Minimum Data Set Plus (MDS+) scores compared with scores from five rating scales.
OBJECTIVE
To compare mandated Minimum Data Set Plus (MDS+) ratings of behavior, function, mood, communication, and cognition to ratings of these domains using analogous research instruments.


METHODS
Cross-sectional correlational study of criterion-related validity.


METHODS
Three nursing homes in Rochester, New York.


METHODS
Fifty-two nursing home residents.


METHODS
Nursing home staff completed the MDS+ for each subject. Research scales were completed by trained research clinicians, independently of and blinded to the MDS+ results, using the Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE), Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), Dementia Mood Assessment Scale (DMAS), Psychogeriatric Dependency Rating Scale (PGDRS), and Physical Signs and Symptoms Scale (PSMS).


RESULTS
MDS+ measures of functional status, cognitive impairment, and communication were highly correlated with comparable research rating scale scores. Pearson correlation between MDS-functional status and PSMS scores was 0.89, between MDS-dementia and BPRS Factor 3 (representing cognitive dysfunction) and MMSE scores was 0.85 and 0.77, respectively, and between MDS-communication and MMSE and PGDRS Item 6 (assessing communication) scores was 0.74 and 0.62, respectively. Behavior and mood scores did not correlate nearly as well with comparable research scale scores. Pearson correlation between MDS- behavior and PGDRS and BPRS total scores was 0.54 and 0.51, respectively , and between MDS-mood and BPRS Factor 1 (depression) and DMAS 1-17 subtotal (mood disturbance) scores was 0.20 and 0.20, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
This preliminary study in a small sample shows marked agreement between three of the five MDS+ components analyzed and comparable research rating scales and confirms that behavior and mood are difficult to assess with simple instruments.
Frederiksen
K
K
Department of Psychiatry, Unversity of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA.
Tariot
P
P
De Jonghe
E
E
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003625:Data Collection / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006707:Homes for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D008609:Mental Status Schedule; D008875:Middle Aged; D009735:Nursing Homes; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D016037:Single-Blind Method