Long-Term Care

Tip of the week: Things to remember when conducting MDS 3.0 interviews

Contemporary Long-Term Care Weekly, June 24, 2010

The MDS 3.0 will implement new guidelines for conducting interviews that will help capture the voice of residents. Although adapting to this new direct interview format may be challenging, interviews under the MDS 3.0 and Quality Indicator Survey (QIS) are expected to help produce better clinical outcomes, customer satisfaction, and survey outcomes. To conduct a successful MDS 3.0 interview, long-term care staff members must:

  • Choose an appropriate time. Interview a resident or family member at his or her convenience.
  • Come to the interview with a clear mind and leave any distractions behind.
  • Take control of the environment. The location should be quiet, private, and free from distractions.
  • Explain the purpose of the interview.
  • Use appropriate language and speak slowly. Do not rush the interviewee.
  • Develop rapport.
  • Pay attention to body language, which is a good indicator of the interviewee’s current condition.
  • Practice skilled listening. Make understanding gestures, such as head nods and sounds. Pay attention to the interviewee’s responses and make eye contact.
  • Validate or clarify information as you go.
  • Give the resident the opportunity to ask questions and then close the interview.

This is an excerpt from the HCPro book, Interviewing Essentials for MDS 3.0 and QIS: A Training Handbook for LTC Professionals, by Diane Brown.

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