Understanding coding MDS 3.0 Item F0800E: Staff Assessment - Receiving a Bed Bath

MDS 3.0 Item F0800E: Staff Assessment - Receiving a Bed Bath

Introduction

Purpose: Some residents in long-term care settings may be unable to participate in a full shower or tub bath due to physical limitations or medical conditions. In these cases, a bed bath may be the preferred method of maintaining personal hygiene. MDS Item F0800E assesses whether staff conducted an assessment to determine the resident’s preference for receiving a bed bath when they are unable to communicate this preference themselves. Understanding and respecting these preferences is essential to providing personalized, person-centered care.

What is MDS Item F0800E?

Explanation: MDS Item F0800E is part of Section F: Preferences for Customary Routine and Activities. This item evaluates whether staff assessed the resident’s preference for receiving a bed bath, particularly when the resident cannot express their preference due to cognitive or physical limitations. Bed baths are often used for residents who are immobile or have medical conditions that make other forms of bathing difficult. Conducting an assessment helps ensure that the resident’s hygiene needs are met in a way that aligns with their comfort and dignity.

Guidelines for Conducting and Coding MDS Item F0800E

Conducting the Staff Assessment: If the resident is unable to communicate their preference for receiving a bed bath due to physical or cognitive impairments, staff should conduct an assessment. This assessment can include:

• Reviewing the resident’s history and previous bathing preferences.
• Observing the resident’s comfort level during different bathing methods.
• Gathering input from family members or caregivers who may know the resident’s past preferences for bed baths or other hygiene routines.

This information helps staff determine whether a bed bath is the preferred or most appropriate method for the resident.

Coding Instructions: The coding for MDS Item F0800E depends on whether staff conducted an assessment to determine the resident’s preference for receiving a bed bath. The coding options are:

• 0 - No: No staff assessment was conducted to determine the resident’s preferences for receiving a bed bath.
• 1 - Yes: A staff assessment was conducted to determine the resident’s preferences for receiving a bed bath.

Example Scenario: If a resident cannot express their preference and staff assess, based on observations and family input, that the resident prefers a bed bath due to physical limitations, you would code F0800E as 1 - Yes. If no assessment was conducted, you would code F0800E as 0 - No.

Best Practices for Accurate Coding

Comprehensive Assessment: Ensure that the staff assessment takes into account the resident’s medical condition, mobility limitations, past behaviors, and input from family members. This comprehensive approach helps ensure that the resident’s comfort and dignity are maintained.

Documentation: Clearly document the sources of information used to assess the resident’s preference for bed baths. This may include staff observations, family input, or previous resident care records. Detailed documentation helps the care team provide consistent care over time.

Communication: Share the results of the staff assessment with the care team to ensure that the resident’s preference for receiving a bed bath is respected. This information should be incorporated into the resident’s daily care plan.

Training: Provide training to staff on how to conduct proper assessments for residents who require bed baths. This includes understanding the importance of personal hygiene in maintaining the resident’s health and dignity, as well as recognizing the signs of discomfort or preference.

Conclusion

Summary: MDS Item F0800E is essential for assessing whether residents who are unable to communicate their bathing preferences have their hygiene needs met in a way that aligns with their comfort and dignity. Conducting a staff assessment helps ensure that the resident’s preference for receiving a bed bath is respected and integrated into 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 F0800E: "Staff Assessment - Receiving a Bed Bath" 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.