Sat.Feb 08, 2025 - Fri.Feb 14, 2025

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Hospice of the Valley: Redefining the End-of-Life Care Delivery Outlook

Hospice News

Rising competition in the hospice space has fueled pivotal changes in end-of-life care delivery both for better and for worse, according to Arizona-based Hospice of the Valley Executive Director Debbie Shumway. Healthy competition can be a good thing, driving innovation and quality improvement, Shumway stated. More providers can also mean greater access during a time of growing demand among swelling aging populations.

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The Palliative Performance Scale (PPS): A Vital Tool in Palliative Care 

Life & Death Matters

The Palliative Performance Scale (PPS) has emerged as an invaluable instrument in palliative care settings, offering healthcare providers a standardized approach to assessing and monitoring patients’ functional status. Originally developed by the Victoria Hospice Society, this tool has transformed how we approach patient care planning, team communication, and resource allocation.

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A Nurse’s Call to Action: Supporting DEI in Healthcare

Diversity Nursing

Despite the clear benefits of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in healthcare, recent political opposition has posed significant challenges. The term DEI has come under scrutiny, with some political leaders arguing against these initiatives, often framing them as unnecessary or divisive. This pushback has resulted in reduced funding for DEI programs and even bans on diversity training in some institutions.

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Plenary Abstracts at AAHPM/HPNA: Yael Schenker, Na Ouyang, Marie Bakitas

GeriPal

Summary Transcript CME Summary In todays podcast we were delighted to be joined by the presenters of the top scientific abstracts for the Annual Assembly of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine ( AAHPM ) and the Hospice and Palliative Medicine Nurses Association ( HPNA ). Eric and I interviewed these presenters at the meeting on Thursday (before the pub crawl, thankfully).

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The Evolution of Communication in Healthcare Settings

Healthcare communication has evolved from handwritten notes and paper charts to digital tools like EHRs, telemedicine, and AI-powered platforms. This blog explores how these advancements improve patient outcomes, streamline care delivery, and enhance provider collaboration. Learn about the role of mobile health (mHealth) apps, secure messaging, and social media in bridging communication gaps.

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Reimagining Nursing: The Path to a More Resilient Healthcare System

Daily Nurse

Healthcare is at a turning point, with persistent challenges threatening the system’s sustainability. Workforce shortages projected to exceed 100,000 healthcare workers by 2028 and increasing clinician burnout highlight the urgent need for a more sustainable and effective approach to care delivery. Integrated care models are emerging as a vital solution, blending advanced technologies, redefined clinical roles, and cross-disciplinary collaboration to meet our healthcare providers’

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Early Telepalliative Care Can Reduce Caregiver Burden, Improve Quality

Hospice News

Wider utilization of telepalliative services could help ease family caregiver burdens and improve quality among seriously ill patient populations, research has found. Researchers have increasingly dug into the quality impacts of virtual palliative care delivery and how telehealth outcomes compare to in-person care. Telepalliative care models helped to improve experiences among lung cancer patients family caregivers in similar ways to in-person services, according to a recent study published by t

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Harriet Tubman’s Forgotten History as a Civil War Nurse

Minority Nurse

Harriet Tubman lived a life of advocacy, courage, and fearlessness as a conductor of the Underground Railroad, a system of safe houses and escape routes from slavery across America during the Civil War. However, not many people know that she also was a nurse at one point. She often took care of her passengers on their way to freedom, and this experience helped her serve as a Civil War nurse, where she cared for hundreds of wounded soldiers and nursed them back to health.

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Her name was Martha: Honoring legacies in long-term care

Rehab Realities by Renee Kinder

Her name was Martha, and she was one of the few neighbors on the street I didnt meet. This is something that does haunt me a bit. A missed opportunity to learn, gain a cherished friendship, and marvel in the woman who made history, literally, by being one of the first women to graduate from her universitys college of medicine. I learned of the passing of this woman, sadly, when another neighbor mentioned that there was to be an estate sale at her house.

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Training Hospice Workers to Face Existential Distress, ‘Death Anxiety’

Hospice News

Hospice providers that integrate a deep focus on emotional well-being in their staff training efforts could see improved workforce and patient satisfaction. Hospice and palliative care workers often lack training around the complexities of death anxiety and the various emotional and physical tolls it can take on an individual, according to Dr. Keri Brenner, psychiatrist, palliative care physician and clinical associate professor at Stanford University.

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A Guide to Heart Health

Freedom Home Care and Medical Staffing

Each February, American Heart Month raises awareness about heart disease and encourages people to adopt heart-healthy habits. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S., accounting for one in four deaths. However, with preventive measures, it is largely avoidable. Start the new year by prioritizing your heart health and supporting those affected by heart disease.

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3 Reasons to Retire Pagers from Healthcare Settings

Let's discuss the trusty pager—an old favorite that’s losing its shine in hospitals and clinics. While once a staple in hospitals and clinics, pagers now present significant limitations that hinder rather than facilitate communication among healthcare professionals. Healthcare professionals are constantly on the move, and they need communication tools that can keep up with their fast-paced lives.

