{"id":5296,"date":"2026-04-16T07:50:10","date_gmt":"2026-04-16T07:50:10","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/homecares.net\/?p=5296"},"modified":"2026-04-16T07:50:10","modified_gmt":"2026-04-16T07:50:10","slug":"a-historic-collaboration-geripal-podcast-and-tcn-talks-unite-for-a-deep-dive-into-hospice-and-palliative-care-leadership","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/homecares.net\/?p=5296","title":{"rendered":"A Historic Collaboration: GeriPal Podcast and TCN Talks Unite for a Deep Dive into Hospice and Palliative Care Leadership"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>In an unprecedented convergence of audio journalism, the GeriPal Podcast and TCN Talks have joined forces for a special, cross-promotional episode, marking a significant moment in the discourse surrounding hospice and palliative care. This unique &quot;podcast within a podcast&quot; event brought together hosts Eric and Alex of GeriPal with Chris Comeaux and Cordt Kassner of TCN Talks to explore critical issues in leadership, quality, and the future of serious illness care. The discussion, rich with insights and candid exchanges, underscored the shared commitment of both platforms to advancing the field and informing its stakeholders.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/homecares.net\/?p=5296\/#Genesis_of_a_Collaborative_Episode\" >Genesis of a Collaborative Episode<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/homecares.net\/?p=5296\/#Introducing_the_Guests_and_Their_Contributions\" >Introducing the Guests and Their Contributions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/homecares.net\/?p=5296\/#A_Musical_Prelude_%22Love_Hurts%22_and_Its_Significance\" >A Musical Prelude: &quot;Love Hurts&quot; and Its Significance<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/homecares.net\/?p=5296\/#Roundtable_Discussion_Navigating_the_Landscape_of_Hospice_News_and_Quality\" >Roundtable Discussion: Navigating the Landscape of Hospice News and Quality<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/homecares.net\/?p=5296\/#Top_News_Stories_and_Data_Insights\" >Top News Stories and Data Insights<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/homecares.net\/?p=5296\/#The_Evolving_Landscape_of_Hospice_Quality_Measurement\" >The Evolving Landscape of Hospice Quality Measurement<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/homecares.net\/?p=5296\/#Addressing_Systemic_Challenges_Fraud_Inequities_and_Leadership\" >Addressing Systemic Challenges: Fraud, Inequities, and Leadership<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/homecares.net\/?p=5296\/#The_IRIS_Framework_and_the_Future_of_Palliative_Care\" >The IRIS Framework and the Future of Palliative Care<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/homecares.net\/?p=5296\/#Leadership_Pearls_of_Wisdom\" >Leadership Pearls of Wisdom<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/homecares.net\/?p=5296\/#Conclusion_A_Unified_Vision_for_the_Future\" >Conclusion: A Unified Vision for the Future<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Genesis_of_a_Collaborative_Episode\"><\/span>Genesis of a Collaborative Episode<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The concept for this unique collaboration emerged organically, a testament to the interconnectedness of thought leaders in the hospice and palliative care space. Chris Comeaux, host of TCN Talks, shared the genesis of the idea: &quot;Cordt had tweaked me and I&#8217;m like, what if we call these guys and say, what if we do a podcast within a podcast? And here we are.&quot; This spontaneous spark ignited a joint effort that aimed to leverage the distinct audiences and expertise of both podcasts.<\/p>\n<p>Alex Smith of GeriPal described the process as &quot;building this airplane as we fly it,&quot; highlighting the innovative and experimental nature of the joint venture. The episode was designed to be released simultaneously by both podcasts, allowing listeners to engage with the conversation from multiple perspectives.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Introducing_the_Guests_and_Their_Contributions\"><\/span>Introducing the Guests and Their Contributions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The episode featured an impressive lineup of experts. Chris Comeaux, a recognized leader, coach, and author in hospice and palliative care, brought his extensive experience, including his book &quot;Anatomy of Leadership.&quot; He also hosts TCN Talks, a podcast dedicated to leadership strategy, innovation, and the future of serious illness care, often with Cordt Kassner as a guest host.<\/p>\n<p>Cordt Kassner, a prominent hospice leader and CEO of Hospice Analytics, provided invaluable data-driven insights. Hospice Analytics offers in-depth data on hospice quality, utilization, and access, and also publishes &quot;Hospice and Palliative Care Today,&quot; a daily email newsletter highlighting critical topics in the field.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_Musical_Prelude_%22Love_Hurts%22_and_Its_Significance\"><\/span>A Musical Prelude: &quot;Love Hurts&quot; and Its Significance<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>True to GeriPal&#8217;s tradition, the episode kicked off with a song request. Chris Comeaux chose &quot;Love Hurts,&quot; explaining its profound connection to the work: &quot;This work is so sacred to us and it hurts. But we love it and we do it. And you know, we&#8217;ve been pioneers creating powder care, creating a hospice across the country. And there are days of amazing joy and there&#8217;s days of amazing pain.&quot; This choice resonated deeply, setting a tone that acknowledged both the challenges and the profound emotional rewards inherent in hospice and palliative care. Alex Smith&#8217;s rendition, even a partial one, added a personal and memorable touch to the introduction.