Articles tagged with Hospice Care
Researchers developed a tool to help patients with progressive conditions identify areas where they need extra support. The Support Needs Approach for Patents (SNAP) is a concise evidence-based intervention that enables patients to express their needs and improves person-centred care.
Patients with kidney failure who undergo lower extremity amputation have prolonged stays in healthcare settings, limited access to hospice services, and a poorer prognosis. These findings highlight the need for improved end-of-life care for this group of seriously ill patients.
Sepsis-associated deaths occurred in over half of hospitalizations, with most deaths attributed to complex patients with severe coexisting conditions. Further innovations in prevention and care of underlying conditions may be necessary to reduce sepsis deaths
The DNA10K initiative will engage over 10,000 patients with genomics testing, providing personalized risk factors for hereditary conditions. Patients will have access to genetic counselors and clinical pharmacists to interpret test results and develop individualized care plans.
A new study from King's College London found that breathlessness-focused services can significantly reduce patient distress and symptoms of depression. These holistic services, which combine palliative care and self-management strategies, empower patients to take control of their breathlessness and improve their quality of life.
A new study published in the Journal of Neuroscience Nursing found that hospital-wide scores significantly underestimate readmission risk in neurocritical care patients. The study used data from 279 patients and found that only 38 were readmitted within 30 days, but nearly two-thirds were misclassified as low-risk using existing models.
A study published in Supportive Care in Cancer examines the experiences of providers offering concurrent cancer therapy and hospice care to veterans. The findings highlight the importance of preserving hope while transitioning into end-of-life care, as well as the need for dedicated liaisons between VA and hospice systems.
AI systems have a 'near unlimited capacity' for data processing and learning, potentially making diagnoses and surgical interventions more accurate. However, doctors will remain essential for holistic patient care, addressing individual preferences and social circumstances.
A new study found that Chinese adults' end-of-life care preferences vary based on whether they have children. Adults who lost their only child prefer specialized hospice or palliative care institutions, while those with children prefer family-based care at home.
A systematic review by RAND Corporation finds a growing evidence base for palliative care, supporting home-based palliative care, interdisciplinary team care, and telehealth interventions. However, limitations exist in social needs assessments and culturally-sensitive care.
OncoLink, Penn Medicine's patient education program, received the 2018 CPEN Excellence in Patient Education Award for its creative approaches to cancer education. The team has produced a survivorship care-plan builder and expanded OncoLink's library of resources, benefiting millions of patients.
A new white paper from the Pontifical Academy for Life recommends 43 strategies to improve global palliative care, aiming to alleviate the suffering of millions. The report was developed by an expert group representing different faiths and was published in Journal of Palliative Medicine.
A pilot study found that a mindfulness-based program, MODEL Care, improved patients' and family caregivers' ability to cope with the emotional challenges of advanced cancer. The program enhanced their ability to have open discussions about end-of-life plans, ultimately decreasing barriers to advance care planning.
Researchers found striking differences in terminal care across regions, fueled by physicians' beliefs and practice style. Patients' beliefs did not contribute to spending differences. The study highlights the need for better physician education and training to address end-of-life issues.
A new study found per-capita end-of-life care costs have been declining since 2008, with significant contributions from reduced inpatient and physician expenditures. The decline contributed to moderation in growth of overall per-capita Medicare spending.
A study analyzed 154,498 NSCLC and 27,834 SCLC patients who died on or before December 31, 2013, revealing racial-ethnic disparities in end-of-life care quality. Minority patients had higher odds of preventable medical encounters, delayed hospice referral, and aggressive chemotherapy during end-of-life.
A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that only 20% of Medicare patients with end-stage renal disease used hospice, and those who did were more likely to have short stays. This can limit access to palliative care services and increase costs.
A new Harvard Medical School study published in The BMJ found that a doctor's political affiliation has no bearing on clinical decisions at the end of life. Despite previous research suggesting personal beliefs influence decisions, this analysis of nearly 1.5 million Medicare beneficiaries reveals no differences in treatment patterns b...
Drs. William Applegate and Thomas Edes receive the prestigious Nascher/Manning Award for their groundbreaking contributions to geriatrics expertise. Both pioneers have made significant impacts on improving patient care, increasing access to home-based primary care, and advancing palliative care.
