MDS 3.0 Item F0500D: Resident Interview - Keeping Up with the News

Introduction

Purpose: Staying informed about current events is important for many long-term care residents, as it helps them stay connected to the world outside the facility. MDS Item F0500D assesses whether a resident has been asked about their preference for keeping up with the news. Understanding this preference allows care teams to ensure that residents have access to news sources, promoting cognitive engagement and maintaining a sense of normalcy.

What is MDS Item F0500D?

Explanation: MDS Item F0500D is part of Section F: Preferences for Customary Routine and Activities. This item evaluates whether the resident was asked about their preference for staying updated on current events through newspapers, television, radio, or digital news sources. Many residents value staying informed about news related to politics, local events, or international affairs. Respecting their preferences for news access supports their mental stimulation and connection to the broader world.

Guidelines for Conducting and Coding MDS Item F0500D

Conducting the Interview: During the resident interview, ask about their interest in keeping up with the news. Sample questions include:

• Do you enjoy keeping up with current events and news?
• How do you prefer to get your news (e.g., television, newspapers, radio, or online)?
• How often would you like to access the news?

This interview helps care providers determine if the resident values staying informed and their preferred method of accessing the news.

Interview Techniques:

• Conduct the interview in a quiet, private setting where the resident feels comfortable discussing their preferences.
• Use open-ended questions and allow the resident time to respond.
• If the resident has communication challenges, involve family members or caregivers who may understand their preferences.

Coding Instructions: The coding for MDS Item F0500D depends on whether the resident was asked about their preference for keeping up with the news. The coding options are:

• 0 - No: The resident was not asked about their preference for keeping up with the news or does not express a preference.
• 1 - Yes: The resident was asked about their preference and expressed a desire to stay updated on current events.

Example Scenario: If a resident expresses during the interview that they enjoy watching the evening news or reading newspapers daily to stay informed, you would code F0500D as 1 - Yes. If the resident is not asked about their preference or does not express an interest in keeping up with the news, you would code 0 - No.

Best Practices for Accurate Coding

Respecting Preferences: After conducting the interview, ensure that the resident’s preference for staying informed about current events is respected. If they express an interest in keeping up with the news, care staff should make efforts to provide access to news sources, such as newspapers, television, or online platforms.

Documentation: Document the resident’s response during the interview, noting their preferences for news sources and how often they would like to access current events. If the resident cannot express their preferences, family members or caregivers may provide insights into their habits for staying informed.

Communication: Share the resident’s preferences with the care team to ensure that they have access to their preferred news sources as part of their daily routine.

Training: Provide staff with training on the importance of respecting residents' preferences for staying informed. Encourage staff to assist residents in accessing news sources and staying connected to current events, especially if they face challenges with mobility or technology.

Conclusion

Summary: MDS Item F0500D is essential for assessing whether residents have the opportunity to keep up with the news, which can provide mental stimulation and help them stay connected with the world. Conducting this interview and accurately coding the item helps ensure that residents’ preferences are respected, contributing to their cognitive well-being and satisfaction in long-term care settings.

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-3.

Disclaimer

Please note that the information provided in this guide for MDS 3.0 Item F0500D: "Resident Interview - Keeping Up with the News" 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.