Care Area Assessment (CAA) for delirium

Writing an effective Care Area Assessment (CAA) for delirium involves a detailed process that begins with the comprehensive assessment data collected on the Minimum Data Set (MDS). The CAA process is designed to help nursing facilities utilize this assessment data to focus on conditions, symptoms, and areas of concern, such as delirium, that are common in nursing home residents and identified through the MDS findings​​.

The Care Areas Assessment (CAA) process acts as a framework for decision-making after the MDS assessment has been completed, linking the MDS to the care plan. It enables the interdisciplinary team (IDT) to evaluate the resident holistically, identifying strengths, weaknesses, comorbidities, and specific care considerations like palliative care needs. Delirium is one of the 20 Care Area Assessments that address concerns commonly impacting nursing home residents​​.

To effectively write a delirium CAA, follow these steps:

1. Identify Care Area Triggers (CATs): Specific MDS coding items will highlight care areas needing further assessment. For delirium, this involves recognizing symptoms or risk factors indicative of acute confusion or delirium as suggested by the resident's MDS responses.
2. Conduct an In-depth Review: The IDT should conduct a thorough assessment to understand the underlying causes, risk factors, and potential complications of the identified delirium. This involves reviewing all relevant medical information, not just the items identified by the MDS coding, and possibly gathering additional information from the resident or their representative.
3. Develop a Person-Centered Plan of Care: Based on the assessment, create a care plan with interventions tailored to address the concerns identified in the CAA. The care plan should aim to manage or mitigate the risk factors of delirium, incorporating the resident's preferences, goals, and any identified strengths or needs.
4. Documentation: Ensure that there is a clear link between the CAA findings and the care plan. Document the process thoroughly, including the rationale for decisions made and the specific interventions planned.
5. Implementation and Monitoring: Implement the care plan and monitor the resident's response to interventions, adjusting the plan as necessary to achieve the best outcomes for the resident.
6. Continuous Evaluation: Delirium can be transient and fluctuate, requiring ongoing assessment and adjustment of the care plan to respond to the resident's current needs.

The CAA process, including for delirium, emphasizes the need for a multidisciplinary approach to care planning. By thoroughly assessing each triggered area and developing targeted interventions, the care team can address the specific needs of residents with delirium, enhancing their quality of care and quality of life