Research by VNS Health has found that generative AI systems can help clinicians better assess and predict patients’ palliative care needs. The nonprofit recently conducted a case study of three individuals in which staff evaluated methods for using AI to generate a clinical decision support tool. The AI system, an open-source large language model, translated […]
VNS Health
Understanding the risks and potential returns on technology investments will be key for hospices’ sustainability alongside rising demand, workforce and economic pressures and cybersecurity risks. Hospices nationwide have contended with increasing costs to deliver care, with many turning to technology to spread limited staffing resources across much needed underserved regions. The financial lift and care […]
Recent research has found disparities in hospice discharge rates and outcomes among Black and Latino patient populations. Black and Hispanic patients are more likely to have shorter stays and be discharged from hospice into a hospital setting compared to others, according to a recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) […]
Breaking down health care disparities can come with complex operational and financial challenges for hospices as reimbursement avenues lag amid widespread workforce shortages. Navigating these challenges can be a difficult feat when seeking to expand equitable access, according to Teresa Lin, vice president of cultural market development at VNS Health. The provider offers hospice, home […]
More hospices nationwide have increasingly recognized the value proposition of expanding their reach into untapped and underserved populations and geographic markets. Aside from increased access, census volumes and quality, health equity’s return on investment can also include a better recruitment and retention outlook, according to David Turner, vice president of special projects and initiatives at […]
Having peer-support and employee feedback loops are key pieces in some hospices’ onboarding models. Rising demand for hospice amid prolific clinical workforce shortages has providers laser-focused on effective recruitment and retention strategies. Onboarding processes have an important role in preparing hospice clinicians for the nuances of providing end-of-life care. Hospices have taken varied approaches to […]
Social workers have an increasingly important role to play in breaking down barriers among underserved populations, including misconceptions about hospice that can deter or dampen utilization. Social workers can be pivotal to shaping care delivery approaches and community outreach efforts that improve hospice access and understanding, according to Arlen Gaines, licensed clinical social worker and […]
A rising number of hospices have undergone name changes in recent years, prompting many to consider the elements of an effective rebranding strategy. As hospices nationwide develop new services to engage patients further upstream, some are rebranding to reflect their expanded scope and to avoid the word “hospice” in their company names, hoping to ameliorate […]
VNS Health has developed community education programs to boost awareness and hospice utilization among Chinese populations in New York City. Having a diverse staff, as well as outreach materials in various dialects, are two keys to developing culturally competent public education programs designed for Asian Americans, according to Teresa Lin, vice president of cultural market […]
Two barriers interfere with palliative care growth — identifying patients in need and a fragmented reimbursement system, according to Laura Templeton, COO and executive vice president at Compassus. As a nurse, Templeton has leveraged her clinical experiences to help navigate challenges that prevent patients from accessing care. She recently ascended to her current executive role […]