Step-by-Step Coding Guide for F0400: Interview for Daily Preferences

1. Review of Medical Record

• Objective: Confirm the resident's ability to communicate their daily preferences or identify any documented preferences.
• Action: Review medical records for notes on communication abilities, cognitive status, and any previously documented daily preferences.

2. Understanding the Definition

• Objective: Understand the goal of interviewing residents about their daily preferences to enhance their quality of life.
• Key Points:
  • Acknowledges individual lifestyle preferences and their impact on mood and behavior.
  • Identifies how preferences can inform care planning to improve mood, dignity, and engagement.

3. Coding Instructions

• Objective: Correctly identify whether an interview for daily preferences should be conducted.
• Steps:
  1. Code 0 (No): If the resident has significant communication barriers, lacks a required interpreter, or has no available family/significant other.
  2. Code 1 (Yes): If the resident can communicate effectively, an interpreter is available if needed, or a family member/significant other can provide information.

4. Steps for Assessment

• Objective: Conduct the interview effectively.
• Steps:
  1. Ensure privacy and comfort for the resident during the interview.
  2. Use clear, direct light and minimize background noise to enhance communication.
  3. Employ assistive devices or techniques as needed for residents with hearing impairments.
  4. Explain the interview purpose and response options using clear and simple language.
  5. Allow responses through verbal communication, pointing to cue cards, or writing.
  6. If the resident cannot report preferences, interview family or significant others.

5. Coding Tips and Special Populations

• Objective: Adapt the interview process for diverse resident needs.
• Tips:
  • Use echoing techniques to clarify long or indirect answers.
  • Explore the reasons behind the preferences expressed by residents, family, or significant others.

6. Practical Application

• Objective: Apply interview techniques through examples.
• Example:
  • For the question on the importance of choosing what clothes to wear, if a resident says it's very important because they've always paid attention to their appearance, code as "1-Very Important."

7. Documentation

• Objective: Record the outcomes of the interview.
• Action: Document the resident's expressed preferences and any observed challenges during the interview in the resident's care plan.

The Step-by-Step Coding Guide for item F0400 in MDS 3.0 Section F is based on the Long-Term Care Facility Resident Assessment Instrument 3.0 User’s Manual, Version 1.18.11, dated October 2023. Healthcare guidelines, policies, and regulations can undergo frequent updates. Therefore, healthcare professionals must ensure they are referencing the most current version of the MDS 3.0 manual. This guide aims to assist with understanding and applying the coding procedures as outlined in the referenced manual version. However, in cases where there are updates or changes to the manual after the mentioned date, users should refer to the latest version of the manual for the most accurate and up-to-date information. The guide should not substitute for professional judgment and the consultation of the latest regulatory guidelines in the healthcare field.