F0400C: Resident Interview - Choose Tub, Bath, Shower, Sponge, Step-by-Step

Step-by-Step Guide to Coding MDS Item F0400C: "Resident Interview - Choose Tub, Bath, Shower, Sponge"

1. Overview: F0400C is part of the "Interview for Daily Preferences" section of the MDS 3.0 and aims to capture the resident’s preferences for how they would like to bathe (tub, bath, shower, sponge bath, etc.). It is essential for understanding the resident's personal preferences and incorporating them into the care plan.

2. Item Purpose:

• Collect data on how important it is to the resident to choose their method of bathing.
• Helps to personalize the resident’s care plan and improve their quality of life by respecting preferences, which can boost dignity and engagement in their care.

3. Steps for Coding F0400C:

• Step 1: Conduct the Resident Interview

  • Interview the resident in a private setting.
  • Ensure the resident is comfortable and able to hear and see you. Provide assistive devices like hearing aids if needed.
  • Explain the purpose of the interview using simple language.
  • Example: "We’d like to understand how important it is for you to choose how you bathe—whether you prefer a shower, sponge bath, or other methods."

• Step 2: Use the Cue Card

  • Provide the resident with a cue card that lists the response options for the question.
  • Read and explain the response options, which include:
    • 1 – Very Important
    • 2 – Somewhat Important
    • 3 – Not Very Important
    • 4 – Not Important At All
    • 5 – Important, but Can’t Do/No Choice

• Step 3: Clarify Responses

  • Sometimes residents may give indirect answers. Use an echoing technique to clarify their response by summarizing their answer and asking them to choose the best option.
  • For example:
    • If the resident says, "I like showers," clarify by asking: "Would you say choosing a shower instead of other types of bathing is very important, somewhat important, or not important at all?"

4. Coding Examples:

• Example 1: "Very Important"
  The resident responds, "I like showers, and it's very important to me to be able to choose this."

  • Coding: F0400C would be coded as 1 – Very Important.

• Example 2: "Important, but No Choice"
  The resident prefers sponge baths but mentions that the facility policy requires them to take showers twice a week.

  • Coding: F0400C would be coded as 5 – Important, but Can’t Do/No Choice​.

5. Documentation Tips:

• Ensure the resident’s preferences are documented accurately in the care plan.
• Regularly review and update the care plan as preferences may change over time or with changes in the resident’s health status.

6. Strategies for Care Planning:

• Include bathing preferences in the resident’s care plan to improve their mood, involvement in care, and overall satisfaction.
• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to ensure preferences are respected and adjustments are made to accommodate the resident’s health and functional status.

Please note that the information provided in this guide for MDS 3.0 Item set F0400C was originally based on the CMS's RAI Version 3.0 Manual, October 2023 edition. Every effort will be made to update it to the most current version. The MDS 3.0 Manual is typically updated every October. If there are no changes to the Item Set, there will be no changes to this guide. This guidance is intended to assist healthcare professionals, particularly new nurses or MDS coordinators, in understanding and applying the correct coding procedures for this specific item within MDS 3.0.  

The guide is not a substitute for professional judgment or the facility’s policies. It is crucial to stay updated with any changes or updates in the MDS 3.0 manual or relevant CMS regulations. The guide does not cover all potential scenarios and should not be used as a sole resource for MDS 3.0 coding.  

Additionally, this guide refrains from handling personal patient data and does not provide medical or legal advice. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective practices.