Hospices can improve goal-concordant care by partnering with advance care planning providers. Collaborative efforts can help address the needs of patients and their families, according to Judith Wood Mintz, director of social work at Unity Hospice and Palliative Care. "Hospices are uniquely positioned to educate patients and families about the advantages of planning ahead," Mintz said.

A study in the European Journal of Pediatrics found primary caregivers support pediatric palliative care solutions that have a family centered, holistic approach. Researchers wrote the study "brings attention to family concerns that technological advancements could potentially detract from the quality of care by replacing vital human interactions or by adding to their existing burdens."

Achieving quality indicators linked to survival was less likely for racial and minority patients with metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and those considered to be socially vulnerable, researchers reported in the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. Overall, 9 of 10 patients achieved at least one quality indicator. Data showed 83.3% of 14,147 patients used palliative/hospice care services, with increased utilization over time.

Effective integration of social determinants of health into palliative care requires education and reimbursement, experts said. Dr. Tracy Romanello, medical director at Catholic Hospice and Catholic Palliative Care Services in Florida, emphasized the need for training staff to address nonmedical needs, while Dr. Cameron Muir, chief medical officer at the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation, highlighted the importance of understanding insurance coverage for SDOH and showing return-on-investment.

At least 10% of patient safety events are caused by poor communication among health care workers, patients and caregivers, according to a meta-analysis published in the Annals of Internal Medicine. Researchers reviewed 46 studies involving 67,639 patients worldwide, finding that communication failures contribute to adverse events, near misses and medical errors.

Phase 3 study data showed that AXS-05, a combination of dextromethorphan and bupropion, may effectively treat agitation in patients with Alzheimer's disease. The medication was associated with delaying and preventing relapse of agitation and was well-tolerated, according to research presented at the American Academy of Neurology's annual meeting.

Hearing loss may account for up to 32% of dementia cases, according to a study in JAMA Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery. The study used data from nearly 3,000 older adults in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities neurocognitive study and measured audiometric hearing loss instead of self-reported hearing loss, which may underestimate population attributable fractions, researcher Jason Smith said.

HHS is considering changes to its operations that could impact programs supporting older adults and caregivers. Among the proposed cuts are funding for State Health Insurance Assistance Programs, fall prevention initiatives for older adults, respite care for family caregivers, and the long-term care ombudsman program.

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