understanding and coding MDS 3.0 Item F0800R: Staff Assessment - Spending Time Away from Nursing Home

MDS 3.0 Item F0800R: Staff Assessment - Spending Time Away from Nursing Home

Introduction

Purpose: Many residents in long-term care settings may wish to spend time outside the nursing home with family, friends, or on personal outings. MDS Item F0800R assesses whether staff have conducted an assessment to determine the resident’s preference for spending time away from the nursing home, especially when the resident is unable to express this preference themselves. Understanding this helps ensure that the resident’s care plan accommodates their desire for outside visits and activities, contributing to their emotional well-being and sense of independence.

What is MDS Item F0800R?

Explanation: MDS Item F0800R is part of Section F: Preferences for Customary Routine and Activities. This item evaluates whether staff assessed the resident’s preference for spending time away from the nursing home when the resident cannot communicate this preference. Whether for family visits, social outings, or personal time, time away from the facility can offer a valuable sense of freedom and normalcy. Conducting this assessment ensures that the resident’s preferences are supported, allowing for outside visits as part of their routine.

Guidelines for Conducting and Coding MDS Item F0800R

Conducting the Staff Assessment: If a resident is unable to communicate their preference for spending time away from the nursing home, staff should assess this interest based on family input, past behavior, and observations. Key considerations include:

• Has the resident previously expressed an interest in leaving the facility for outings or visits with family or friends?
• Do family members or caregivers regularly take the resident on outings or visits?
• Is there a history of the resident enjoying trips outside the facility for social events, family gatherings, or other activities?

This assessment ensures that the resident’s desire for time away from the facility is incorporated into their care plan, contributing to their emotional and social well-being.

Coding Instructions: The coding for MDS Item F0800R depends on whether staff conducted an assessment to determine the resident’s preference for spending time away from the nursing home. The coding options are:

• 0 - No: No staff assessment was conducted to determine the resident’s preference for spending time away from the nursing home.
• 1 - Yes: A staff assessment was conducted to determine the resident’s preference for spending time away from the nursing home.

Example Scenario: If a resident cannot express their preference, and staff assess, based on family input and past behavior, that the resident enjoys going on outings with family or attending local events, you would code F0800R as 1 - Yes. If no assessment was made, you would code F0800R 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 behavior regarding outings or time away from the facility. This helps determine whether time outside the facility is an important part of the resident’s routine.

Documentation: Clearly document the sources used to assess the resident’s preference for spending time away from the nursing home, including family interviews or previous records. Proper documentation ensures that the resident’s preferences are respected and incorporated into their care plan over time.

Communication: Share the results of the staff assessment with the care team to ensure that the resident’s preference for outside visits and outings is supported. Incorporating these activities into the resident’s care plan helps foster a sense of independence and personal fulfillment.

Training: Provide staff with training on the importance of allowing residents opportunities to spend time outside the facility when possible. Staff should facilitate these outings safely and in alignment with the resident’s health status and preferences.

Conclusion

Summary: MDS Item F0800R ensures that residents who cannot communicate their preference for spending time away from the nursing home still have their wishes respected. Conducting a staff assessment allows the care team to incorporate outings or visits into the resident’s care plan, promoting emotional well-being and a sense of autonomy.

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 F0800R: "Staff Assessment - Spending Time Away from Nursing Home" 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.