Articles tagged with Hospice Care
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A study found that witnessing terminal lucidity in children is a profoundly spiritual experience, influencing caregivers' belief systems and sparking personal growth. Caregivers reported disclosing what they witnessed to others, receiving mixed reactions from healthcare professionals and colleagues.
Researchers identify circulating extracellular vesicles produced in diseased kidneys as the culprit behind toxicity in the heart. The discovery could lead to the development of a blood test to identify patients at high risk for serious heart problems and novel treatments to prevent and treat heart failure.
UVA experts Bruce Greyson and Marieta Pehlivanova argue that the NEPTUNE model leaves many unanswered questions about near-death experiences. Despite its sophistication, the model selectively ignores scientific evidence and fails to address key aspects of NDEs.
Healthcare professionals in Canada assess applicants for medical assistance in dying (MAiD) using a careful and individualized approach. They consider the patient's life circumstances, support networks, and personal preferences when determining eligibility. The assessment process is often legally and morally complex, requiring provider...
A recent study found that more adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer received palliative care between 2018 and 2022 compared to previous studies. However, the researchers also noted challenges in providing quality palliative care, including stigma and high-intensity end-of-life care.
Despite national policy, palliative care is often not equally accessible to all, with most people dying in hospitals or nursing homes rather than at home. The researchers emphasize the need for systematic implementation and integration of person-centred palliative care across different care settings.
A new poll found large gaps in knowledge about palliative care and hospice among older adults, with many unaware of the options despite interest expressed once explained. The poll highlights racial and demographic differences in understanding and interest, with some groups more likely to know about these types of care.
A new study from UT Arlington finds that fulfilling end-of-life bucket list wishes can improve well-being and strengthen family bonds. The researchers identified four consistent benefits of wish-fulfillment programs, including a lasting impact on families and caregivers.
A new study finds that benzodiazepines and antipsychotics prescribed to patients with dementia receiving hospice care may carry major unintended risks, including increased mortality. The study highlights two policy issues: lack of oversight of medication use in hospice and a mismatch between hospice policy and dementia care.
A new RNA-based therapy targeting Marfan syndrome shows promise in treating the genetic disorder, which can lead to aortic aneurysms and be fatal. The therapy, developed by Mizzou researcher Dunpeng Cai, aims to correct mutated RNA for those with Marfan syndrome.
A portable device using machine learning can detect signs of concussions in real-time, providing a more objective way to assess injuries. The Mizzou Point-of-Care Assessment System combines a force plate, depth camera and interface board to track movement, balance and reaction times.
A McGill University-led study found that access to respite care increases a palliative care patient's probability of dying at home by almost threefold. Timely access to nursing care, hygiene support, and pain-relief services were also significant factors in this finding.
A recent study published in CANCER reveals that many patients with advanced cancer report receiving treatment that focuses on longevity rather than comfort. Despite this mismatch, the treatment did not appear to extend life for those who did not want it. The research highlights the importance of open conversations between doctors and p...
A new article by Dr. Leonard Berry of Texas A&M University argues that values-driven listening can improve care and heal the healthcare system. The authors identify six types of listening, including proximate, curious, earning trust, aided by design, empowering, and fostering resilience, which contribute to better care.
The book explores innovative computing technologies transforming healthcare delivery, diagnostics, and monitoring. It covers topics like artificial intelligence, machine learning, IoT, wearable devices, and real-time communication systems.
A Rutgers Health study surveyed 3,277 adults to evaluate their knowledge of medical aid in dying (MAID) and interest in using it. The study found that 51.3% of respondents didn't know if MAID was legal in the US, and 44% expressed interest in potentially using MAID in the future.
The project aims to improve the quality of life for patients with end-stage heart failure and their caregivers through a nurse-led intervention. The study will also track hospitalization rates, patient well-being, and gain a better understanding of end-of-life care.
A study of 33,744 Medicare decedents found that 45% received potentially aggressive care in the last days of life, while only 25% received advanced care planning and palliative care. Despite efforts to raise awareness about the harms of aggressive treatment, access to supportive care varies among demographic groups.
A recent study found that Medicare decedents with advanced cancer often receive aggressive care at the end of life, despite a lack of support. The study highlights the need for improved quality of care and more comprehensive approaches to address this issue.
Researchers studied consumer agency in immersive services like residential care, finding that technology and empathy can support individual autonomy. The study highlights the importance of a more consumer-centered perspective in geriatric care and analyzing issues related to consumer autonomy.
