Articles tagged with Hospice 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.
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.
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.
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.
A study by Aldridge found that hospice care during the last days and months of life is associated with reduced total health care costs. This association has significant implications for healthcare policy and strategy.
The Lancet Commission warns of the overmedicalization of death, highlighting vast inequities in palliative care access and high end-of-life medical costs. The commission advocates for a balanced approach, integrating communities and families with health and social care services to provide compassionate care.
A study ranking 81 countries on end-of-life care found that only six earned an A grade, while 36 received Ds or Fs. The US ranked 43rd, highlighting the need for improvement in palliative care globally. Experts emphasize the importance of making advance care plans and discussing wishes with loved ones.
A new analysis proposes four solutions states can implement to improve Medicaid eligibility for seniors, including eliminating the asset test or increasing its limit. This could lead to lower administrative burdens and improved health outcomes for eligible individuals.
Dual-eligible cancer patients receive higher-quality end-of-life care at cancer centers with prioritized communication and decision planning. These facilities experience a significant jump in patients choosing hospice and dying outside of hospitals.
A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology reports findings on Huntsman at Home, a cancer hospital-at-home model that demonstrates lower costs and better outcomes for patients. The study found that participants had 55% fewer hospitalizations and 47% lower healthcare costs compared to those who did not participate.
A new study has identified 16 quality measures for end-of-life care in children with cancer, covering topics such as avoiding medically intensive care and assessing sibling needs. The measures aim to standardize care and identify disparities in quality of care received by different groups of children.
A study of over 2,500 hospital patients discharged to hospice care found a decreasing trend of opioid prescriptions and an increase in less powerful non-opioid analgesics. This may lead to undertreated pain in terminally ill patients.
Researchers found that brachytherapy can proceed without delay or antibiotics in cervical cancer patients with uterine perforations, reducing treatment complications. The study suggests this approach could lead to a new standard of care and improved survival rates for these patients.
Hospitalized ischemic stroke patients who received palliative or hospice care experienced improved quality of life. However, disparities persist in comfort care utilization, particularly among non-white patients. Factors associated with higher comfort care utilization included older age, female sex, and private health insurance.
A recent study found that end-of-life care for people with ovarian cancer has not improved significantly since 2007, with Black patients experiencing higher rates of emergency department visits and intensive treatment. Palliative care recommendations have been included in guidelines, but its adoption remains limited.
A recent Loyola Medicine study found that reducing the standard dose of IV-administered ketamine in half is as effective as the larger dose in reducing pain in adults. The study involved 98 patients and showed similar results at 30 minutes, with lower adverse event rates in the low-dose group.
A new study found that the switch to remote working has helped some services reach out, but many practitioners feel they do not have capacity to meet people's needs. Bereavement care has become a major challenge during the pandemic, with increased demand and disruption of traditional services.
The Lundquist Institute will conduct a multi-site clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of psilocybin in individuals with severe psychological distress associated with terminal medical illness. The grant will also support education and outreach programs related to the use of psilocybin within the field of palliative care.
A study analyzing data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study found that satisfaction with end-of-life care was highest when individuals died at home. Individuals who received hospice care were more likely to die at home, regardless of their cognitive health.
A NTU Singapore study suggests that family caregivers of the terminally ill who have built up self-determination are motivated and satisfied in their caregiving. The researchers found that this concept is equally important as pragmatic interventions focused on external circumstances.
A systematic review of palliative care services worldwide reveals significant variations in length of care provided to patients, with the average global duration being just 18.9 days. The study highlights a stark shortfall in palliative care provision, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
Researchers emphasize the positive impact of culture and arts on health, citing World Health Organization benefits like social influence, children's development, and mental health support. Integrating art into healthcare services can promote more ethical care and improve trust among staff.
A new medical records analysis found that Black patients in the US pursue more intensive treatments than white Americans in the last six months of life. White people are more likely to use hospice care, which reduces emergency department visits and invasive procedures.
Researchers call for increased palliative care in China to address non-malignant disease management and family involvement. A systematic review highlights the need for better pain control, truth-telling, and emotional support.
A recent study by Oregon State University researchers found that patients referred to hospice care from hospitals tend to spend less time on hospice and receive fewer pain management medications than those referred from other locations. This difference highlights the need for specialized interventions to improve patient care during tra...
A new US study found that hospital-based waterbirths have no higher risk of NICU admission compared to control group births. Waterbirth was also associated with reduced perineal lacerations and improved patient satisfaction.
The American Society of Hematology has released new clinical practice guidelines for treating acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in older adults. The guidelines aim to provide personalized care by addressing patients' goals and wishes throughout their disease course.
Researchers found playing a simple conversation game increased African Americans' participation in end-of-life care planning, including discussing preferences with family members and completing advanced directives. The study suggests the game is a valuable tool to address disparities in end-of-life care for African Americans.
Researchers at Loyola University Medical Center identified common symptoms in pediatric acoustic neuroma patients, including hearing loss and vertigo. They also found that residual tumors in pediatric patients had a higher rate of regrowth than those in adults.
Researchers found that 40.2% of advanced cancer patients experienced functional impairment upon hospitalization, leading to longer stays and worse outcomes. Interventions addressing this issue could enhance care delivery and outcomes for highly symptomatic patients.
A randomized trial of a hospice video educational tool found that patients who viewed the video were more likely to prefer hospice at end-of-life and had longer hospice use compared to those receiving verbal descriptions. Caregivers also reported greater knowledge and preferences for hospice care after viewing the video.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association finds that palliative care significantly lowers rehospitalization rates and improves patient outcomes for those with heart failure. Palliative care added to standard treatment plans can reduce hospital readmissions by up to 25%.
