The relationship between Minimum Data Set ratings and scores on measures of communication and hearing among nursing home residents with dementia

The Minimum Data Set (MDS) is a federally mandated assessment tool used to evaluate individuals residing in skilled nursing facilities, a large percen tage of whom have dementia. Best described as a rating scale, it comprises items related to 16 domains of functioning, including communication and hea ring. Typically, the MDS is completed by a nurse. When a deficit is observe d, Resident Assessment Protocols (RAPs) are designed to address the impairm ent and provide information for appropriate plans of care. The purposes of this study were to: (a) comprehensively assess the communication and hearin g function of nursing home residents with dementia, (b) evaluate the relati onship between ratings on MDS communication and hearing items and the perfo rmance of dementia patients on standardized assessments, and (c) determine the number of residents with MDS-identified deficits who received a referra l for further evaluation. Fifty-seven individuals with a medical diagnosis of dementia participated. All exhibited deficits in communication and hearing function; however, the majority of participants were rated as having normal or adequate communicat ion and hearing on the MDS. Of those participants with MDS-identified impai rments in communication and hearing, none was referred for further evaluati on. Implications for policy and care for nursing home residents with dement ia are discussed.