MDS Alert

The QIS staff interview questions can help with QI and survey preparation.

Staff can answer the interview questions by using resources such as the chart, MAR, flowsheets, etc.,says Diane Vaughn, RN, C, LNHA, regional director of Minnesota operations for Pathway Health Services in White Bear Lake, Minn. "For facilities that do have the QIS, it's great to go through the questions with [staff] so they won't be alarmed when they have to answer them during the survey,"Vaughn adds. The staff interviews tell you how well the nursing staff understands the residents' conditions or have the ability to find the information, adds Robin Bleier, RN, LHRM-FACDONA, principal of RB Health Partners Inc. in Tarpon Springs, Fla. For example, if the person has floated to a unit or is new to the building, does the person know how to access the data?

Check out the interview questions and related documentation:

Is there use of an indwelling Foley catheter?

If yes, what is the reason for the catheter (the diagnosis of neurogenic bladder must be verified in the medical record). Mark all that apply.

Obstruction___

Neurogenic/atonic bladder ___

Stage III or IV perineal/sacral

pressure ulcer ___

Terminal illness ___

Mobility impairment ___

Coma ___

Resident request ___

Incontinence ___

Unknown ___

Other, describe ___

Is this resident receiving a nutritional supplement, defined as a prescribed high protein, high calorie,nutritional supplement between or with meals? (There must be documentation in the medical record.)

No ___

Yes ___

N/A, resident receives tube feedings/

NPO ___

Following discussion with staff about whether a resident receives a supplement, the interview guides the surveyor to request documentation of a recording and monitoring system to support a yes answer. This documentation may include a checkbox or checklist that the supplement was given, provide a percentage of supplement consumed or list the amount consumed. Any of these methods are acceptable. The following sources may provide supporting documentation:

Medication Administration Record

Treatment Record

Snack/Supplement List

Meal documentation with supplements listed separately

Other source(s) as indicated by facility staff