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Roundtable_Discussion_Navigating_the_Landscape_of_Hospice_News_and_Quality\"><\/span>Roundtable Discussion: Navigating the Landscape of Hospice News and Quality<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The core of the episode evolved into a dynamic roundtable discussion, addressing key questions posed by the hosts.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Top_News_Stories_and_Data_Insights\"><\/span>Top News Stories and Data Insights<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Eric of GeriPal initiated the discussion by asking Cordt Kassner about the most significant recent news stories covered by &quot;Hospice and Palliative Care Today.&quot; Kassner highlighted the substantial readership of the newsletter, averaging around 5,000 clicks per story. He revealed that the most popular story, with over 14,000 clicks, was a compilation on medical aid in dying. This topic drew significant attention, showcasing a widespread interest in the evolving landscape of end-of-life choices and the data surrounding them.<\/p>\n<p>Kassner also noted the consistent high engagement with stories on dementia research, particularly those linking emergency department visits and hospital admissions to dementia and end-of-life care planning. This indicates a growing awareness and concern for integrated care approaches for individuals with cognitive decline.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Evolving_Landscape_of_Hospice_Quality_Measurement\"><\/span>The Evolving Landscape of Hospice Quality Measurement<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>A significant portion of the discussion focused on the critical issue of quality measurement in hospice care. Cordt Kassner elaborated on the upcoming HOPE tool, designed to replace the Hospice Item Set. He expressed optimism that HOPE would represent an improvement in publicly reported quality measures for hospices, aiming for greater transparency and enhanced assessment of care quality.<\/p>\n<p>Alex Smith clarified the distinction between different quality metrics, noting that CMS utilizes both the Hospice Item Set (now transitioning to HOPE), which is clinician-reported, and the Hospice CAHPS (Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems) survey, completed by caregivers post-bereavement. Kassner further explained his work with Hospice Analytics, which provides a comprehensive quality rating for every hospice nationwide by analyzing claims, cost reports, and various quality measures. This initiative offers a unique, aggregated perspective beyond official CMS ratings.<\/p>\n<p>Eric posed a critical question regarding the reliability of existing quality metrics, specifically comparing Medicare&#8217;s Care Compare with the National Hospice Locator. Kassner candidly admitted his bias towards the National Hospice Locator, explaining that a significant percentage of hospices lack star ratings on Care Compare due to insufficient survey data. His platform aims to provide a score for every hospice, ensuring a more complete picture of quality.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Addressing_Systemic_Challenges_Fraud_Inequities_and_Leadership\"><\/span>Addressing Systemic Challenges: Fraud, Inequities, and Leadership<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The conversation then shifted to more systemic challenges within the field. Eric voiced a significant concern about the growing prevalence of waste, fraud, and abuse in the hospice industry, particularly in states like California, where an overwhelming number of hospices operate. He emphasized the need for the field to take ownership of these issues and advocate loudly for reform.<\/p>\n<p>Alex Smith echoed this concern, framing it through the lens of research funding. He highlighted the precarious situation for junior researchers in geriatrics, palliative care, and aging research due to shifting NIH priorities and funding uncertainties. This &quot;yo-yo effect&quot; on research funding, he warned, could lead to a loss of an entire generation of scientists crucial for advancing the field.<\/p>\n<p>Chris Comeaux identified eight broad challenge categories faced by hospice and palliative care programs: mission moments, reimbursement challenges, competition, workforce issues, patient\/family demographics, regulatory and political challenges, technology and innovation, and the speed of change. He stressed that effective leadership is paramount in navigating these complex issues, drawing parallels to historical figures like Abraham Lincoln who maintained connections to the ground level.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_IRIS_Framework_and_the_Future_of_Palliative_Care\"><\/span>The IRIS Framework and the Future of Palliative Care<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The discussion delved into the IRIS Framework, a set of principles aimed at fostering excellence in hospice and palliative care: zero tolerance for waste, fraud, and abuse; clinical and programmatic standards; readily available meaningful data; competition based on quality; and embracing an authentic brand.<\/p>\n<p>Alex Smith expressed appreciation for the aspirational nature of the framework but voiced concerns about its attainability in a predominantly capitalist U.S. healthcare system. He questioned the feasibility of &quot;zero tolerance&quot; in a system driven by profit motives, particularly when profit can lead to decreased quality.<\/p>\n<p>Eric, however, offered a more optimistic outlook, arguing that the IRIS Framework represents a shared responsibility that the field must actively address. He highlighted how negative associations with fraud can tarnish the entire hospice brand, impacting patient trust and the ability to have crucial conversations about end-of-life care.