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Navigating the Emotional Struggles of Compassion Fatigue in Nursing

Minority Nurse

Nursing is one of the most rewarding yet emotionally demanding professions. Nurses are on the front lines of patient care, often providing comfort during some of the most critical moments of people’s lives. However, the constant emotional toll of caregiving can lead to a phenomenon known as compassion fatiguea form of burnout tied explicitly to the emotional strain of caring for others.

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H5N1 Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Update for Nurses and Other Health Providers

AJN Off the Charts

Influenza is a clever virus and one that deserves respect. Current concerns with the H5N1 avian influenza virus strain demonstrate why public health around the world continues to watch and monitor for impact on human health. Although the situation is not one that currently affects us on a day-to-day basis, it is important that we have a basic understanding of why this remains newsworthy.

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Navigating Palliative Care Models in ACO Partnerships

Hospice News

Partnerships between health care providers and Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) can help to create effective, value-based palliative care models for patients, but navigating the development of those relationships requires communication and a true commitment to collaboration. These opportunities extend across both the inpatient and community-based settings, with a mind toward improving quality and improving patients quality of life.

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Embracing Diversity in English Language Expression

Evidence-Based Nursing - BMJ blogs

This weeks blog has been written by Dr Victor Kpandemoi Abu, Senior Lecturer, School of Nursing and Midwifery, London South Bank University, London, UK. Non-native English speakers face the challenge of communicating the standard form of English in publications or academic works. Attention has been drawn to my English linguistic deficit in these areas.

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The Ultimate Guide to Improving Caregiver Engagement & Retention

Want to learn how to retain your caregivers & improve caregiver retention X3? The home care industry is experiencing turnover rates of over 80%. How are you ensuring your agency is retaining caregivers? This FREE eBook from Smartcare Software is packed with industry secrets needed to keep your caregivers happy, engaged, and retained, unlocking the full potential of your agency.

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Future-Proofing Healthcare: The Unexpected Tools Enhancing Nurse Efficiency

Daily Nurse

Healthcare faces growing demands, and nurses often manage the brunt of them. It’s common for nurses to have to juggle heavy workloads, complex patient needs, and time-intensive tasks every day they clock in. These challenges put pressure on efficiency and patient care quality. Fortunately, technology is stepping in as a powerful ally, offering tools and innovations that streamline workflows, reduce stress, and empower nurses to focus on delivering exceptional care.

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The Ultimate Guide to Senior-Friendly Technology

American In-Home Care

Technology can be downright baffling for those who didnt grow up with it. But lets face it: utilizing tech tools has become a necessity in todays world. Senior-friendly technology is helping to bridge the gap, turning frustration and uncertainty into ease and empowerment. These tech tools allow older adults to stay connected, manage daily tasks more easily, and explore new experiences, all without the steep learning curve.

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New HHS Secretary RFK Jr. Pledges Support for Quality End-of-Life Care

Hospice News

The recently newly confirmed U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. has voiced his support for end-of-life care. Kennedy oversees all HHS programs, operating divisions and activities, including a nearly $2 trillion federal funding budget and a wide range of health and human service programs. HHS subagencies include the U.S.

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Better Sleep, Better Health: Tips for Seniors and Caregivers

Community Home Health Care

A good nights sleep is vital for physical health, mental clarity, and emotional well-beingespecially for seniors. According to Sleep Foundation , aging often brings sleep challenges like insomnia, disrupted sleep patterns, or health-related issues that interfere with rest. For caregivers, supporting a senior loved ones sleep health is equally important for their overall quality of life.

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The Role of Technology in Remote Patient Monitoring

Remote patient monitoring (RPM) is transforming healthcare by enabling providers to track patient health outside traditional clinical settings. This blog explores the role of technology in RPM, including wearable devices, mobile apps, and connected medical tools that collect and share real-time data. Discover how RPM expands care access, improves outcomes, enhances patient engagement, and reduces costs by shifting from reactive to proactive care.

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Climate Change and Critical Care: How Nurses Can Lead the Fight for Environmental Sustainability

Daily Nurse

The healthcare industry is increasingly feeling the effects of climate change, impacting individual patients, clinicians, organizational operations, and public health as a whole. Nurses, as frontline caregivers and patient advocates, have a crucial role in both responding to and mitigating these environmental challenges. A recent symposium of articles published in AACN Advanced Critical Care explores the intersection of climate change and acute and critical care, highlighting the urgent need for

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Self-Care Tips for Caregivers

Traditions Health

Caregiving for a loved one is an important job. But it can feel all-consuming when youre also juggling the responsibilities of your own family and career. While every caregiver and caregiving situation is different, one thing always rings true: The constant list of duties and demands from giving medication to doing housework and managing finances can lead to exhaustion, frustration, and sometimes, even resentment.

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Inside The Pennant Group’s Palliative Care Philosophy and Practice

Hospice News

The Pennant Group has been quietly building palliative care programs driven by its local leaders with support from the corporate offices Service Center. Pennant is the holding company for a group of independent hospice, home health and senior living providers located across 13 states. The company currently holds 115 hospice and home health agencies and 54 senior living providers as independent subsidiaries.

