The MDS-CHESS scale: a new measure to predict mortality in institutionalized older people.
OBJECTIVE
To develop a scale predicting mortality and other adverse outcomes associated with frailty.


METHODS
Observational study based on Minimum Data Set (MDS) 2.0 and mortality data.


METHODS
Ontario chronic hospitals.


METHODS
All chronic hospital patients (N = 28,495) assessed with the MDS 2.0 after mandatory implementation in July 1996 followed until May 1999.


METHODS
MDS 2.0 assessments done as part of normal practice mainly by registered nurses or multidisciplinary teams in a chronic hospital. Mortality data are available from the accompanying discharge tracking form.


RESULTS
The MDS-Changes in Health, End-stage disease and Symptoms and Signs (CHESS) score is a composite measure addressing changes in health, end-stage disease, and symptoms and signs of medical problems. It is a strong predictor of mortality (P <.0001) independent of the effects of age, sex, activities of daily living impairment, cognition, and do-not-resuscitate orders. It is also strongly associated with physician activity, complex medical procedures, and pain (P <.001 for each dependent variable).


CONCLUSIONS
The CHESS score provides a useful new MDS-based test to predict mortality and to measure instability in health as a clinical outcome.
Hirdes
John P
JP
Department of Health Studies and Gerontology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. hirdes@uwaterloo.ca
Frijters
Dinnus H
DH
Teare
Gary F
GF
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002170:Canada; D002908:Chronic Disease; D015897:Comorbidity; D005260:Female; D016330:Frail Elderly; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D007326:Institutionalization; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009026:Mortality; D016016:Proportional Hazards Models; D012720:Severity of Illness Index