Episode Details

What if the biggest breakthrough in hospice care isn't a new technology—but a better way of focusing on what matters most?

In Part Two of this special conversation, host Chris Comeaux continues his discussion with Kelly McCutcheon Adams and Margherita Labson about how the Four M's Framework—What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility—is transforming hospice and palliative care into a more reliable, person-centered model. 

Together, they explore why exceptional hospice care goes far beyond symptom management to preserve dignity, independence, emotional well-being, and meaningful moments for patients and families. 

The conversation dives into practical questions every hospice leader and clinician should be asking:

How can we better address delirium, depression, and cognition at the end of life?

Why should mobility be viewed as preserving independence instead of simply preventing falls?

Is it time to add a fifth "M" to the framework?

What would healthcare look like if every decision truly began with what matters most?

Kelly and Margherita also paint a compelling vision for the future of hospice—one where earlier conversations, better continuity of care, and reliable systems lead to fewer late hospice admissions, better patient experiences, and stronger healthcare organizations. 

Their message to leaders is both practical and inspiring: hospice is not something to apologize for—it's one of healthcare's greatest expressions of compassion. 

Whether you're a hospice executive, palliative care professional, healthcare leader, clinician, nonprofit executive, or someone passionate about improving the patient experience, this episode offers actionable insights that can reshape the way you think about quality care.

In This Episode:

✅ Why Mentation deserves greater attention in hospice care
✅ Looking beyond fall prevention to meaningful Mobility
✅ The debate over adding a Fifth M to Age-Friendly Care
✅ Why earlier hospice conversations improve patient outcomes
✅ Practical leadership advice for creating reliable, person-centered care systems
✅ Resources available through the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI)


Guest: 

Kelly McCutcheon Adams, Senior Director at the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI)

Margherita Labson, President and CEO, MCLabson Consultation and Education Services

Host:

Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOS, author of The Anatomy of Leadership

Learn More

➡️ Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI): https://www.ihi.org
➡️ Learn more about Teleios Collaborative Network: https://www.teleioscn.org

🎙️ Subscribe to TCNtalks / Anatomy of Leadership for conversations with healthcare innovators, nonprofit leaders, and industry experts who are shaping the future of leadership and care.

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