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Living Well With a Chronic Health Condition Is Within Your Reach!

Responsive Home Care

Chronic illness has a way of reshaping life, for both the person experiencing it and also you, the family caregiver. You can see how it alters the rhythm of their days, forcing them to modify plans and discover new ways to manage the unexpected. While the illness may create obstacles, it doesnt have to define […] The post Living Well With a Chronic Health Condition Is Within Your Reach!

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Real-Life Examples of HIPAA Violations and How to Avoid Them

Speaker: Jack Clough, Chief Growth Officer

Download our 30-minute webinar where we delve into real-life examples of HIPAA violations and preventative measures every organization should know! You will learn: The critical factors that lead to HIPAA violations and how to identify them. Three compelling real-life cases of organizations that faced severe HIPAA penalties. Proven strategies to safeguard YOUR organization against HIPAA violations.

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Own Your Nursing Brand

Daily Nurse

In nursing job interviews and other high-stakes career-related interactions, it’s your responsibility to make the case for why you’re an amazing nurse and the perfect fit for a particular position or healthcare organization. How do you make the case for who you are and what you bring to the table? How do you take ownership of your personal brand ?

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Maintaining Your Mental Health While Working in Healthcare

Caregiver Support Services

Working in healthcare is a noble profession. But while it is an emotionally rewarding career choice, it can take a toll on your mental wellness. Therefore, knowing how to maintain good mental wellness is essential to maintaining your productivity and morale. It is also a key step towards creating a better future. The following are some of the most effective ways to support yourself and ensure that you can provide better patient care for years to come: Seek Professional Help You know better than

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Using a Hospice Data ‘Toolbox’ to Tune Up Health Equity

Hospice News

Hospice providers have leveraged data in various ways to both identify and address the biggest barriers to access and unmet needs among underserved terminally ill patient populations. Some avenues may be more fruitful than others. Hospices need careful consideration when implementing more equitable patient data collection methodologies that lead to impactful change, according to Brittany Chambers, director of health equity and special initiatives at the Center to Advance Palliative Care (CAPC).

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Advanced Nursing Degrees, Should You Take the Leap!

Minority Nurse

Nursing is an incredibly rewarding career path with ample opportunities for growth, including pursuing an advanced degree. An advanced degree may be a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), or Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD), which all open doors to new opportunities in nursing. By completing an advanced degree, the opportunities in leadership, patient care, and contribution to nursing and healthcare science grow.

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Best Practices for Sharing Protected Health Information (PHI)

Explore essential topics in this ebook, including what constitutes PHI and how to identify it using 18 indicators. Gain insights into the importance of safeguarding PHI to protect patient privacy and learn about the severe consequences of HIPAA violations. Discover practical strategies for securely exchanging PHI within your healthcare organization, including assessing risks and implementing effective safeguards.

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A Nurse’s Instinct: How Joey Straw’s Attention to Detail Saved a Veteran’s Life

Daily Nurse

For most nurses, every shift is a routine filled with patient checks, assessments, and procedures. However, for Joey Straw, an acute care nurse at the Nashville VA , one ordinary day turned into a life-saving moment that highlights why he was named Daily Nurse’s Nurse of the Week. Never Overlooking a Step Straw stepped into his patient’s isolation room, prepared for what should have been a standard evaluation.

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Courageous Conversations: Tackle Tough Talks to Build a Healthy Workplace

Healthy Workforce Institute

As leaders, one of the most challenging yet rewarding skills we must develop is having courageous conversations with our employees. These are the conversations we dreadthe ones that make our stomachs flip. But when we avoid these discussions, we trade short-term discomfort for long-term dysfunction. Diane Salter , one of our brilliant consultants at the Healthy Workforce Institute , recently shared her strategies for tackling tough talks during a live call with our team champions in our Departme

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Addressing Anticipatory Grief: A Hospice Chaplain’s Perspective

Hospice News

All hospices provide some form of bereavement care after a patient dies, but many families need help with anticipatory grief as well. Chaplains and social workers, with support from the entire interdisciplinary team, are there to help patients and their families to navigate the emotions and struggles that often come with a loved ones impending death.

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Understanding Hospice Care: Myths vs. Facts

Adobe Hospice & Home Health

Many people have questions about hospice care and what it really means. Unfortunately, there are common myths that can make families hesitant to seek help. Below, we separate the myths from the facts so you can make the best decision for your loved one. Myth: Hospice is only for the last few days of life. The post Understanding Hospice Care: Myths vs.

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The Essential Guide to HIPAA-Compliant Messaging for Home Care Teams

Explore the risks posed by non-compliant consumer apps like Instagram and WhatsApp in healthcare settings. Learn about potential HIPAA penalties and use a self-evaluation flowchart to determine your organization's need for HIPAA-compliant messaging. Discover straightforward steps to implement secure communication solutions efficiently, ensuring compliance and protecting patient data effectively.