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Build an MDS team for a more accurate, efficient MDS process

PPS Alert for Long-Term Care, April 1, 2009

This is an excerpt from a member only article. To read the article in its entirety, please login or subscribe to PPS Alert for Long-Term Care.

The role of MDS coordinator is vital to the viability and operating efficiency of nursing homes. Although job descriptions for this position tend to be similar throughout the long-term care industry, approaches to the job run the gamut from solo operator to ultimate team coordinator. The insight gained from examining diverse approaches can yield better processes with less reliance on a single person and greater reliance on a functional, diverse team.

An MDS team could include the director of nursing, members of the interdisciplinary team, unit managers, and certified nursing assistants (CNA). Direct line and ancillary staff members should also be involved in the MDS process since these staff members have the most relevant and nuanced knowledge of residents and patients. These include, but are not limited to line staff members, housekeeping staff members, volunteers, hairdressers, and activities professionals. The wealth of information that can be gleaned from these staff members promotes quality care and can lead the clinical and MDS team to uncover root causes and develop appropriate and focused interventions.

This is an excerpt from a member only article. To read the article in its entirety, please login or subscribe to PPS Alert for Long-Term Care.

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