Construct validity of Minimum Data Set items within the context of the Braden Conceptual Schema

The Minimum Data Set Plus (MDS+) is used by all federally-funded long-term care facilities to assess residents and plan their care. Eighteen conditions, known as Resident Assessment Protocols (RAPs) including a pressure ulcer RAP, require a written care plan by staff. Consequently, it is important to determine if the operational definitions from the MDS+ are consistent with theoretical constructs from a conceptual schema representative of pressure ulcer risk. Examination of construct validity shows that not all of the variables in the Braden Conceptual Schema are adequately operationalized by the MDS+ or the pressure ulcer RAP. Physiologic markers of nutritional status and friction/shear are not included in the MDS+. Sensory perception is included in the MDS+ but not the pressure ulcer RAP. If the MDS+ pressure ulcer RAP is to be used to plan care and assess risk, then all items should be included. The purpose of this article is to examine the construct validity between the operational definitions of risk factors from the MDS+ and pressure ulcer RAP with theoretical constructs from the Braden Conceptual Schema.