Understanding and coding MDS 3.0 Item F0800P: Staff Assessment - Doing Things with Groups

MDS 3.0 Item F0800P: Staff Assessment - Doing Things with Groups

Introduction

Purpose: Social engagement is an important aspect of well-being for residents in long-term care settings. Participating in group activities can foster connections, reduce loneliness, and provide emotional support. MDS Item F0800P assesses whether staff conducted an assessment to determine the resident’s preference for doing things with groups, particularly when the resident is unable to express this preference. Understanding these preferences helps ensure that residents’ social needs are supported and that their care plans reflect their desire for group interaction.

What is MDS Item F0800P?

Explanation: MDS Item F0800P is part of Section F: Preferences for Customary Routine and Activities. This item evaluates whether the staff have assessed the resident’s preference for participating in group activities when the resident cannot communicate this preference. Group activities can range from social gatherings to games, crafts, or exercise sessions, and are essential for maintaining emotional and social well-being. Conducting this assessment ensures that the resident’s social interests are respected and that opportunities for social interaction are provided as part of their care plan.

Guidelines for Conducting and Coding MDS Item F0800P

Conducting the Staff Assessment: When a resident is unable to express their preference for participating in group activities, staff should assess this interest based on past behavior, family input, or observations. Key considerations include:

• Has the resident previously expressed enjoyment in group activities, such as games, social events, or classes?
• Does the resident show interest in or respond positively to group activities?
• Have family members or caregivers indicated the resident’s preference for social interaction in group settings?

This assessment helps ensure that the resident’s social and emotional needs are incorporated into their daily routine.

Coding Instructions: The coding for MDS Item F0800P depends on whether staff conducted an assessment to determine the resident’s preference for participating in group activities. The coding options are:

• 0 - No: No staff assessment was conducted to determine the resident’s preference for participating in group activities.
• 1 - Yes: A staff assessment was conducted to determine the resident’s preference for participating in group activities.

Example Scenario: If a resident cannot express their preference, and staff assess, based on family input and past behavior, that the resident enjoys socializing and participating in group games or activities, you would code F0800P as 1 - Yes. If no assessment was conducted to determine the resident’s preference, you would code F0800P as 0 - No.

Best Practices for Accurate Coding

Comprehensive Assessment: Ensure that the staff assessment includes input from family members, caregivers, and observations of the resident’s past behaviors regarding group activities. This ensures that the resident’s desire for social interaction and engagement is respected and incorporated into their care plan.

Documentation: Clearly document the sources used to assess the resident’s preference for participating in group activities, such as family interviews or previous records. Proper documentation ensures that the resident’s social preferences are respected over time.

Communication: Share the results of the staff assessment with the care team to ensure that the resident’s social interests are incorporated into their care plan. Providing opportunities for group participation can enhance the resident’s emotional well-being and sense of community.

Training: Provide staff with training on the importance of group activities for residents’ emotional and social well-being. Encourage staff to facilitate group activities that align with the residents’ preferences and to support residents in engaging with their peers.

Conclusion

Summary: MDS Item F0800P helps ensure that residents who cannot communicate their preference for participating in group activities still have their social needs respected. Conducting a staff assessment allows the care team to incorporate group activities into the resident’s care plan, fostering social engagement and emotional well-being.

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 F0800P: "Staff Assessment - Doing Things with Groups" 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 item within MDS 3.0. Additionally, this guide refrains from handling personal patient data and does not provide medical or legal advice.