The MDS 3.0 appears to becoming a very real entity. Based on everything published, this change will be implemented soon. With that in mind, how will your care center navigate this journey?
Preparing a well thought out itinerary is essential to having a successful trip. Investigating pitfalls, identifying important scenic stops, making sure there are enough travelers checks, packing the appropriate clothing, including the appropriate companions, and practicing the language are all important facets to consider when making travel arrangements.
The same items that are essential for traveling are ones that are necessary to consider when planning a major transition such as the switch MDS 3.0. Lack of planning will result in the same lackluster results that were achieved with the initial implementation of MDS. Due to poor preparation, staff was not trained adequately to accurately complete the MDS. The attitude of the administration was one of dismissal. The document was not considered important. It was unclear as to the need for the document or what was supposed to be done with it once it was completed. The care center staff was not encouraged to be consistent or accurate and resident care was not dependent on this assessment measure.
In looking back on our past mistakes, we know now that staff members must be trained. They need to know why the documentation is necessary and what documentation to complete. Staff needs to be aware of what tools are used to solicit the resident data that needs to be consistent with the data that is required for the MDS 3.0.The impact of this document is significant when it comes to survey, census, and reimbursement. Most important, we must be ready to provide the highest standard of care for our residents.
If you would like some travel assistance in planning your care centers transition to the MDS 3.0, attend the upcoming seminar entitled “The Journey to MDS 3.0.” This seminar will help you and your staff get organized and prepared for the journey. We will look at the differences between the documents, investigate the systems that will need to be retuned or redefined, quantify the resources required, identify software needs and backup and define training needs. Purchase your ticket and join us in January, as we set out on this trip to the MDS 3.0.