Understanding and coding MDS 3.0 Item F0800G: Staff Assessment - Snacks Between Meals

MDS 3.0 Item F0800G: Staff Assessment - Snacks Between Meals

Introduction

Purpose: Snacks between meals can be an important part of a resident's daily routine, providing nourishment, comfort, and enjoyment. MDS Item F0800G assesses whether staff have conducted an assessment to determine the resident’s preference for having snacks between meals, especially when the resident cannot express this preference themselves. Understanding these preferences helps ensure that the resident’s nutritional needs and personal desires are met, contributing to their overall well-being.

What is MDS Item F0800G?

Explanation: MDS Item F0800G is part of Section F: Preferences for Customary Routine and Activities. This item evaluates whether staff assessed the resident’s preference for receiving snacks between meals when the resident is unable to communicate their preference. Snacks may play a key role in providing extra calories, satisfying cravings, or managing specific dietary needs. Conducting this assessment ensures that residents’ nutritional preferences are respected, even when they cannot articulate them.

Guidelines for Conducting and Coding MDS Item F0800G

Conducting the Staff Assessment: When the resident is unable to communicate their preference for having snacks between meals, staff must assess whether snacks should be provided based on the resident’s health condition, past preferences, and input from family members or caregivers. Considerations include:

• Has the resident previously expressed a preference for specific snacks or enjoyed snacking between meals?
• Does the resident have any medical or dietary needs that require additional snacks for nutrition management?
• Has the family or caregivers indicated that the resident has a history of requesting or enjoying snacks?

This assessment ensures the resident’s preferences and dietary needs are taken into account.

Coding Instructions: The coding for MDS Item F0800G depends on whether staff conducted an assessment to determine the resident’s preference for receiving snacks between meals. The coding options are:

• 0 - No: No staff assessment was conducted to determine the resident’s preference for receiving snacks between meals.
• 1 - Yes: A staff assessment was conducted to determine the resident’s preference for receiving snacks between meals.

Example Scenario: If a resident is unable to express their preference, and staff assess that the resident typically enjoyed snacks between meals based on family input and past behavior, you would code F0800G as 1 - Yes. If no assessment was made, you would code F0800G as 0 - No.

Best Practices for Accurate Coding

Comprehensive Assessment: Ensure that the staff assessment includes observations, medical requirements, and input from family members or caregivers. This helps determine whether snacks between meals should be provided and aligns with the resident’s past habits and preferences.

Documentation: Document the sources of information used during the assessment, such as family input, previous resident records, or staff observations. Clear documentation ensures the resident’s dietary preferences are respected over time.

Communication: Share the results of the staff assessment with the care team to ensure that the resident’s preference for receiving snacks between meals is respected. This information should be reflected in the resident’s care plan and dietary routine.

Training: Provide training to staff on recognizing residents’ dietary preferences and the importance of snacks between meals for maintaining their well-being. Staff should be aware of the resident’s medical conditions and ensure that snacks are aligned with any dietary restrictions.

Conclusion

Summary: MDS Item F0800G is critical for assessing whether residents who cannot communicate their preferences for snacks between meals have their nutritional needs and preferences met. Conducting a staff assessment ensures that residents’ dietary habits, nutritional needs, and comfort are respected in their care plan.

Click here to see a detailed Step-by-Step on how to complete this item set.

Reference

This guide is based on the CMS's Long-Term Care Facility Resident Assessment Instrument 3.0 User’s Manual, Version 1.19.1, October 2024, Page F-5.

Disclaimer

Please note that the information provided in this guide for MDS 3.0 Item F0800G: "Staff Assessment - Snacks Between Meals" was originally based on the CMS's Long-Term Care Facility Resident Assessment Instrument 3.0 User’s Manual, Version 1.19.1, October 2024. 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. Additionally, this guide refrains from handling personal patient data and does not provide medical or legal advice.