Nurses views on replacing their admission assessment with the minimum dataset/resident assessment instrument (MDS/RAI)

Comprehensive assessment is the cornerstone of good care of the elderly. In hospital, the nursing assessment is fundamental to an appropriate individualised care plan. A controlled trial of the MDS/RAI, a standardised assessment instrument with links to care planning guidelines, showed that completeness of admission assessments improved from 35% to 97% [Carpenter, Sturdy, BGS Autumn Conference, London, 1996]. Fundamental to its use, is that it should be acceptable to nurses. At first sight, the MDS is regarded as too long and too complex, however there is much anecdotal evidence that it is well received. This small study set out to establish the views of nurses who have been using the MDS/RAI.