Understanding and coding MDS 3.0 Item F0800Q: Staff Assessment - Participating in Favorite Activities

MDS 3.0 Item F0800Q: Staff Assessment - Participating in Favorite Activities

Introduction

Purpose: Engaging in favorite activities is vital for maintaining a sense of autonomy, joy, and emotional well-being for residents in long-term care. MDS Item F0800Q assesses whether staff conducted an assessment to determine the resident’s preference for participating in their favorite activities, especially when the resident cannot express this preference themselves. Understanding these preferences helps ensure that the resident’s care plan is aligned with their personal interests and enhances their quality of life.

What is MDS Item F0800Q?

Explanation: MDS Item F0800Q is part of Section F: Preferences for Customary Routine and Activities. This item evaluates whether staff assessed the resident’s preference for participating in their favorite activities when the resident cannot communicate this preference. Favorite activities could include hobbies, leisure interests, or other meaningful routines that bring joy and satisfaction. Conducting this assessment ensures that the resident’s interests and preferences are respected, providing opportunities for engagement and personal fulfillment.

Guidelines for Conducting and Coding MDS Item F0800Q

Conducting the Staff Assessment: When a resident is unable to express their preference for participating in favorite activities, staff should assess these interests based on observations, family input, and past behavior. Key considerations include:

• Has the resident previously expressed an interest in specific hobbies, sports, or leisure activities?
• Does the resident show positive reactions or engagement when participating in certain activities?
• Have family members or caregivers indicated the resident’s favorite activities, such as crafting, gardening, or music?

This assessment helps ensure that the resident’s daily routine includes opportunities for engagement in activities they enjoy, contributing to their emotional and cognitive well-being.

Coding Instructions: The coding for MDS Item F0800Q depends on whether staff conducted an assessment to determine the resident’s preference for participating in favorite activities. The coding options are:

• 0 - No: No staff assessment was conducted to determine the resident’s preference for participating in favorite activities.
• 1 - Yes: A staff assessment was conducted to determine the resident’s preference for participating in favorite activities.

Example Scenario: If a resident cannot express their preference, and staff assess, based on family input and past behavior, that the resident enjoys painting or playing cards, you would code F0800Q as 1 - Yes. If no assessment was conducted, you would code F0800Q as 0 - No.

Best Practices for Accurate Coding

Comprehensive Assessment: Ensure the staff assessment includes input from family members or caregivers, observations of past activities, and resident behavior. This ensures that the resident’s personal interests and hobbies are incorporated into their daily care plan, fostering engagement and well-being.

Documentation: Document the sources used to assess the resident’s preference for favorite activities, such as family interviews, past records, or staff observations. Proper documentation ensures the resident’s interests are respected and accommodated over time.

Communication: Share the results of the staff assessment with the interdisciplinary care team to ensure that the resident’s favorite activities are incorporated into their care plan. Providing opportunities for the resident to engage in their favorite activities can enhance their quality of life and emotional health.

Training: Train staff on the importance of supporting residents in participating in their favorite activities. Encourage staff to facilitate these activities and understand how engagement in preferred hobbies can positively impact the resident’s well-being.

Conclusion

Summary: MDS Item F0800Q ensures that residents who cannot communicate their preferences for participating in favorite activities still have their interests respected. Conducting a staff assessment ensures that the resident’s favorite activities are incorporated into their care plan, contributing to emotional well-being, cognitive engagement, and overall satisfaction.

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 F0800Q: "Staff Assessment - Participating in Favorite Activities" 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.