Comprehensive Care Plan Development Using Resident Assessment Instrument Framework: Past, Present, and Future...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Healthcare Management
• Nursing Practice

Background:

• Comprehensive care plan (CCP) development is mandated for skilled nursing facilities participating in Medicare and Medicaid.
• Consistent compliance with CCP requirements within the Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) framework remains a challenge.
• Understanding complex factors influencing CCP quality and compliance is necessary for improvement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the history and development of CCPs within the RAI framework.
• To analyze the relationship between the RAI, registered nurse (RN) staffing, and CCP efficacy.
• To identify limitations in current CCP development standards and propose evidence-based improvements.

Main Methods:

• Historical review of CCP development.
• Analysis of empirical evidence on CCP efficacy.
• Examination of the role of RNs in CCP creation.
• Discussion of practice standards and regulatory compliance.

Main Results:

• The essential contributions of RNs in CCP development are highlighted due to their education, standards, and licensure.
• Limitations in current standards of practice for CCP development are identified.
• The linkage between the RAI and RN staffing is explored in relation to CCP quality.

Conclusions:

• Evidence-based practice changes at micro and macro levels are recommended to enhance CCP quality and regulatory compliance.
• Future research directions for improving CCP development are suggested.
• Emphasizing the critical role of registered nurses is key to achieving better outcomes in skilled nursing facilities.