquely impacted the care of nursing home residents in their last 90 days, compared with those cared for by other clinicians. This large-scale study is the first of its kind.
Responding to Soul Injury: Tools for hope and healing
03/15/24 at 03:00 AMResponding to Soul Injury: Tools for hope and healing Journal of Hospice & Palliative Nursing; by Deborah Grassman, Abi Katz, Luann Conforti-Brown, Josephine F Wilson, Angie Snyder; 3/13/24Soul Injury is defined as a wound that separates a person from their real self, caused by unmourned loss and hurt, unforgiven guilt and shame, and fear of helplessness or loss of control. Tools and interventions have been developed to guide people impacted by Soul Injury. This study assessed the effectiveness of 12 tools and interventions, ... The Anchor Your Heart tool was the most frequently used tool and had the most enduring utilization across time and settings.Editor's Note: Click here for The Anchor Your Heart Tool identified in this article. Share this research and article with your clinical teams and bereavement counselors.
Heart failure staging and indications for advanced therapies in adults with congenital heart disease
03/15/24 at 03:00 AMHeart failure staging and indications for advanced therapies in adults with Congenital Heart DiseaseHeart Failure Clinics / Elsevier, by Alexander C Egbe and Heidi M Connolly; pre-publish 4/24 via onlineSummary: Heart Failure (HF) is common in adults with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD), United States, and it is the leading cause of death in this population. Adults with CHD presenting with stage D HF have a poor prognosis, and early recognition of signs of advanced HF, and referral for advanced therapies for HF offer the best survival as compared with other therapies. The indications for advanced therapies for HF outlined in this article should serve as a guide for clinicians to determine the optimal time for referral. Palliative care should be part of the multidisciplinary care model for HF in patients with CHD.
Palliative and end-of-life care in hematologic malignancies: Progress and opportunities
03/15/24 at 03:00 AMPalliative and end-of-life care in hematologic malignancies: Progress and opportunities JCO Oncology Practice, by Mazie Tsang, MD, MAS, MS and Thomas W. LeBlanc, MD, MA, MHS, FAAHPM, FASC; 3/13/24 ... An important finding from this study was the qualitative data from narratives of volunteer caregivers and hospice staff that described daily patient care, changes in patient status, perceived symptom burden, and indications for medication administration. The authors identified skin integrity concerns, bleeding, pathologic fractures, and delirium as unique issues for patients with hematologic malignancies enrolled on hospice. ... These findings provide further evidence that hospice care can and does work well for some patients with hematologic malignancies.
Doctor with terminal cancer shares the three things everyone should consider doing to prepare for death
03/15/24 at 02:30 AMDoctor with terminal cancer shares the three things everyone should consider doing to prepare for deathYour Tango, by Alexandra Blogier; 3/12/24Kim is a resident doctor who was diagnosed with metastatic sarcoma when she was 28 years old. She invites people to see what her life is like, as both a medical resident and a cancer patient, focusing on the practice of gratitude and being present. ... Kim revealed the three most important things she’s done as a cancer patient to get the administrative side of her affairs in order, which she recommends everyone do, even if they're not sick.
In the resuscitation discussion, do words matter between doctors and patients?
03/15/24 at 02:15 AMIn the resuscitation discussion, do words matter between doctors and patients? Rutgers, by Patti Zielinski; 3/12/24Rutgers Health researchers seek to reduce barriers to physicians having code status conversations with older adults. ... The study, published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, sought to determine the best language doctors could use when discussing a patient’s code status to reduce the barrier to having these conversations. It found that it takes less than five minutes on average for doctors to have discussions going over what CPR is, what a patient’s preference might be and making a decision that patients felt comfortable with regarding whether they want to be resuscitated, according to the study.Editor's Note: Click on the title above for the summary description; click here for the detailed research article, "Aligning patient values and code status: Choice of Diction's Effect (CODE) study.
What are ageing and death from a biological point of view?