Research highlights the need to support family carers before discharging dying patients to ensure they are prepared for end-of-life caregiving at home. Carers often feel uninvolved and unsupported, leading to readmissions and unnecessary pressure on healthcare services.
A study found subtle but significant differences in perceived hospice quality among patients in different settings. Family members of patients at home rated hospice quality as excellent, while those in nursing homes reported the least. The findings suggest that tailoring communication to patient setting is crucial.
Discussing patients' bucket lists with their doctors can encourage making medical care fit life plans, providing personalized care and healthy behaviors. Researchers found that 91% of respondents had made a bucket list, with those who valued faith and spirituality more likely to have one.
Researchers identified common bucket-list themes among patients with chronic and serious illnesses, including travel, personal goals, and quality time with friends and family. This knowledge can serve as a roadmap for clinicians to provide tailored care that respects patients' preferences and values.
Most UK doctors (79%) and 80% of the public support legislation for assisted dying. A series of articles explores the debate around assisted dying, with personal accounts and expert opinions. The proposed legislation aims to provide safeguards for terminally ill patients who want to end their lives.
Research found that early access to palliative care significantly improves end-of-life quality indicators for patients with advanced cancer. Patients who received palliative care were more likely to die in a hospice or at home, rather than a hospital, and had better access to pain relief drugs.
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital found that almost 40% of malignant glioma patients never enrolled in hospice, and a quarter of those who did may have enrolled too late. This highlights the need for improved end-of-life care for this patient group.
Researchers discovered significant racial disparities in hospital admission, emergency department visits, and hospice disenrollment among African American and white patients at the end of life. Black patients were more likely to experience higher-intensity care, which may negatively impact their quality of life and caregiver burden.
The Innovation Accelerator program has announced funding for four new projects aimed at addressing disparities in healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. The projects focus on improving symptom management for heart failure patients, reimagining primary care doctor visits and payment models with telemedicine, and developing a multidis...
Patients with advanced leukemia who rely on blood transfusions face barriers to quality end-of-life care, including limited hospice services and higher hospital deaths. Research suggests that improving access to blood transfusions could increase hospice care use among these patients.
Research found that leukemia patients who rely on blood transfusions face difficulties enrolling in hospice care, leading to shorter hospice stays and delayed access to palliative care. The study suggests that adding support for transfusions to the Medicare hospice benefit could maximize its benefits.
Research examines the benefits of palliative care in heart failure treatment, showing improved patient-centered outcomes. Palliative care can address symptoms like pain and depression to enhance treatment effectiveness.
The University of Houston College of Nursing is using a high-fidelity mannequin to teach students about palliative care and end-of-life conversations. The mannequin, nicknamed
A study found that playing a game called 'Hello' encourages people with chronic illness and their caregivers to engage in advance care planning. Three months after playing the game, 75 percent of participants had completed some form of advance care planning.
A recent study analyzing survey data found that black patients were more likely to die in hospitals, while white patients received poorer treatment. The study also showed a lack of respect for white patients' wishes during end-of-life care.
A new study from the University of Cambridge found that very old people are more likely to die comfortably in care homes or at home, compared to hospitals. The researchers highlight the need for improved training in end-of-life care for all staff and address the shortage of palliative care doctors in the NHS.
Research found owners of chronically ill pets experience higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as poorer quality of life. The study's findings may also inform veterinarian wellbeing and highlight the need for improved training on long-term care.
The American College of Physicians opposes the legalization of physician-assisted suicide, citing ethical concerns and a focus on improving hospice and palliative care. The organization recommends 12 steps for physicians to provide compassionate supportive care to patients nearing the end of life.
A recent analysis found that nearly half of hospitals have shared ownership with providers in post-acute care or hospice sectors, up from 25 percent in 2005. This trend has significant implications for antitrust, payment, and regulatory policies, as well as the quality and cost of care.
A scoping review of palliative care development in Africa found that only a small subset of countries have made progress, with the majority concentrated in East Africa. The review highlights the need for increased access to opioids and postgraduate educational opportunities to address structural inequities in care delivery.
PCORI's Board of Governors approved nearly $74 million for seven studies on palliative care. The projects will compare different strategies to deliver care and examine their impact on quality of life, hospitalizations, and caregiver burden.
