Articles tagged with Hospice Care
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Involving generalists and specialists in primary palliative care skills can alleviate patient suffering through high-quality pain and symptom management. This approach could increase access to specialty palliative care consultation while providing fundamental aspects of palliative care.
A study published in Health Affairs found that Medicare patients who enrolled in hospice received better care at a significantly lower cost to the government. The study, led by researchers at Mount Sinai, showed annual savings of $2.4 million to $6.4 million for the government.
A study analyzing Medicare claims data found a decrease in hospital deaths, but increased ICU stays and healthcare transitions in the last months of life. Hospice use increased from 21.6% to 42.2%, while short hospice stays grew, suggesting that increasing hospice use may not lead to reduced resource utilization.
A recent study found that while more seniors are dying with hospice care than a decade ago, they are increasingly doing so for very few days right after being in intensive care. This suggests that palliative care often happens as an afterthought, and patients may not receive the full measure of comfort and psychological support they need.
A survey of US hospices found that restrictive policies limit access to hospice care for patients requiring costly treatments. Reforming Medicare reimbursement rates and eligibility requirements is necessary to support patients and their providers.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that earlier end-of-life care discussions are associated with less aggressive care and increased use of hospice care for patients with advanced cancer. Initiating these discussions before the last month of life allows patients to make informed decisions about their care.
A new study by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute researchers found that patients who discussed end-of-life care several months before their death were less likely to receive aggressive therapy and more likely to enter hospice care. These conversations enabled patients to think through their options more carefully, leading to better quality ...
A new analysis found that the Medicare rule blocking simultaneous hospice and skilled nursing facility care at the end of life results in patients receiving less aggressive treatments and dying outside of hospitals. Residents with concurrent hospice and SNF care were 87% less likely to die in the hospital compared to those without hosp...
Palliative care discussions can improve symptoms, stress, and survival time for patients with terminal illnesses. Physicians should discuss palliative care with patients during initial talks about prognosis and at subsequent visits to help them plan their remaining lives.
A study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that nearly one-third of older adults used the Medicare posthospitalization skilled nursing facility benefit in their last six months of life. This high use of the SNF benefit for end-of-life care highlights the need to improve palliative care services in nursing homes.
The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) has awarded 16 new centers with integrated oncology and palliative care accreditation. A new study from Italy highlights the underuse of adjuvant analgesics in cancer pain management, emphasizing close patient follow-up.
A new study in Neurology questions the validity of a quality measure for stroke care, suggesting that patient decisions may account for up to 40% of hospital deaths within 30 days. The study found that 41% of patients could have been kept alive with continuous medical interventions, effectively reducing mortality rates by 3.2%.
A study found that avoiding hospitalizations, worrying less, and having a therapeutic alliance with physicians can improve quality of life for cancer patients at the end of life. The study identified nine factors that explained the most variance in patients' quality of life, including intensive care stays and pastoral care.
A study by Indiana University School of Medicine found that nonwhite Medicare patients with heart failure are less likely to enroll in hospice, but more likely to experience hospitalizations and increased costs when they do. Racial disparities persisted over time, highlighting the need for improved end-of-life care options.
A study found that half of adults over 65 made at least one ED visit in the last month of life. In contrast, those with hospice care lived longer outside the hospital. Hospice care provides symptom relief and support for patients nearing end-of-life, whereas ED visits can be expensive and contribute to high costs of care.
A multicenter study led by Johns Hopkins researcher Bruce Leff found that six geriatric health care delivery models improved quality of care while reducing medical costs. The study, published in Health Affairs, highlights the effectiveness of models such as NICHE and Pall. Care in improving patient-centered care and reducing costs.
A study published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management found that prognosis was discussed in 93% of conversations, with quality of life focused more often than survival. The conversation's tone varied depending on whether the patient was present, with pessimistic discussions more likely when family members were alone.
A new report shows that integrated heart failure services can reduce unwanted hospital deaths, allowing many patients to die at home. The study found that specialist nurses played a pivotal role in discussing end-of-life care with patients, enabling them to make plans and set their affairs in order.
The Changes Toolkit helps palliative care patients and their care providers navigate physical, emotional, and relationship changes with a self-administered interactive resource. The toolkit provides a foundation for conversations about health, goals of care, and living wills, aiming to ensure better outcomes for patients and families.
