Sat.Feb 17, 2024 - Fri.Feb 23, 2024

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HopeHealth’s Dr. Leah McDonald Sees ‘System-Wide Embedding’ of Palliative Skills

Hospice News

A systematic overhaul of the nation’s health care education programs is needed to ensure that future clinicians are prepared to provide palliative and hospice care amid rising demand, according to Dr. Leah McDonald of HopeHealth. McDonald is a hospice and palliative care physician at HopeHealth. The nonprofit health system offers home health, hospice and palliative care in Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts.

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Psychological Issues in Palliative Care: Elissa Kozlov and Des Azizoddin

GeriPal

Summary Transcript Summary In our podcast with palliative care pioneer Susan Block , she identified the psychological/psychiatric aspects of palliative care as the biggest are of need for improvement. As she said, when you think about the hardest patients you’ve cared for, in nearly all cases there was some aspect of psychological illness involved.

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Empowering patients and families to escalate worries and concerns. The NHS England pilot project at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Evidence-Based Nursing - BMJ blogs

In this week’s blog Debra Ritsperis Head of Quality @DRitsperis, Isolde Newbury ACRT @AcuteResponse, Rebecca Wood Paediatric Matron @becky_RWood, Kaylea Roffe Data Manager @roffe_kaylea, Natalie Tomms Communications Lead, outline how the worries and concerns pilot project (April 2023-March 2024) has been implemented across at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust @GHFT_Excellence @gloshospitals Other Project Team members: Suzie Cro Deputy Director of Quality Programme Director Nursing a

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Practical Strategies for Implementing Evidence-Based Practice

Minority Nurse

Basing your nursing practice on the latest evidence and research remains critical to providing optimal patient care. Practicing nursing based on tradition, “ how we ’ ve always done it,” or outdated research can lead to poor patient outcomes, inappropriate care, or serious errors. No doubt you studied evidence-based practice (EBP) in school, read it in journals or attended in-service sessions about using evidence in practice.

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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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Blue Sky Hospice Medical Director Convicted of $2.8M Hospice Fraud

Hospice News

A federal jury has convicted Dr. John Thropay, a hospice medical director, on charges of health care fraud in a $2.8 million scheme. Thropay was the medical director of several hospice companies, including Blue Sky Hospice, based in Van Nuys, California. He was convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and four counts of health care fraud.

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Meet Betsy Peyton: The Hero Behind Keeping Vulnerable Patients Safe and Out of the ER

Daily Nurse

Betsy Peyton is a community health nurse in Virginia who founded WellAWARE , a program that connects high-tech medicine with clients’ low-tech, high-touch needs—the grassroots, person-to-person program zeroes in on those who might fall through the cracks. Peyton and two other community health workers regularly visit about 60 clients across central Virginia, focusing on people who frequently use local emergency rooms for low-acuity health problems while avoiding preventative primary care.

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The Alarming Trend of Seasoned Nurses Being Laid Off: Profits Over Patient Care? 

Minority Nurse

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) (2022) estimated over 100,000 registered nurses left the profession and predicted that another 800,000 nurses would follow them by 2027. The top reasons reported for leaving were burnout, feeling undervalued, and a high patient-to-nurse ratio. However, hospital layoffs are another culprit driving experienced nurses from their profession.

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How Palliative Care Could Help Break the SNF-to-Hospital Cycle

Hospice News

A dearth of coordination or integration between rehab teams and palliative care teams routinely forces some patients into a cycle between the hospital and the nursing home in their last year of life. These results appeared in a 2019 New England Journal of Medicine study titled “Rehabbed to Death.” Rehabilitation therapy, or post-acute care, aims to assist patients in recovering daily life skills — such as walking or swallowing — following an injury or illness.

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In Healthcare and Nursing, Relationships Matter

Daily Nurse

Healthcare is an industry where careers and patient care are both fueled by relationships. As you navigate the arc of your professional life, your multidisciplinary colleagues can be a special fuel for your future. At the same time, your connections with patients can bring meaning and purpose to your work. All in all, relationships could not be more critical to your career and your personal and professional fulfillment.

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Partnering for Care

Today's Caregiver

I have heard a lot recently about a phrase that I really like: Care Partnership. We have always used this phrase mostly in relationship with the family caregiver becoming an equal member of their loved one’s care team.