<\/p>\n<p>The conversation extended to the burgeoning field of palliative care, with Eric noting the inherent difficulty in standardizing quality metrics compared to hospice. Cordt Kassner acknowledged this challenge, pointing out the variability in definitions and the need for more robust data collection and transparent reporting of results. He shared his current research project in Maine, aiming to map out palliative care providers and understand their services, highlighting the early stages of defining and assessing quality in this area.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Leadership_Pearls_of_Wisdom\"><\/span>Leadership Pearls of Wisdom<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The final segment of the discussion focused on leadership, a core theme for both TCN Talks and Chris Comeaux&#8217;s work. Comeaux shared two key leadership lessons: &quot;Go see for yourself&quot; (Gimba) and the importance of focused influence. He emphasized that leaders, regardless of their position, must remain connected to the front lines of patient care to make informed decisions. He also highlighted the power of focus in a world of constant distractions, stating, &quot;where you put your focus and your influence is absolutely huge.&quot;<\/p>\n<p>Cordt Kassner echoed the sentiment of grassroots connection, referencing Robert Greenleaf&#8217;s concept of servant leadership. He shared his experience as CEO of the Colorado Hospice Organization, where his initial mandate was to visit patients with interdisciplinary teams to understand their work firsthand. He also pointed to leadership as a potential obstacle to adopting new technologies like AI, emphasizing the need for leaders to champion change.<\/p>\n<p>Alex Smith, while acknowledging the importance of focus, offered a contrarian perspective, embracing his own &quot;unfocused&quot; yet mission-driven approach. He stressed the dedication to advancing hospice, palliative care, and aging research as the underlying principle, suggesting that intellectual curiosity and a commitment to the mission can guide diverse areas of focus.<\/p>\n<p>Chris Comeaux reconciled these perspectives by framing Alex&#8217;s approach as a &quot;superpower&quot; rooted in curiosity and dedication to the mission, drawing parallels to the interdisciplinary nature of hospice care itself. He pointed to Elon Musk&#8217;s innovative use of interdisciplinary teams in manufacturing as an example of how this model can transform industries.<\/p>\n<p>Eric brought the discussion back to foundational leadership by referencing Dame Cicely Saunders, the founder of the modern hospice movement. He presented her as an example of a leader who tackled an &quot;intractable problem&quot;\u2014death and medicine&#8217;s reluctance to care for the dying\u2014and established a model that continues to evolve.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion_A_Unified_Vision_for_the_Future\"><\/span>Conclusion: A Unified Vision for the Future<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>This historic collaboration between the GeriPal Podcast and TCN Talks provided a comprehensive and insightful exploration of leadership, quality, and the future of hospice and palliative care. The candid exchange between Eric, Alex, Chris, and Cordt underscored a shared commitment to improving patient care, addressing systemic challenges, and fostering a robust and ethical landscape for serious illness care. As the conversation concluded with a reprise of &quot;Love Hurts,&quot; it served as a poignant reminder of the profound human connection at the heart of this vital field. The insights shared offer valuable takeaways for clinicians, leaders, researchers, and anyone invested in the well-being of individuals facing life-limiting illnesses.<\/p>\n<!-- RatingBintangAjaib -->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In an unprecedented convergence of audio journalism, the GeriPal Podcast and TCN Talks have joined forces for a special, cross-promotional episode, marking a significant moment in the discourse surrounding hospice and palliative care. This unique &quot;podcast within a podcast&quot; event brought together hosts Eric and Alex of GeriPal with Chris Comeaux and Cordt Kassner of &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5295,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[90],"tags":[20,717,94,720,721,93,512,716,325,92,250,105,91,486,718,719],"newstopic":[],"class_list":["post-5296","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-palliative-hospice-care","tag-care","tag-collaboration","tag-comfort-care","tag-deep","tag-dive","tag-end-of-life","tag-geripal","tag-historic","tag-hospice","tag-hospice-care","tag-leadership","tag-palliative","tag-palliative-care","tag-podcast","tag-talks","tag-unite"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/homecares.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5296","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/homecares.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/homecares.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/homecares.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/homecares.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=5296"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/homecares.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5296\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/homecares.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/5295"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/homecares.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=5296"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/homecares.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=5296"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/homecares.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=5296"},{"taxonomy":"newstopic","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/homecares.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fnewstopic&post=5296"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}