TOPIC

A Deep Dive Into The Care Area Assessment Process

The Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) consists of 3 basic components: 1. The MDS 2. The Care Area Assessment and 3. The RAI Utilization Guidelines. The MDS is the starting point used to assess nursing home residents. Once that data is collected onto the MDS, the remainder of the RAI process supports the efforts of the health care team to further evaluate these “triggered” areas of concern and determine whether they represent a problem or risk requiring further intervention. The Care Area Assessment process provides a framework for analyzing the data in the context of the resident’s medical and functional condition, self-determination and preferences, and goals of care. This session will provide insight into this critical phase of the RAI process enabling your interdisciplinary team to use sound critical thinking skills to improve resident care plans, clinical care delivery, and outcomes.