The American College of Physicians recommends testing a premium support program on a demonstration project basis to ensure patient access to care. The College also suggests policies to reform payment and delivery systems to reduce costs and maintain access to affordable care for beneficiaries.
A new study suggests creating quality measures for end-of-life care in nursing homes to inform consumers and incentivize improvements. The study proposes two quality measures: hospital transfer rates and hospice care usage, which can be calculated from existing data.
A new study by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that most terminally ill cancer patients discuss end-of-life care with their physicians, but often too late. The conversations tend to occur under stressful hospital conditions and are typically led by non-oncologists.
A multidisciplinary group of healthcare experts share their experiences on integrating palliative care into the ICU setting. The discussion highlights the potential benefits of palliative care in easing suffering and improving quality of life for critically ill patients.
A study led by the University of Kentucky found that hospice family caregivers experience 'second-order patient' stress due to caregiving tasks and emotional impact. Researchers recommend routine care interventions to address these unique needs and improve caregiver outcomes.
Experts in pediatric palliative care will discuss current challenges, including building partnerships and improving funding to promote better quality of care. Recent growth in research initiatives is extending comprehensive care to more children with serious illness.
A University of Michigan study found that advance directives can lead to lower Medicare expenditures for end-of-life care, particularly in regions with high spending. Patients with treatment-limiting advance directives were less likely to die in hospitals and more likely to receive palliative hospice care.
A survey of 538 family members found that hospice care significantly improved the provision of care and support for nursing home patients with dementia and their families. Family members of hospice recipients reported lower levels of unmet needs, pain management concerns, and emotional support needs.
A University of Georgia study reveals that 82% of Georgia hospitals lack palliative care services, despite its growing importance nationwide. The researchers found that only 18% of hospitals have palliative care programs and many healthcare providers are unaware of the concept.
Researchers suggest 10 changes medical oncologists can make to flatten costs, maintain or improve care, and save money for future medical advances. The authors also emphasize the need for open communication between doctors and patients about end-of-life care.
End-of-life care for cancer patients varies significantly between the US and Canada, with higher rates of hospital admissions and emergency room visits in Ontario compared to the US. In contrast, US patients receive more chemotherapy, particularly in the last month of life.
A new study published in Music and Medicine found that palliative care patients experience enhanced pain relief, comfort, relaxation, and mood through a unique music therapy project. The project, led by Concordia University's Sandi Curtis, combined students with professional musicians to provide individualized music therapy sessions.
A study published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management found that counties with higher median household incomes have a greater supply of hospice services. This suggests that wealthier communities are more likely to have access to these life-sustaining programs, which can improve pain control, maintain independence, and even ex...
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine are developing new approaches to reduce health-care-associated infections. Investigating the use of probiotics to prevent pneumonia in ventilated patients and evaluating the effectiveness of a new antibiotic in preventing Clostridium difficile infection are two key areas of focus.
The American Cancer Society has received a Presidential Citation Award from the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine for its efforts in promoting palliative care for patients with cancer. The organization has funded over $7 million in research grants to improve quality of life for patients, survivors, and their families.
A study found that for-profit hospices tend to have more patients with dementia and other diagnoses requiring less intense care, as well as longer hospital stays. This may be due to financial incentives tied to Medicare reimbursement rates.
A recent study by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center researchers found that nonprofit hospice agencies disproportionately care for patients with diagnoses associated with less skilled care and longer lengths of stay. This may lead to financial obstacles in providing appropriate care for the neediest patients.
A large proportion of Medicare expenditures for nursing home residents with advanced dementia is spent on aggressive treatments that may be avoidable and of limited clinical benefit. Strategies that promote palliative care may reduce costs at the end of life by shifting from aggressive to comfort care approaches.
A new study finds that the proportion of nursing home residents with dementia benefiting from Medicare hospice care nearly tripled between 1999 and 2006, with duration of care more than doubling. This trend has implications for policymakers seeking to control Medicare costs while preserving access to essential end-of-life care.
A study found that exposure to death and dying can help palliative care professionals develop a better understanding of life's meaning, become more spiritual, and come to terms with their own mortality. The study challenges widely held misconceptions about the inherently morbid nature of caring for the dying.
