MDS 3.0 Item F0800F: Staff Assessment - Receiving a Sponge Bath

Introduction

Purpose: Residents in long-term care settings may have specific preferences regarding how they maintain personal hygiene, particularly when they face physical or cognitive challenges. For some residents, a sponge bath may be the preferred or most appropriate method of bathing. MDS Item F0800F assesses whether staff conducted an evaluation to determine the resident’s preference for receiving a sponge bath when they are unable to communicate their preference. Understanding these preferences ensures the resident’s comfort and dignity during their personal hygiene routine.

What is MDS Item F0800F?

Explanation: MDS Item F0800F is part of Section F: Preferences for Customary Routine and Activities. This item evaluates whether the staff conducted an assessment to determine the resident’s preference for receiving a sponge bath, especially when the resident cannot express this preference due to physical or cognitive limitations. A sponge bath may be preferred by residents with limited mobility or specific medical needs. Conducting this assessment ensures the care plan respects the resident’s hygiene preferences.

Guidelines for Conducting and Coding MDS Item F0800F

Conducting the Staff Assessment: When the resident is unable to communicate their bathing preferences, staff must assess whether a sponge bath is the most appropriate method based on observations, input from family members or caregivers, and previous records of the resident’s preferences. Considerations for the assessment include:

• Has the resident indicated a preference for sponge baths over other bathing methods in the past?
• Does the resident show signs of comfort or discomfort during sponge baths?
• Are there medical conditions or mobility limitations that make sponge baths the most suitable option?

Coding Instructions: The coding for MDS Item F0800F depends on whether staff conducted an assessment to determine the resident’s preference for receiving a sponge bath. The coding options are:

• 0 - No: No staff assessment was conducted to determine the resident’s preference for receiving a sponge bath.
• 1 - Yes: A staff assessment was conducted to determine the resident’s preference for receiving a sponge bath.

Example Scenario: If a resident cannot express their preference, and staff assess, based on observations and family input, that the resident is more comfortable with sponge baths, you would code F0800F as 1 - Yes. If no assessment was conducted to determine the resident’s bathing preferences, you would code F0800F as 0 - No.

Best Practices for Accurate Coding

Comprehensive Assessment: Ensure that the staff assessment includes input from family members or caregivers, staff observations, and the resident’s medical history. This helps determine whether sponge baths are preferred and align with the resident’s comfort and health needs.

Documentation: Document the sources of information used during the assessment, including family input, previous records, or observations. Proper documentation ensures consistency in care and ensures the resident’s hygiene preferences are respected over time.

Communication: Share the results of the staff assessment with the entire care team so that the resident’s preference for receiving a sponge bath is respected. The care plan should reflect this preference, ensuring the resident’s comfort during personal hygiene routines.

Training: Train staff on how to conduct thorough assessments for residents who are unable to express their bathing preferences. Staff should be aware of how to perform sponge baths in a way that respects the resident’s comfort and dignity.

Conclusion

Summary: MDS Item F0800F is critical for ensuring that residents who cannot communicate their bathing preferences have their needs met according to their comfort and dignity. Conducting a staff assessment ensures that residents receive the most appropriate type of bathing care, such as a sponge bath, based on their individual needs and preferences.

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 F0800F: "Staff Assessment - Receiving a Sponge Bath" 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.