Minimum Data Set Plus (MDS+) scores compared with scores from five rating scales

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Psychometrics
• Health Services Research

Background:

• The Minimum Data Set Plus (MDS+) is a mandated assessment tool in nursing homes.
• Validating MDS+ components against established research instruments is crucial for accurate resident care.
• Previous validation studies have yielded mixed results for different MDS+ domains.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the criterion-related validity of MDS+ ratings for behavior, function, mood, communication, and cognition.
• To assess the correlation between MDS+ scores and analogous research instruments in nursing home residents.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional correlational study was conducted with 52 nursing home residents across three facilities.
• Nursing home staff completed the MDS+ for each resident.
• Trained research clinicians independently administered standardized instruments (MMSE, BPRS, DMAS, PGDRS, PSMS) blinded to MDS+ results.

Main Results:

• MDS+ measures demonstrated high correlations with research scales for functional status (r=0.89), cognitive impairment (r=0.85 with BPRS, r=0.77 with MMSE), and communication (r=0.74 with MMSE, r=0.62 with PGDRS).
• Correlations for behavior (r=0.54 with PGDRS, r=0.51 with BPRS) and mood (r=0.20 with BPRS, r=0.20 with DMAS) were considerably lower.
• These findings suggest good agreement for some MDS+ components but highlight challenges in assessing behavior and mood.

Conclusions:

• The MDS+ shows marked agreement with comparable research rating scales for assessing function, cognition, and communication.
• Behavior and mood appear more challenging to assess accurately using simpler instruments like the MDS+.
• This preliminary study indicates the need for further investigation into the psychometric properties of MDS+ for behavioral and mood assessments.