Skill Care Documentation Strategies: Physical Therapy

Nursing documentation is a crucial aspect of healthcare that ensures continuity of care and comprehensive understanding of a resident's current status and progress, especially in relation to physical therapy (PT). The Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0, a standardized assessment tool, plays a pivotal role in assessing the functional capabilities of residents in long-term care facilities. It is vital for nursing staff to accurately document observations and interventions related to physical therapy to align with MDS assessments. Below is a detailed guide on how nursing can document resident status related to physical therapy, referencing specific sections of the MDS.

MDS Title or Functional Skill: Bed Mobility

Nursing Documentation Example:

• "Resident requires assistance for bed mobility. Demonstrates ability to hold onto bed rail to pull self onto right or left side. A pillow is placed between knees for added comfort and alignment."

MDS Title or Functional Skill: Transfers

Nursing Documentation Example:

• "Resident able to sit with assistance but cannot achieve standing position without support. Requires the assistance of two staff members for safe transfer, exhibiting inability to bear weight on legs and needs knee support to prevent buckling."

MDS Title or Functional Skill: Walks in Room

Nursing Documentation Example:

• "Resident is currently engaged in ambulation training with a physical therapist within the room. Ambulation is deemed unsafe when attempted with nursing staff due to balance and strength limitations."

MDS Title or Functional Skill: Walks in Corridor

Nursing Documentation Example:

• "Ongoing ambulation training in corridor settings under the guidance of a physical therapist. Resident has not demonstrated safe ambulation practices with nursing staff, indicating a need for continued PT intervention."

MDS Title or Functional Skill: Locomotion on Unit

Nursing Documentation Example:

• "Resident attempts to take several steps during transfers from bed to chair, under close supervision. Current level of mobility is unsafe without the presence of physical therapy staff."

MDS Title or Functional Skill: Locomotion off Unit

Nursing Documentation Example:

• "Resident participates in stair climbing exercises off unit with physical therapists, aimed at improving mobility for discharge planning. Activities outside the unit are strictly supervised by PT due to safety concerns."

Importance of Accurate Nursing Documentation

Accurate and detailed nursing documentation related to physical therapy activities is essential for:

• Ensuring Safety: Provides critical information to all caregiving staff about the resident's mobility limitations and risks.
• Facilitating Communication: Enhances interdisciplinary collaboration between nursing, physical therapy, and other healthcare professionals.
• Supporting Reimbursement: Helps justify the need for continued therapy services based on documented functional limitations and progress.
• Improving Care Planning: Enables tailored care plans that address the specific rehabilitation needs of the resident.
• Monitoring Progress: Offers a basis for evaluating the resident's improvement or decline over time, guiding future interventions.

In conclusion, nursing documentation on physical therapy interventions and the resident's response is a fundamental component of patient-centered care in long-term care settings. It requires a precise understanding of the MDS sections relevant to mobility and functional skills, along with the ability to observe and record findings accurately. This practice not only supports the therapeutic goals set by physical therapists but also ensures that all team members are informed and aligned in their approach to resident care.