New guidelines are needed to manage stroke patients safely within strained health systems, considering COVID-19 risks. Recommendations include telemedicine, virtual monitoring, and emphasis on preventive measures to optimize care while minimizing the risk of spreading COVID-19.
Researchers found that marketing mix elements mitigate sacrifice, engaging individuals in donation tasks and increasing likelihood of continued giving. Nonprofit organizations can address various types of sacrifice using product, place, price, promotion, people, and process components.
Two new AHA statements emphasize the impact of social determinants on heart failure outcomes and caregiver demands. The statements advocate for an interprofessional healthcare team to address non-medical barriers, while also identifying challenges faced by unpaid family caregivers who serve as primary support.
Cities with strict early restrictions had lower disease and mortality rates compared to those with fewer and later restrictions. Cities that adopted broad isolation measures, including school closures, mask wearing, and case isolation, saw significant reductions in disease spread.
A study found that UK hospices provide some form of support before and after parental death, but the type and timing vary widely. Hospices report funding difficulties in training staff for bereavement services, despite national guidelines recommending tailored support.
A literature review by Loyola Medicine neurologist Antonio H. Iglesias highlights TMS efficacy in treating depression, OCD, and other neurological conditions, including stroke, acute migraines, and dementia. The treatment is well-tolerated with few side effects.
A new study predicts that end-of-life care needs in Ireland will nearly double over the next 30 years, driven by population aging. The estimated 84% increase will put a strain on palliative care capacity, emphasizing the need for increased funding and workforce development.
A new study found that intensive care units (ICUs) have better end-of-life care ratings than other hospital departments, contrary to previous beliefs. The research suggests that higher staffing ratios and more favorable symptom management in ICUs contribute to these improved outcomes.
A study of families in Singapore found that parents defer discussing their psychological pain with spouses to avoid emotional distress. Researchers developed a therapeutic app called Narrative e-Writing Intervention (NeW-I) to support caregivers.
Researchers at UT Southwestern analyzed Medicare claims data to report no increased mortality risk in heart failure patients treated in observation units and emergency departments. The study suggests that end-of-life care transitions from hospital to post-hospitalization period may contribute to the observed increase in mortality.
A study found that advance care planning is associated with improved survival among terminally ill patients, particularly those with diseases other than cancer. This approach enables adults to discuss their wishes and priorities for end-of-life care.
A study led by Regenstrief researcher found that the surrogate's belief in miracles was the main dimension linked to preferences for care of their loved one. Belief in miracles was associated with a preference for aggressive treatment and less acceptance of comfort-focused care plans.
A new guide published by University of Sheffield researchers suggests that end-of-life carers should be entitled to up to six months paid time off work and job safeguards. The study highlights the economic benefits of supporting working carers, who can provide valuable services to society while reducing the burden on the NHS.
A study by Haider Warraich and colleagues found that 31% of cardiovascular disease deaths occur at home, exceeding hospital fatalities. The research analyzed over 12 million deaths from 2003 to 2017, revealing disparities in place of death among underserved racial and ethnic groups.
A new prediction system significantly increased palliative care consultations for seriously ill patients by 74%, according to a University of Pennsylvania study. The Palliative Connect trigger system uses predictive analytics to identify patients in need of palliative care consultation, leading to earlier and more effective interventions.
A study by VA Portland Health Care System and Oregon Health and Science University researchers found that early palliative care can increase survival in patients with advanced lung cancer. The study analyzed data on over 23,000 veterans and showed that palliative care provided shortly after diagnosis can lead to improved survival rates.
Bereaved family members rate end-of-life care higher for patients who received palliative and hospice care, rather than intensive patterns of life extension. Patients treated with dialysis have more aggressive end-of-life care, which is associated with lower quality ratings.
A study by UCSF and UT Southwestern Medical Center found that elderly patients in LTACHs have a worse prognosis than terminal illnesses, with most dying within 5 years. The researchers recommend considering palliative care interventions to improve quality of life for these patients.
A survey of bereaved Danish parents suggests that doctors often inform them of their child's terminal illness too late, with over four in ten saying they were told just hours before death. The study highlights the need for improved education and training for healthcare professionals on how to break bad news to families.
The new staffing model emphasizes three key interdependent roles: palliative care physician, resource nurse, and social worker. This approach aims to deliver an optimal, integrated palliative care program, and collaboration among team members is crucial for success.
A new palliative care intervention at Children's National Hospital has shown success in helping families discuss potentially challenging medical decisions before a crisis occurs. The tool, which includes two evidence-based modules and caregiver needs assessments, aims to strike the right balance of relatability and knowledge for families.
A new study found that while the number and variety of ACO contracts have increased, downside risk contracts remain relatively rare. Researchers analyzed data from 2012 to 2018 and found that only a third of ACOs chose contracts with downside risk in 2018.
NEOMED will implement an experiential training program using Project ECHO, improving primary care providers' knowledge of the geriatric population. The project aims to address social determinants of health and increase access to resources for older adults.
Verbal abuse is a significant occupational hazard for home care health workers, with one in four experiencing at least one incident in the preceding year. Cramped living conditions and dementia are major risk factors, while predictable working hours reduce the risk.
A new case study published in the Journal of Palliative Medicine reports a unique example of a patient with ALS who overcame nausea and vomiting linked to chronic cannabis use by reducing, but not discontinuing, cannabis use. This finding adds to clinicians' ability to respond to rare adverse effects of medical cannabis use.
Researchers found that early documentation of end-of-life wishes in health records can prevent hospitalizations, especially if noted at least six months prior to death. This helps respect the patient's priorities and focus on quality of life and pain management.
A new poll reveals six in ten people know little about dying, with most getting information from family conversations and documentaries. The UK Academy of Medical Sciences launches a national campaign to empower public conversations about death and dying, citing concerns about pain and fear as major worries.