The scientific evidence on cannabis for chronic pain and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is inconclusive, with only low-strength evidence suggesting potential benefits. However, researchers found significant risks associated with cannabis use, including increased risk of motor vehicle accidents and psychotic symptoms.
A new study found that the Service Intensity Add-on payment for in-person routine home hospice care can increase visits by nurses or social workers during a patient's last week of life. The payment, added to Medicare/Medicaid coverage in 2016, led to a 21.6% increase in average SIA payments and potential disparities reduction.
Researchers developed a model that accounts for variation in clinical course of different patient populations across various clinical settings. The model shows that patients with similar characteristics within the same diagnosis can have different survival times and care needs.
A new RAND Corporation study reveals that black and Hispanic patients are more likely to receive care from poorer quality hospices. In contrast, caregivers of these patients report similar or better experiences within the same hospice compared to white patients.
A new study found that a V.A. initiative to improve end-of-life care led to a substantial increase in the use of hospice among U.S. veterans. Hospice use grew at a rate twice as fast as the general Medicare population, with an estimated additional 17,046 veterans receiving hospice care between 2010 and 2014.
A new study explores how spouses influence an older adult's decision to complete advance directives, revealing differences in gender and relationship characteristics. The results suggest that joint experience as a couple plays a crucial role in end-of-life planning, with some insights shedding light on individual and spousal factors
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing suggests that aggressive end-of-life care for advanced lung cancer patients is not associated with better patient outcomes. The research found that high rates of chemotherapy and mechanical ventilation in the final days of life were linked to lower overall ratings of care.
A study published in Neurology found that hospitals transitioned people with strokes to early comfort care at varying rates, ranging from 0.6% to 37.6%. Factors such as age, sex, and stroke type influenced these decisions. The study highlights the need for better understanding of how these transitions are made.
A new book by the World Health Organization provides a comprehensive guide to establishing and delivering palliative care services globally. The manual aims to integrate palliative care into mainstream healthcare systems, improving access for millions of people worldwide.
By 2040, at least 160,000 people annually will require palliative care due to chronic illnesses and end-of-life care. The researchers predict a significant increase in the number of people with palliative care needs due to aging population and rising prevalence of chronic progressive illnesses.
This special issue explores various topics in family medicine, including cancer treatment decision-making, palliative care, and patient-centered care. Research articles highlight the importance of providers' assessment, awareness, and discussion of patient preferences for their participation in their own care.
The LifeCourse model, integrating palliative care principles, positively affects patients' quality of life and medical costs. Allina Health is addressing limited resources by implementing care guides in existing care teams.
The LifeCourse model fulfills the Triple Aim by addressing patients' medical and non-medical needs during late-stage care. Analysis of 900 intervention and usual care patients shows significant improvements in cost reduction and quality of life.
A study by Allina Health researchers reveals that both patients and healthcare providers tend to delay conversations about serious illness. The study's findings emphasize the need for clinicians to discuss patients' social, emotional, and spiritual priorities to provide better end-of-life care.
A new study from Indiana University Center for Aging Research and Regenstrief Institute found that the intensity of hospice services was similar across nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and patient homes, but with variations in service mix based on diagnosis and location.
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine propose recrafting federal anti-kickback laws to allow more sensible health-promoting initiatives. The authors suggest laws should distinguish between inducements for high-value services with medical benefits and those that mainly benefit provider profit margins.
A new study led by researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital found that early referrals to palliative care reduced healthcare utilization and increased use of support services after discharge. The study also showed significant improvements in 30-day readmission rates, hospice referral, and chemotherapy receipt.
Oregon's end-of-life care approach is characterized by higher rates of home hospice use and fewer hospitalizations, while Washington lags behind in implementing similar initiatives. The state's POLST Program has been instrumental in honoring patients' wishes and improving symptom management.
A long-term study found that e-cigarette users who stopped smoking cigarettes substantially reduced their intake of cancer-causing chemicals compared to those who continued to smoke. The study confirms that e-cigarettes are much safer than conventional cigarettes and may be a useful long-term quitting aid for patients.
A new study by The Dartmouth Institute finds that Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) with a high proportion of minority patients tend to perform worse on quality-of-care measures. ACOs serving these populations often struggle to offer essential services like routine specialty care and palliative care.