Literature Review

 Where do we end our lives? American Council on Science and Health, by Chuck Dinerstein, MD, MBA; 2/5/24The concept of an elephant's graveyard, where old elephantes supposedly go to die, is more of a myth than a scientifically supported phenomenon. Humans do not have a specific location where we gather to die, but a study looks into the matter nevertheless.

Medical records specialists reach higher ground in healthcareAAPC News, by Michelle Dick; 2/1/24AAPC's 2024 Medical Coding and Billing Salary Report reveals that, as unemployement rates slide down, salaries climb to new heights. ... AAPC’s 2024 Medical Coding and Billing Salary Report shows the largest year-to-year salary increases across the board in the history of the Salary Survey. 

How hospices are diversifying their services in 2024Hospice News, by Holly Vossel; 1/31/24Palliative care, pediatric end-of-life care and end-of-life doula (EOLD) services are top of mind for hospices that are diversifying their services in 2024.Fewer than half of 143 respondents to Hospice News’ 2024 Outlook Survey, conducted with Homecare Homebase, reported that their hospice organizations would pursue new care types this year. But the aim of their service diversification efforts may indicate future trends. Service diversification trends in hospice could ramp up as value-based care models incentivize this path, according to Tony Kudner, chief strategy officer of the home-based care consulting company Transcend Strategy Group. 

Patty and Jay Baker reinforce palliative care at Mount Sinai: A significant stride towards enhanced patient care and medical trainingMedriva, by Zara Nwosu; 1/31/24The partnership between Patty and Jay Baker and Mount Sinai is much more than a financial investment. It represents a significant step forward in the advancement of palliative care. By focusing on both patient care and medical training, this initiative addresses the needs of the healthcare system from multiple angles. This comprehensive approach ensures that all aspects of care, from diagnosis to treatment, are improved.

Four Seasons Home Care named 6th in nationFour Seasons press release; 2/1/24The Top 100 Leader in Experience Award is the highest recognition awarded by Home Care Pulse (HCP) and is only awarded to 100 home care businesses in North America. Recipients must consistently rank among the very highest in 10 or more quality metrics. As a Top 100 Leader in Experience Award recipient, Four Seasons Home Care is recognized among the very best home care providers participating in the nationwide HCP Experience Management Program.

Festive crowd brings in $130k for Compass HospiceThe Star, by Connie Connolly; 1/31/24Women attired in glittering gowns, men sporting bow ties, plenty of laughter and conversation, and a sumptuous dinner signaled a joyful evening gala Friday, Jan. 26 on the Chesapeake Bay’s shore in Stevensville. But beyond the glamour was a goal more than met by the evening’s festivities. Compass Regional Hospice’s annual gala raised $130,500 to benefit hospice care, supportive care and grief support services for Queen Anne’s, Kent and Caroline counties.

Anorexia Nervosa: Evaluating disparities in places of death in the United States over 22 years using the CDC WONDER databaseCureus / NCBI, by Nirmal Patel, Rahul Tyagi, Deepanwita Biswas, Ayesha Birjees, Chetana Rajesh 6, Sadia Khan; posted via NCBI 1/30/24Conclusions:[This] study found that death in home and hospice was more common than in medical or hospital nursing facilities in all four analyzed groups. These findings highlight the critical need for significant advancements in end-of-life care, particularly in home and hospice settings.

Avow Kids awarded grant for children experiencing lossFlorida Weekly - Naples Ediition; 1/25/24Avow has been awarded a $55,300 grant from Champions for Learning as part of a multi-agency Future Ready Collier collaboration project to fund resiliency programming. Funds are designated to Avow Kids, which provides support to children ages 5-17 who are experiencing grief or loss in any capacity. The grant will ensure the continued availability of the program and its resources, which are offered at no cost to participants

Why hospice utilization rates have fallenHospice News, by Jim Parker; 1/25/24National hospice utilization rates have fallen since 2020, though the total number of patients served remains consistent. ... Mathematically, the percentage declined in part because of continually changing demographics.Publisher's note: This article quotes a decline in Medicare hospice utilization rates through 2021, which is true. However, we are seeing a rebound / increase in 2022 and 2023 information.

Androscoggin Home Healthcare & Hospice CEO receives service awardSun Journal (ME); 1/26/24LEWISTON — Kenneth Albert, president and CEO of Androscoggin Home Healthcare + Hospice, has received the Home Care & Hospice Alliance of Maine’s 2023 Distinguished Service Award.Publisher's note: A "subscribe" box appears when accessing this article, but can be delinced.

Health system execs revitalize the nursing workforce 

Tournament raises over $10k for hospiceAlbert Lea Tribune; 1/24/24The 21st annual Mayo Hospice Tournament took place Dec. 8-10 at the Albert Lea Moose Lodge, ... [raising] $10, 762. ... The tournament has now raised over $115,000.

Hospice providers must be better regulatedScientific American, 2/1/24 (also ran last week)Too many hospice providers in the U.S. are run by private equity and for-profit corporations. A lack of regulation allows them to provide abysmal end-of-life care.