A national survey found that palliative care for patients with dementia has increased, but gaps in coverage and inadequate insurance coverage remain. Interdisciplinary teams, community partnerships, and education are critical strategies for successful palliative care and reducing caregiver burden.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association recommends prioritizing palliative care over life expectancy when determining hospice eligibility for advanced dementia patients. The study found that a clinical tool assessing mortality risk can improve accuracy and expand access to hospice services.
The program aims to cultivate public awareness of aging issues through diverse reporters. The fellows will develop a major aging-focused story or series, exploring topics such as grandparents raising grandchildren, elder-friendly housing, and seniors' use of new technology.
Researchers found that majority of heart failure patients pass away in acute care hospital, resulting in significantly higher costs. The study examined data from over 30,000 elderly patients with heart failure who died between 2000 and 2006 in Alberta, highlighting the need for discussions about end-of-life care options.
Studies examine resource use and costs in the last six months of life for Medicare beneficiaries with heart failure and Canadian patients who died of heart failure, revealing increased hospice use but high hospitalization rates. Increasing availability of alternative care venues may help reduce hospitalizations and contain costs.
Briefings will present practical, clinical case studies encountered by callers to PAL-MED CONNECT, focusing on topics such as pain management, opioid safety, and neuropathic pain symptoms. The collaboration aims to provide valuable resources for healthcare professionals seeking expertise in palliative care.
A recent study found that black patients are less likely to experience end-of-life care that accurately reflects their preferences compared to white patients. Black patients with more education were marginally more likely to report having end-of-life discussions, but still received more aggressive care regardless of their values.
Researchers found that patients disenrolling from hospice care had nearly five times the healthcare costs of those remaining with hospice. This is due to increased hospitalizations and emergency department visits.
A study by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that cancer patients who die in hospitals or ICUs have worse quality of life, compared to those dying at home with hospice services. Caregivers of patients who died in ICUs are also at higher risk for developing PTSD and prolonged grief disorder.
A retrospective study of 223 patients with terminal cancer found that opioid use was both safe and effective in the home setting. Patients who received higher doses had a longer median survival time compared to those who received lower doses.
Palliative care significantly improved the lives of lung cancer patients, extending their survival by an average of 11.6 months compared to those receiving standard care alone. Quality-of-life assessments also showed substantial improvement in the palliative care group.
A study found substantial regional differences in treatment practices for end-stage renal disease, including hospice care and dialysis before death. Regional variations were not explained by patient characteristics, highlighting the need for personalized and evidence-based decision-making.
The study found that Medicare-certified hospice stays in nursing homes have doubled in the last 10 years, with average treatment times increasing from 46 to 93 days. The researchers attribute this growth to increased Medicare services and reimbursement policies that incentivize longer stays.
A recent study published in Journal of Palliative Medicine found that living wills often do not accurately reflect patients' actual treatment preferences at the end of life. The authors propose revising living wills to include more realistic scenarios and estimates of treatment effectiveness to guide advance care decisions.
The Alzheimer's Solution proposes community centers for dementia care, addressing the need for novel solutions to address this disease. The centers would provide programs of care, treatment, and prevention, taking a family-oriented and personalized approach.
A study by University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center reveals that US cancer centers have varying levels of palliative care programs and services, with NCI-designated centers having more comprehensive programs. Despite the differences, there is strong support for integrating palliative care into oncology care.
A content analysis found that media reports tend to focus on aggressive treatments and survival rates, neglecting discussions of death, palliative care, and adverse events. This study highlights the need for a more balanced approach in cancer news coverage.
A study found significant disparities in palliative care services across US cancer centers, with NCI-designated centers offering more comprehensive programs. The researchers identified barriers such as poor reimbursement and limited institutional resources hindering the delivery of high-quality palliative care.
A study of Medicare beneficiaries with heart failure found that Black and Hispanic patients were less likely to use hospice care compared to white patients. Cultural differences, lack of trust between patients and physicians, and access issues may contribute to these disparities.
A study found that nearly 60% of hospice patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) have the shocking function deactivated, despite potential benefits for their quality of life. ICDs can cause physical and psychological distress for patients and their families.
Health care volunteers can make a disaster situation worse if they are not prepared. To optimize their response, they should seek formal training in disaster medicine and register with existing volunteer organizations. They should also consider the physical and emotional challenges of working in disaster areas and be mindful of the nee...