03/15/24 at 02:00 AMWhat are ageing and death from a biological point of view? Polytchnique insights, by Alexis Gautreau and Clemence Guillermain; 3/12/24 Linking philosophy and biology may seem strange. Yet there are many subjects where the two disciplines come into play and are, in turn, essential to understanding them. Death is a perfect example. This biological reality remains an abstract concept until we experience it in our own lives. But, however abstract it may be, death is based on a biological reality.
Can we make more accurate prognoses during last days of life?
03/14/24 at 03:00 AMCan we make more accurate prognoses during last days of life?Journal of Palliative Medicine; by Sylvie Bouchard, Andreea Paula Iancu, Elena Neamt, François Collette, Sylvie Dufresne, Patricia Maureen Guercin, Suganthiny Jeyaganth, Desanka Kovacina, Taliá Malagón, Laurie Musgrave, Marilisa Romano, Jenny Wong, Sybil Skinner-Robertson; 3/8/24Background: ... Established methods (Palliative Performance Scale [PPS], Palliative Prognostic Index [PPI]) have been validated for intermediate- to long-term prognoses, but last-weeks-of-life prognosis has not been well studied. Patients admitted to a palliative care facility often have a life expectancy of less than three weeks. Reliable last-weeks-of-life prognostic tools are needed. Conclusions: ... Using SPS [Short-Term Prognosis Signs] along with PPS and PPI during the last weeks of life could enable a more precise short-term survival prediction across various end-of-life diagnoses. The translation of this research into clinical practice could lead to a better adapted treatment, the identification of a most appropriate care setting for patients, and improved communication of prognosis with patients and families.
Antidepressant prescribing practices of pediatric palliative care providers
03/14/24 at 03:00 AMAntidepressant prescribing practices of pediatric palliative care providers Journal of Palliative Medicine, by Teresa Venta; 3/12/24 Objective: This study seeks to describe the antidepressant prescribing practices of PPC providers and describe their level of training and comfort in assessing for anxiety and depression and prescribing psychotropic medications. Conclusions: Limited training in assessing mental health concerns, prescribing, and managing psychopharmacology suggests an opportunity for more targeted education for pediatric PC providers regarding antidepressant prescribing practices.
ACC updates HFrEF Decision Pathway, reinforcing the Four Pillars of Therapy
03/13/24 at 03:00 AMACC updates HFrEF Decision Pathway, reinforcing the Four Pillars of Therapy
Is extending life by weeks worth the toll some cancer drugs take? Doctors push for 'common-sense oncology'
03/13/24 at 03:00 AMIs extending life by weeks worth the toll some cancer drugs take? Doctors push for 'common-sense oncology' CBC News, by Amina Zafar and Christine Birak; 3/11/24 People may celebrate a 2-week improvement in survival without acknowledging costs. When a treatment buys a few weeks or months but comes with with a lot of side-effects, then the perspectives of people with cancer may differ, says Dr. Christopher Booth. ... The goal of what they call "common-sense oncology" is to prioritize treatments that meaningfully improve survival and quality of life. They aim to address what they see as problems in the field, such as a lack of critical thinking in oncology training, falling standards for drug approvals and avoidance of end-of-life discussions.
Whistleblower cases on the rise nationwide; Sarbanes-Oxley, Dodd-Frank laws open door for more to speak out
03/13/24 at 03:00 AMWhistleblower cases on the rise nationwide; Sarbanes-Oxley, Dodd-Frank laws open door for more to speak out PressReader, Herald-Tribune; by Esteban Parra and Xerxes Wilson; 3/10/24A former medical director specializing in neurosurgery at southern Delaware's largest health care provider claims in a lawsuit that Bayhealth Medical Center misclassified "brain-dead" patients in order to overbill for services.
Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center recognizes Certified Nurses Day
03/13/24 at 03:00 AMCooperman Barnabas Medical Center recognizes Certified Nurses DayRWJ Barnabas Health Blog; 3/11/24In honor of Certified Nurses Day, March 19, 2024, Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center (CBMC) acknowledges the 500 members of our Magnet-recognized nursing staff who have achieved and maintained national board certification during 2023 in their nursing specialty. Editor's Note: Congratulations to these certified nurses and to Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center for honoring them in such visible, meaningful way! For your organization, though time is short, what can you doto honor your certified nurses?
Facing dementia: clarifying end-of-life choices, supporting better lives
03/13/24 at 03:00 AMFacing dementia: clarifying end-of-life choices, supporting better lives EurekAlert!, by The Hastings Center; 3/11/24A new Hastings Center special report considers how America’s aging society responds to the needs and concerns of people facing dementia. ... Three essays reconsider familiar ways of thinking and talking about decision-making and care concerning people nearing the end of life to better reflect the needs and concerns of people facing dementia. For example, “Too Soon or Too Late: Rethinking the Significance of Six Months When Dementia Is a Primary Diagnosis” takes a critical look at the “six-month rule.”
In the ICU, what is a good death? Understanding why clinicians and patients' families may disagree in Intensive Care Unit
03/13/24 at 02:00 AMIn the ICU, what is a good death? Understanding why clinicians and patients' families may disagree in Intensive Care Unit Northwestern Now, by Marla Paul; 3/7/24What is a good death for a patient in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU)? The answer to that question may depend on whether you ask a family member of a patient or the physician, who are not necessarily aligned. ... Approximately 20-30% of people who die in the U.S., die in the ICU, according to previous research. Nearly 60% of ICU admissions result in death. Wide discrepancies have been documented between a patient’s stated preferences and the end-of-life care actually delivered.
When health care is woven in our family fabric, we find support in unexpected places
03/12/24 at 03:40 AMWhen health care is woven in our family fabric, we find support in unexpected places Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) Voice, by Suzanne M. Mahon, DNS, RN, AOCN®, AGN-BC, FAAN; 3/7/24... We have a built-in support system in our family. We understand all of those feelings and stressors in each other. We just get it. ... Where is your dinner table of support? Who is your go-to person who just gets it and listens? My husband and daughters support me, and I also have friends from nursing school, the workplace, and ONS who support me. They make all the difference in the world. Today, take time to thank your own support team.
How NYC Health + Hospitals is reining in travel nurse expenses
03/12/24 at 03:15 AMHow NYC Health + Hospitals is reining in travel nurse expenses Becker's Hospital CFO Report, by Mackenzie Bean; 3/7/24 NYC Health + Hospitals has made progress in decreasing its dependence on travel nurses, though staffing expenditures still exceed the public health system's allocated budget, executives told New York City Council leaders during a preliminary budget hearing March 5.
NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue opens new Palliative Care Serenity Unit for patients and families
03/12/24 at 03:00 AMNYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue opens new Palliative Care Serenity Unit for patients and families NYC Health+Hospitals Press Release; 3/7/24 NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue today announced the opening of a new Palliative Care Serenity Unit for patients and families. ... “We created the Serenity Unit because we noted an increasing number of patients either spending their dying days at the hospital or in need of extra support and symptom management expertise that palliative care provides,” said Susan E. Cohen, MD, director of the Palliative Care Program at NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue. “We want to ensure that patients who are here in their final days are being treated with dignity and expertise.”Editor's Note: NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue is the oldest hospital in America, tracing their roots back to 1736 when a six-bed infirmary opened on the second floor of the New York City Almshouse.
Patients with metastatic cancer state more accurate prognosis when in poor health
03/12/24 at 02:00 AMPatients with metastatic cancer state more accurate prognosis when in poor healthMedscape / YouTube, Dr. Maurie Markman; 3/7/24Dr. Maurie Markman discusses a paper focused on the controversial oncology topic of prognosis beliefs among patients with metastatic cancer.Editor's Note: For the transcript, click on the link beneath the YouTube's description that has the text "medscape.com/viewarticle."
Compassionate extubation and beyond: Is there a need for more guidance in managing end-of-life in the intensive care unit?
