Understanding and Coding MDS Item F0800S: Staff Assessment - Spend Time Outdoors

Understanding and Coding MDS Item F0800S: Staff Assessment - Spend Time Outdoors

Introduction

Purpose:
MDS Item F0800S, "Staff Assessment: Spend Time Outdoors," is part of the Customary Routine section in the MDS 3.0 assessment. This item captures whether a resident prefers or typically spends time outdoors, providing insight into their daily routine and overall quality of life. Access to outdoor time can positively impact mental and physical health, offering fresh air, sunlight, and an opportunity for physical activity and socialization. Accurately coding this item allows caregivers to support and prioritize outdoor access in the resident’s care plan.

What is MDS Item F0800S?

Explanation:
MDS Item F0800S is included in Section F (Preferences for Customary Routine and Activities) within the MDS 3.0. This section gathers information on residents' preferences for daily routines and activities, supporting a person-centered approach to care that respects individual habits and lifestyle choices.

• Definition: Item F0800S documents whether the resident spends or prefers to spend time outdoors. This could involve activities such as sitting in a garden, walking in a courtyard, or simply relaxing on an outdoor patio.
• Importance: Understanding a resident’s preference for spending time outdoors allows caregivers to plan for outdoor activities, which can improve physical health, mood, and overall well-being. It also aids in creating an environment that feels more like home and respects the resident's preferences.

Guidelines for Coding MDS Item F0800S

Coding Instructions:

1. Assess the Resident’s Interest in Outdoor Activities:
   Staff should determine whether the resident enjoys or typically spends time outdoors. This can be based on direct observation, conversations with the resident, or information provided by family members. The frequency or consistency of outdoor time should reflect the resident’s preference.

2. Scoring F0800S:

   • Code 0 (No) if the resident does not typically spend or express a preference to spend time outdoors.
   • Code 1 (Yes) if the resident spends or expresses a preference to spend time outdoors as part of their customary routine.

3. Documentation Requirements:
   If coding “Yes,” ensure that the resident’s preference for spending time outdoors is noted in their care plan. This helps staff provide consistent opportunities for outdoor time, especially during favorable weather conditions or appropriate times of the day.

4. Discuss Preferences with the Resident or Family:
   If there is uncertainty, ask the resident directly or consult with family members to determine their interest in spending time outdoors. This information helps in making a well-rounded decision on coding.

Example Scenario:
Mrs. Anderson enjoys sitting in the facility’s garden area every afternoon and prefers to spend time outdoors when the weather permits. Based on her routine, code 1 (Yes) for F0800S, indicating that she has a preference for outdoor time.

Best Practices for Accurate Coding

Observe Consistent Patterns Over Time:
Observe the resident’s preferences and behaviors across different times of day and weather conditions. Consistent outdoor time should be documented accurately to reflect their routine.

Engage with the Resident and Family Members:
Talking to the resident and family members can clarify preferences and ensure accurate documentation, especially if the resident has difficulty expressing their preferences.

Include Outdoor Time in the Care Plan:
For residents who prefer outdoor activities, document this in the care plan to encourage regular outdoor opportunities. Planning outdoor time provides residents with a routine that can enhance physical health and emotional well-being.

Conclusion

MDS Item F0800S plays a vital role in identifying a resident’s preference for spending time outdoors in long-term care settings. By accurately documenting this preference, caregivers can support a person-centered care approach that prioritizes outdoor activities, promoting mental and physical health. Outdoor access is essential for a well-rounded care experience, particularly for residents who enjoy nature and the benefits of fresh air and sunlight.

Click here for a detailed step-by-step link for this item set

Reference

For more detailed guidelines on coding MDS Item F0800S, refer to the CMS’s Long-Term Care Facility Resident Assessment Instrument 3.0 User’s Manual, Version 1.19.1, October 2024, Chapter 3, Section F, Page 3-32.

Disclaimer

Please note that the information provided in this guide for MDS 3.0 Item F0800S: "Staff Assessment - Spend 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 specific item within MDS 3.0. The guide is not a substitute for professional judgment or the facility’s policies. It is crucial to stay updated with any changes or updates in the MDS 3.0 manual or relevant CMS regulations. The guide does not cover all potential scenarios and should not be used as a sole resource for MDS 3.0 coding. Additionally, this guide refrains from handling personal patient data and does not provide medical or legal advice. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective practices.