MDS 3.0 Item F0800S: Staff Assessment - Spending Time Outdoors

MDS 3.0 Item F0800S: Staff Assessment - Spending Time Outdoors

Introduction

Purpose: Spending time outdoors can have significant physical and emotional benefits for residents in long-term care settings. Fresh air, nature, and sunlight can improve mood, reduce stress, and provide a sense of freedom. MDS Item F0800S assesses whether staff conducted an assessment to determine the resident’s preference for spending time outdoors, particularly when the resident cannot express this preference themselves. Understanding these preferences helps ensure that outdoor activities are included in the resident’s care plan, enhancing their well-being.

What is MDS Item F0800S?

Explanation: MDS Item F0800S is part of Section F: Preferences for Customary Routine and Activities. This item evaluates whether the staff assessed the resident’s preference for spending time outdoors when the resident cannot communicate this preference. Outdoor activities might include walks, sitting in a garden, or simply spending time outside in a safe and comfortable environment. Conducting this assessment ensures that the resident’s preferences for outdoor activities are respected and supported, contributing to their overall quality of life.

Guidelines for Conducting and Coding MDS Item F0800S

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

• Has the resident previously expressed enjoyment of outdoor activities, such as walking, sitting outside, or engaging in outdoor hobbies?
• Does the resident show signs of happiness or relaxation when spending time outdoors?
• Have family members or caregivers indicated that the resident enjoys or values spending time outdoors?

This assessment helps ensure that opportunities for outdoor activities are incorporated into the resident’s routine, promoting physical and emotional health.

Coding Instructions: The coding for MDS Item F0800S depends on whether staff conducted an assessment to determine the resident’s preference for spending time outdoors. The coding options are:

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

Example Scenario: If a resident cannot express their preference, and staff assess, based on family input and past behavior, that the resident enjoys sitting in the garden or going for outdoor walks, you would code F0800S as 1 - Yes. If no assessment was conducted to determine the resident’s preference for outdoor activities, you would code F0800S as 0 - No.

Best Practices for Accurate Coding

Comprehensive Assessment: Ensure that the staff assessment includes family input, observations, and previous records to understand the resident’s habits regarding outdoor activities. Incorporating outdoor time into the resident’s care plan can significantly improve their mood, mental health, and overall well-being.

Documentation: Document the sources used to assess the resident’s preference for spending time outdoors, including family interviews, staff observations, or past care records. Clear documentation ensures the resident’s outdoor preferences are consistently supported over time.

Communication: Share the results of the staff assessment with the care team to ensure that the resident’s preference for outdoor activities is incorporated into their care plan. Providing regular opportunities for outdoor time can enhance the resident’s physical health and emotional well-being.

Training: Provide staff with training on the importance of outdoor activities for residents’ health, particularly for those with limited mobility. Encourage staff to facilitate safe outdoor time whenever possible, even for residents with physical challenges.

Conclusion

Summary: MDS Item F0800S ensures that residents who cannot communicate their preference for spending time outdoors have their desires and needs respected. Conducting a staff assessment helps incorporate outdoor activities into the resident’s care plan, promoting emotional and physical well-being.

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 F0800S: "Staff Assessment - Spending Time Outdoors" 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.