03/11/24 at 03:00 AMCompassionate extubation and beyond: Is there a need for more guidance in managing end-of-life in the intensive care unit? Chest Physician, by Angela L. Birdwell, DO, MA; Nehan Sher, MD Approximately 20% of deaths in the United States occur during or shortly after a stay in the ICU and approximately 40% of ICU deaths involve withdrawal of artificial life support (WOALS) or compassionate extubation. ... How the team approaches WOALS can make a difference to both patients and decision-makers. Unfortunately, there is striking variation in practice and lack of guidance in navigating issues that arise at end-of-life in the ICU.
Programmatic palliative care consultations in pediatric heart transplant evaluations
03/11/24 at 03:00 AMProgrammatic palliative care consultations in pediatric heart transplant evaluations Pediatr Cardiol, by Erika J Mejia, Rui Xiao, Jennifer K Walter, Chris Feudtner, Kimberly Y Lin, Aaron G DeWitt, Meeta Prasad Kerlin; 3/8/24 Guidelines advocate for integrating palliative care into the management of heart failure (HF) and of children with life-limiting disease. The potential impact of palliative care integration into pediatric HF on patient-centered outcomes is poorly understood. The present study sought to assess the association of programmatic implementation of palliative care into the heart transplant evaluation process with hospital-free days (HFD) and end of life (EOL) treatment choices.
Podcast: Outcomes post-cardiac arrest and palliative medicine consultation for seriously ill patients
03/11/24 at 03:00 AMPodcast: Outcomes post-cardiac arrest and palliative medicine consultation for seriously ill patientsThe Rounds Table Podcast, Episode 81; recorded 3/7/24 This week, Drs. Mike and John Fralick discuss two recent papers exploring patient outcomes after in-hospital cardiac arrest and the role of default Palliative Medicine consultation for seriously ill hospitalized patients. Two papers, here we go!
Description and outcomes of a palliative care pharmacist-led Transitions of Care program
03/11/24 at 02:00 AMDescription and outcomes of a palliative care pharmacist-led Transitions of Care program J Palliat Med, by Connor McCormick, Mamta Bhatnagar, Robert M Arnold, Maria Felton Lowry; 3/6/24Background: Patients with palliative care needs are at high risk of medication errors during transitions of care (TOC). Palliative Care Pharmacist Interventions surrounding Medication Prescribing Across Care Transitions (IMPACT) program was developed to improve the TOC process from hospital to community setting for cancer patients followed by palliative care. Conclusion: Our pilot study demonstrates that integrating a pharmacist in TOC for seriously ill patients is feasible and valuable.
Palliative care across the spectrum of heart failure
03/11/24 at 01:45 AMPalliative care across the spectrum of heart failure JACC Heart Fail; y Laura P Gelfman, Moritz Blum, Modele O Ogunniyi, Colleen K McIlvennan, Dio Kavalieratos , Larry A Allen; online ahead of print 2/27/24; print 3/8/24 Persons with heart failure (HF) often suffer from poor symptom control, decreased quality of life, and poor communication with their health care providers. ... New models are required that are better informed by high-quality data, engage a range of health care providers in primary palliative care principles, and have clear triggers for specialty palliative care engagement, with specific palliative interventions tailored to patient's illness trajectory and changing needs.
Lamont negotiates big pay hike for CT home health aides
03/08/24 at 03:00 AMLamont negotiates big pay hike for CT home health aides: Wages would rise nearly 26% by 2025-25 to $23 per hour CT Mirror, by Keith M. Phaneuf; 3/5/24 Gov. Ned Lamont and Connecticut’s largest health care workers union announced a tentative three-year contract Tuesday that would boost minimum wages for home health aides by 26% to $23 per hour by the 2025-26 fiscal year. But the package, which also would provide longevity bonuses, expand paid time off and reduce health insurance costs for an industry long seeking a major compensation adjustment, puts the General Assembly in a quandary.