F0800S: Staff Assessment: Spend Time Outdoors, Step-by-Step

Step-by-Step Coding Guide for Item Set F0800S: Staff Assessment: Spend Time Outdoors

1. Review of Medical Records

• Objective: To assess how often the resident spends time outdoors, based on observations and reports from the staff.
• Process:
  • Review the resident’s activity logs, care plans, and notes from recreational therapy sessions that document outdoor activities.
  • Examine nursing and caregiving staff notes for mentions of the resident participating in outdoor events or spending time outside.
  • Consult with the activities director and staff who coordinate outdoor schedules to gather insights into the resident’s engagement with these activities.

2. Understanding Definitions

• Spend Time Outdoors: This refers to the resident being outside the facility building, whether in gardens, patios, or during trips, to enjoy fresh air, nature, or outdoor activities.

3. Coding Instructions

• Code F0800S:
  • 0: No, the resident does not spend time outdoors.
  • 1: Yes, the resident spends time outdoors.
• Example: If observations and staff reports consistently show that the resident participates in scheduled garden walks or sits on the patio daily, code F0800S as '1'.

4. Coding Tips

• Ensure observations from multiple staff members are considered to get an accurate measure of the resident’s outdoor activities.
• Consider the resident’s preferences and physical ability to participate in outdoor activities when assessing their time spent outdoors.

5. Documentation

• Required Documentation:
  • Entries in the resident’s activity log that record each instance the resident spends time outdoors.
  • Notes from care planning meetings that discuss the resident’s needs and preferences regarding outdoor activities.
• Documentation should be clear and detailed, specifying the frequency and type of outdoor activities the resident engages in.

6. Common Errors to Avoid

• Overlooking or not documenting occasional outdoor activities, leading to a potential underestimation of the resident’s time spent outdoors.
• Confusion between passive exposure to outdoors (e.g., sitting by an open window) and active participation in outdoor activities.
• Failing to update the resident’s activity log regularly, which can lead to discrepancies in reported data.

7. Practical Application

• Scenario: A resident enjoys spending time in the facility’s garden, and this is both a part of their care plan and a preferred daily activity. The activity staff ensures that the resident is assisted to the garden area every afternoon, weather permitting. These sessions are documented in the resident's daily activity log and reviewed during care plan updates. Through consistent staff observations and documentation, it is confirmed that the resident spends time outdoors regularly. Therefore, F0800S is coded as '1', accurately reflecting the resident's outdoor activities.

Please note that the information provided in this guide for MDS 3.0 Item set F0800S  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.