A new scientific statement emphasizes the need to integrate palliative care into all stages of stroke care, addressing symptoms, psychosocial needs, and end-of-life care. Palliative care can help manage pain and improve quality of life for stroke survivors and their family members.
A recent study published in JAMA found that for-profit hospices, which care for nearly 75% of Medicare patients, performed substantially worse than not-for-profit hospices. The study highlights the need for policy interventions to increase transparency and accountability in hospice ownership.
A new study by MIT scholars finds that hospice care generates substantial savings for the US Medicare system, with $29,000 in cost savings over five years for patients with Alzheimer's Disease. Hospice care provides palliative-type care at a lower cost than elaborate medical procedures, saving lives and reducing suffering.
A new article in Journal of Palliative Medicine highlights the growing role of for-profit entities in home health and hospice care, which can compromise care quality and patient welfare. The authors emphasize the need for research and regulatory responses to address these trends and ensure better care for seriously ill older adults.
A new study by the University of Leeds has found that British Muslims faced significant challenges accessing palliative care services during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research highlighted the need for culturally aware healthcare policies and greater inclusion of minority groups in decision-making processes to address these inequities.
A new program at Brigham and Women's Hospital has successfully streamlined hospice transitions for patients nearing the end of life, increasing transitions within 96 hours of ED arrival to 54.1 percent. The program uses AI algorithm, dedicated care management, and emergency department rounds to flag potential candidates and mobilize ho...
Black patients with short hospice stays and those from for-profit hospice services are at higher risk of hospitalization after discharge. Researchers found that uninterrupted hospice care may be suitable for many individuals discharged from hospice, while inpatient respite and general inpatient care can lower hospitalization odds.
A stepped-care model integrating palliative care at key points in patients' cancer trajectories shows reduced palliative care visits without compromising quality of life. The approach enables more efficient delivery of early palliative care, enhancing patient-reported outcomes.
The Hastings Center's new special report reviews options for supporting better lives of people facing dementia. The report analyzes care inequities and recommends policy changes to reduce financial hardships and social isolation associated with the diagnosis. It also explores emerging topics in health law and healthcare practice.
A new study found that only about half of older adults with a terminal prognosis received palliative home care, highlighting the need for improved detection and support. The researchers developed a tool called RESPECT to help identify frail individuals in need of palliative care.
Researchers found that individuals who received home health care before the last year of life had higher odds of using hospice care than those without home health care. This association highlights the potential benefits of receiving end-of-life care in a personalized, home-based setting.
Researchers have developed a novel virtual reality-based relaxation therapy that helps cancer patients in palliative care manage symptoms and stress better. The therapy, known as FLOW-VRT-Relaxation, combines standard-of-care relaxation techniques with immersive VR experiences to promote psychological states of flourishing.
Researchers are studying the impact of telemedicine on palliative care in ICUs, aiming to improve patient outcomes and reduce ICU stays. The EPIC project is a five-year study funded by €6.3 million from the European Commission.
A new study demonstrates a simple, pre-programmed order in electronic medical records can increase palliative care consultation rates and reduce hospital stay length for patients with COPD, dementia, or kidney failure. This scalable strategy improves quality of life and symptom management for critically ill patients.
Researchers found that nurse practitioner placement in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan, resulted in reduced emergency visits and optimized care for residents with higher care needs. The study suggests a paradigm shift in elder care, highlighting the pivotal role of NPs in delivering quality healthcare.
Research reveals that less than half of patients with malignant ureteral obstruction receive palliative care, highlighting the need for early referral to promote patient comfort and avoid invasive treatments. Hospice care significantly reduces high healthcare use at end-of-life.
A UCLA study found that hospitals with high patient diversity are less likely to offer core cancer services, including hospice care, chemotherapy, and robotic surgery. The lack of these resources can impact treatment quality and outcomes for patients diagnosed with cancer.
Researchers found that a small fraction of eligible patients are being approached to consider eye donation, despite both healthcare professionals and patients having favorable views towards it. The study highlights the need for practice change to offer patients who wish to donate as part of routine end-of-life care.
A new study reveals that the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted end-of-life care, with a growing burden on first-time carers and reduced formal care support services. Researchers advocate for improved resources for wider end-of-life care education, health and social care staff, and identification and assessment of carers.
