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Psychometric characteristics of the minimum data set I: confirmatory factor analysis
R Casten1, M P Lawton, P A Parmelee
1Polisher Research Institute, Philadelphia Geriatric Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Pennsylvania 19141, USA.
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
|June 13, 1998
Summary
The Minimum Data Set (MDS) reliably measures five key areas of nursing home resident competence, but struggles with assessing behavior and cognitive impairment. Further research is needed to improve these measures.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Health Services Research
- Nursing Home Quality
Background:
- The Minimum Data Set (MDS) is a federally mandated assessment tool for nursing home residents.
- Understanding the structural integrity and reliability of the MDS is crucial for accurate resident assessment and quality monitoring.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the internal structure and statistical reliability of the MDS.
- To evaluate the MDS's effectiveness in measuring resident domains including cognition, daily living activities, and behavior.
Main Methods:
- Confirmatory factor analysis was applied to MDS data from 733 nursing home residents.
- The analysis examined item composites hypothesized to represent specific resident domains.
Main Results:
- The MDS confirmed domain clusters for higher-functioning residents and the overall sample, excluding social quality.
- No domain clusters were confirmed for the more impaired resident group, indicating reliability issues.
Conclusions:
- The MDS provides valid indicators for five core areas of nursing home resident functioning.
- Significant reliability gaps exist in assessing the behavior and cognitive states of impaired residents.
- Enhancing MDS measures and rating procedures is a critical research priority.
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