MDS 3.0 Item F0800J: Staff Assessment - Using the Phone in Private

Introduction

Purpose: Communication is a key aspect of maintaining relationships and autonomy for residents in long-term care settings. For many, being able to use the phone in private is essential for maintaining personal connections and ensuring their conversations remain confidential. MDS Item F0800J assesses whether staff conducted an assessment to determine the resident’s preference for using the phone in private, especially when the resident cannot express this preference. This assessment helps ensure that residents have the opportunity to maintain private communication in a dignified manner.

What is MDS Item F0800J?

Explanation: MDS Item F0800J is part of Section F: Preferences for Customary Routine and Activities. This item evaluates whether staff assessed the resident’s preference for using the phone in private when the resident is unable to communicate this preference. Having access to private phone use allows residents to maintain important personal connections with family, friends, and healthcare providers, without feeling like their conversations are being monitored or overheard.

Guidelines for Conducting and Coding MDS Item F0800J

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

• Has the resident previously expressed a preference for privacy during phone calls?
• Is there a history of the resident using the phone in private for personal conversations?
• Do family members or caregivers know if the resident values privacy during phone calls?

This assessment ensures that the resident’s preferences regarding private communication are respected and accommodated.

Coding Instructions: The coding for MDS Item F0800J depends on whether staff conducted an assessment to determine the resident’s preference for using the phone in private. The coding options are:

• 0 - No: No staff assessment was conducted to determine the resident’s preference for using the phone in private.
• 1 - Yes: A staff assessment was conducted to determine the resident’s preference for using the phone in private.

Example Scenario: If a resident cannot express their preference, and staff assess that the resident values privacy based on family input or past behavior, you would code F0800J as 1 - Yes. If no assessment was made to determine the resident’s preference, you would code F0800J as 0 - No.

Best Practices for Accurate Coding

Thorough Assessment: Ensure that the staff assessment includes input from family members or caregivers and is based on observations of the resident’s past preferences for phone privacy. This ensures that the resident’s autonomy and communication needs are respected.

Documentation: Clearly document the sources used to assess the resident’s preference for using the phone in private. Family interviews, previous resident records, or staff observations can all contribute to a well-rounded understanding of the resident’s needs.

Communication: Share the results of the staff assessment with the care team to ensure that the resident’s preference for using the phone in private is respected and incorporated into their care plan.

Training: Provide staff with training on recognizing and respecting residents’ privacy preferences, particularly when it comes to communication. Staff should ensure that residents are provided with the opportunity to use the phone privately, as this promotes dignity and autonomy.

Conclusion

Summary: MDS Item F0800J helps ensure that residents who cannot communicate their preferences for private phone use still have their privacy needs respected. Conducting a staff assessment ensures that the resident’s communication preferences, including the use of the phone in private, are accommodated and reflected in their care plan.

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 F0800J: "Staff Assessment - Using the Phone in Private" 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 specific item within MDS 3.0. Additionally, this guide refrains from handling personal patient data and does not provide medical or legal advice.