MDS 3.0 Item F0400D: Resident Interview - Having Snacks Between Meals

Introduction

Purpose: Dietary preferences, such as having snacks between meals, are important for enhancing the quality of life and satisfaction of residents in long-term care settings. MDS Item F0400D assesses whether a resident has expressed a preference for having snacks between meals and whether this preference is respected. Understanding a resident’s food and snack preferences ensures their needs are met in a person-centered care environment.

What is MDS Item F0400D?

Explanation: MDS Item F0400D is part of Section F: Preferences for Customary Routine and Activities. It evaluates whether the resident was asked about their preference for having snacks between meals. This interview question allows residents to express their preferences about eating between scheduled meal times. Understanding these preferences helps create a more comfortable and satisfying daily routine for the resident, particularly if they enjoy or rely on snacks for nutritional or emotional well-being.

Guidelines for Conducting and Coding MDS Item F0400D

Conducting the Interview: During the resident interview, ask about their interest in having snacks between meals. Possible questions include:

• Do you like to have snacks between meals?
• What types of snacks do you enjoy?
• Do you prefer having snacks at specific times of the day?

This conversation helps gather information on the resident’s daily routine preferences related to food. It’s essential to allow residents the opportunity to express how and when they like to have snacks.

Interview Techniques:

• Conduct the interview in a quiet and private setting where the resident feels comfortable discussing their preferences.
• Use open-ended questions and allow the resident enough time to share their preferences.
• For residents with communication challenges, involve family members or caregivers to better understand their preferences.

Coding Instructions: The coding for MDS Item F0400D depends on whether the resident was asked about their preference for snacks between meals. The coding options are:

• 0 - No: The resident does not prefer snacks between meals or was not asked about this preference.
• 1 - Yes: The resident prefers snacks between meals and was asked about this preference.

Example Scenario: If a resident confirms during the interview that they enjoy having snacks between meals, such as fruit or cookies, and this preference is considered in their care plan, you would code F0400D as 1 - Yes. If the resident is not asked about their preference for snacks, code 0 - No.

Best Practices for Accurate Coding

Respecting Preferences: After determining the resident’s preference for snacks, it is important to incorporate this preference into their care plan. Providing snacks at times when the resident desires them can enhance their comfort and satisfaction.

Documentation: Accurately document the resident’s response during the interview, noting any specific types of snacks or times they prefer. If the resident cannot communicate their preference, involve family members or refer to previous dietary preferences.

Communication: Ensure that the resident’s preference for snacks between meals is communicated to the interdisciplinary care team, including dietary staff, so that this preference can be respected in the daily routine.

Training: Provide training for staff on the importance of respecting residents’ dietary preferences, including providing snacks. Staff should be encouraged to offer snacks in accordance with the resident’s wishes while maintaining nutritional guidelines.

Conclusion

Summary: MDS Item F0400D is essential for assessing whether residents are given the opportunity to express their preference for snacks between meals. Conducting this interview and coding it accurately helps ensure that residents’ dietary preferences are respected, improving their satisfaction and quality of life in a long-term care setting.

Click here to see a detailed Step-by-Step on how to complete this items 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-2.

Disclaimer

Please note that the information provided in this guide for MDS 3.0 Item F0400D: "Resident Interview - Having 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 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.