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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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ESTATE PLANNING TERMS EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW

Elder Care Matters

Elder law attorneys across Florida are committed to protecting individuals’ interests, autonomy, assets, and legal rights as they navigate estate and long-term care planning. Whether a person is confronting aging, disability, or a chronic illness, pragmatic and strategic estate planning can help protect the safety, comfort, and security of an individual and his or her… The post ESTATE PLANNING TERMS EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW appeared first on Elder Care Directory - ElderCareMatters.com.

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Proposed Legislation Would Create Tax Credits for Family Caregivers

Hospice News

In case you missed it, Hospice News has launched a new specialty publication for palliative care professionals. You can subscribe to Palliative Care News here: Subscribe today! A bill to strengthen support for family caregivers is working its way through Congress. If enacted, it would create tax credits to help offset the financial burdens of caring for the seriously ill.

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Why Practitioners Need to be More Informed About Infantile Spasms

Daily Nurse

Infantile spasms are a rare but serious form of epilepsy that is often misdiagnosed. The disorder occurs in approximately 3 cases per 10,000 live births and usually begins in the first 4-8 months of life but can occur in children up to age 3. Most cases are associated with an abnormal brain wave pattern that can cause harm to a young, developing brain.

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What To Look For When Choosing a Nursing School

Diversity Nursing

Choosing the right Nursing school is a crucial decision that will shape your future career. It's essential to carefully consider various factors to ensure you receive the best education and training possible. From accreditation to clinical opportunities, faculty expertise, and student support services, each aspect plays a vital role in your overall learning experience.

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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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What is frailty? Helpful information for caregivers and tips for prevention

Living Assistance Services

As people age, they often find themselves dealing with a variety of physical changes and challenges. While some are minor, others may.

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The Employment Outlook for Hospice Aides

Hospice News

Rising wages, reimbursement pressures and immigration policies are fueling high turnover rates for hospice and personal care aides. Similar trends are proliferating among hospitals and health systems that provide these services. Current reimbursement structures for aide services represent the most significant challenge in maintaining a sufficient workforce, according to Kenneth Albert, president and CEO of Maine-based Androscoggin Home Healthcare + Hospice.

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Try These Ideas for Unique Birthday Celebrations for Seniors

Responsive Home Care

If you are interested in a fun way to celebrate the life of somebody you love, nothing beats a birthday party! The key to planning a successful birthday party for an older family member is crafting ideas that are unique to the individual. Start by thinking through: How large of an event should it be, […] The post Try These Ideas for Unique Birthday Celebrations for Seniors appeared first on Responsive Home Care.

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The Unique Warning Signs of a Heart Attack in Men and Women

American In-Home Care

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , chest pain or discomfort are the primary symptoms of a heart attack. This sensation can feel like pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center of the chest. While chest pain is the most well-known symptom of a heart attack, it's important to recognize that men and women often experience other distinct warning signs.

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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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Why Nurses Assist Falling Patients Despite the Risk

AJN Off the Charts

A too-common scenario. Joe opens his eyes and looks through the window of his hospital room. He has always been early to rise. Even at age 82, he can’t shake the habits he learned when he was young. “I’m woozy again,” Joe thinks as he sits up in bed. His medication sometimes makes him feel that way. Joe presses the call light so a nurse can help him to the bathroom.

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Growing Palliative Care a Key Priority for Amedisys in 2024

Hospice News

Want to read more palliative care-focused content like this? Subscribe to Palliative Care News today ! Amedisys (NASDAQ: AMED) is pushing forward on palliative care growth in 2024 through its innovation arm, Contessa. The company acquired Contessa in 2021 for $250 million. Contessa’s specialties are high-acuity care in the home, including hospital-at-home and skilled nursing facility-at-home programs.

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Traditions Health of Tulsa, OK Awarded Hospice Accreditation

Traditions Health

Nashville, TN – Traditions Health of Tulsa, OK has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Hospice Accreditation by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards. The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a healthcare organization’s commitment to providing safe and quality patient care. The Tulsa hospice branch underwent a rigorous, unannounced onsite review.

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Meet a Champion of Nursing Diversity: Elodia Mercier

Minority Nurse

For almost 40 years as the Director of Nursing for Throughput Operations at Montefiore Health System in New York, Elodia Mercier, RNC, MS, has been advancing patient care and creating and defining new roles for fellow nurses and other providers. In June 2021, Montefiore was evaluating performance improvement initiatives to enhance patient experiences and alleviate flow challenges and decided to open a discharge lounge.