A Cochrane review reveals that organizational interventions can reduce the use of physical restraints in care home residents by 14%, without increasing falls or fall-related injuries. Supportive managers play a crucial role in implementing these interventions, which improve knowledge, skills, and strategies among frontline staff.
State palliative care laws are associated with an increased likelihood of dying at home or in hospice among decedents from cancer. Passage of these laws may be an effective policy intervention to increase the number of seriously ill patients who experience their death in such locations.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that home healthcare clinics, especially enhanced ones, provide better emergency and end-of-life care than general clinics. This research suggests a shift towards more effective home care support for an aging population in Japan.
Researchers surveyed medical staff at a large Japanese children's hospital about their experiences with full-time hospital facility dogs, finding that they improve terminal care and patient cooperation. The study also reveals that HFDs help staff manage workload and encourage children to express themselves more.
A study investigated the effect of cancer patients' location during their final hours on survival. The results showed that patients who received treatment and care at home had longer survival times compared to those in palliative care wards, especially when prognosis was expected in months or weeks.
A new study by the RAND Corporation found that patients receiving care from for-profit hospices have worse care experiences than those in non-profit hospices. Family caregivers reported lower quality care across all domains, including pain management and timely care.
A recent study found that immunotherapy costs accounted for 84% of the net increase in Medicare spending on outpatient cancer care at the end of life. Payments for radiation oncology decreased by 2%, while palliative care spending rose, reflecting a shift towards hypofractionated radiation treatments.
A study finds that aggressive end-of-life care remains common among older adults with metastatic cancer, particularly in nursing home residents. Multilevel interventions targeting hospital admissions and in-hospital death are crucial to reducing its prevalence.
A culturally appropriate model of end-of-life care is being developed in Ghana to address the scarcity of palliative care in low-resource communities. COMPASS Ghana aims to provide universal end-of-life care by the end of the decade, utilizing a compassionate community approach that involves patients and caregivers in care provision.
Research by University of East Anglia reveals care home nurses were unprepared for the pandemic, impacting their mental health and wellbeing. The study suggests implementing a mental health and wellbeing strategy is crucial to promote recovery from trauma and moral distress.
A retrospective cross-sectional study found that VA-financed hospice services were associated with higher rates of concurrent dialysis among veterans with end-stage kidney disease. Patients who received VA-financed hospice services lived approximately 43 days after stopping dialysis, compared to just four days for those who stopped dia...
A Rutgers study found that racial and ethnic minorities with dementia receive more intensive end-of-life care. This disparity may be attributed to systemic racism, discrimination, or poor physician communication. The researchers suggest improving end-of-life care and outcomes for people with dementia through initiatives like advance ca...
A new study published in Blood Advances reveals significant disparities in end-of-life care for individuals with hematologic malignancies living in rural areas versus metropolitan regions. Rural residents are less likely to receive hospice care, instead often dying in nursing facilities or at home without palliative care.
Non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic decedents with dementia used less hospice but more emergency department and inpatient services. They incurred higher Medicare inpatient expenditures, with a 60% increase compared to white decedents.
A new study shows that hospice patients with dementia receive excellent care and have their anxiety and sadness managed more often than those without dementia. However, the Medicare hospice model's limitations can lead to gaps in care, leaving patients with dementia at risk of disenrollment.
A new study found that states with less rigorous regulations have lower rates of residents dying at home or with hospice care. Dual Medicare-Medicaid status is also linked to worse access to high-quality end-of-life care.
A study analyzing Medicare claims data found that policy changes reduced the share of patients receiving hospice care for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The changes also slowed growth in hospice care use by these patients.
Dr. Kao, a renowned geriatrician, has created programs to serve older adults with advanced illnesses, tripling the capacity of UCSF's house calls program. She promotes diversity in geriatrics through her advocacy work and is an AGS member since 2007.
Researchers at Rutgers University found disparities in palliative care and hospice referrals among minority patient groups, highlighting the need for standardized policies to improve access. The studies revealed that language barriers, economic status, and cultural differences contribute to these gaps in care.
A new study reveals that nearly half of all older adults now die with a dementia diagnosis listed on their medical record, a 36% increase from two decades ago. This rise may be attributed to better public awareness, more detailed medical records, and Medicare billing practices, rather than an actual increase in the condition.
A UT Southwestern study found that COVID-19 patients who received a palliative care consultation were more likely to receive comfort care at the end of life, but had similar rates of CPR. The study highlights the need for hospitals to improve their outreach to Black communities and incorporate palliative care into pandemic planning.