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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.

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A Non-Expert with Expertise: Navigating the Risks and Rewards of Testimony from Highly Sophisticated Professional Employees in Federal Court

Healthcare Law Insights blog

Corporate defendants are frequently faced with a quandary—is the company’s highly sophisticated professional employee simply a fact witness or does their anticipated testimony propel them into the world of expert discovery? The individual knows the business inside and out, and typically has a comprehensive understanding of the entire industry, but the legal parameters of whether they qualify as a lay witness or expert witness in this context is not always clear.

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The Risk of Criminal Charges in Hospice Fraud Cases

Hospice News

Hospice personnel could face criminal charges in instances of suspected fraud, waste and abuse. The regulatory stakes are high for hospice providers when it comes to False Claims Act (FCA) violations, according to Jonathan Porter, partner at the law firm Husch Blackwell. Though the vast majority of FCA cases do not result in criminal charges, the steps toward resolving these cases prior to the point of a federal jury trial can be treacherous for hospice providers, he stated in a recent Husch Bla

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Nursing Tip of the Day! - Fundamentals

Nurse Nacole

Category: Fundamentals Transudates are caused by either an increase in intravascular hydrostatic pressure or a decrease in intravascular oncotic pressure. This generates an increased flow of fluid into the pleural space across noninjured capillary beds.

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Navigating the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program: Top 10 Tips for Success

Minority Nurse

Embarking on a Doctor of Nursing Practice Program (DNP) is a significant stride towards advancing your career in healthcare. Amidst the increasing demand for advanced nursing professionals, selecting the right DNP program becomes crucial. The DNP program has many options: online, hybrid, and in-person. However, before diving into the intricacies of program selection and study strategies, ask yourself this most important question: Why pursue a DNP degree?

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The Cost of Inefficient Communication in Home Care & Beyond

This eBook explores the critical issues of using consumer-grade messaging apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and SMS in healthcare, especially home care. It highlights the negative impacts on patient care quality, data security, and HIPAA compliance and provides practical solutions to enhance communication efficiency! You will learn how to: Consolidate Messaging Platforms: Streamline communication by reducing the use of multiple apps, improving efficiency in patient care.

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Federal Court Reduces FCA Penalties by 82 Percent Because of Excessive Fines Clause Concerns

Healthcare Law Insights blog

Husch Blackwell’s False Claims Act team previously covered the results of a rare False Claims Act (FCA) trial in which a federal jury found that a surgical product distributor was liable for paying kickbacks to physicians. The federal judge overseeing that trial initially entered judgment against the distributor defendants for $487 million after trebling the government’s actual damages and then adding penalties for each kickback-tainted claim.

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VITAS Makes C-Suite, EVP Promotions; Westfall Named Chairman

Hospice News

Vitas Healthcare is making changes in its c-suite and executive team. COO Joel Wherely will now also serve as Vitas’ president, the company announced today. Bryan Wysong, currently senior vice president of operational performance, will step in as executive vice president of operations. CEO Nick Westfall has been appointed the company’s chairman. “VITAS Healthcare continues to experience tremendous success and, as we keep growing, so do the opportunities and recognition for our leadership,”

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Nursing Tip of the Day! - Fundamentals

Nurse Nacole

Category: Fundamentals Pleural effusions can be classified as either transudates or exudates. Distinguishing between transudates and exudates narrows the differential diagnosis and directs management and therapy.

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The Benefits of Earning Your DNP

Minority Nurse

A nursing career offers many avenues for nurses of all stripes and interests to fulfill their professional goals. For some, earning a doctorate is a lifelong aspiration that they are keen to fulfill, and nursing offers three options for this accomplishment: the DNP, the PhD, and the Doctor of Nursing Science (DNS or DNSc). Doctoral programs offer what is frequently referred to as “ terminal” degrees since they represent the highest possible level of educational achievement in most disciplines (s

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The Secret to Supercharging Your Organizations Communications

Effective collaboration among all care team members is critical to delivering better patient outcomes. A key element to achieving effective collaboration is through the implementation of a clinical communication and collaboration platform. In a fast-paced, high-stress and critical environment, people tend to do whatever gets the job done. Therefore will scramble and use the systems, people, or processes around them to get an outcome more quickly - which can often be at the expense of quality.