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Operational Frequently Asked Questions

7. What are CAPs (Client Assessment Protocols)?

There are 30 different caps (see below) which can be ‘triggered’ as part of the assessment process. As responses to assessment questions are recorded the MDS-HC programme analyses the data and ‘triggers’ areas of concern which may require further investigation, onward referral and consideration as part of the care plan.

The CAPs are there as a support to professional judgement.

8. Client Assessment Protocols (CAPS)

Functional Performance

ADL/rehabilitation potential
Instrumental Activities of daily living
Health Promotion
Instructional risk
Health Problems

Cardio respiratory
Dehydration
Falls
Nutrition
Oral health
Pain
Pressure Ulcers
Skin & foot problems

Sensory performance

Communication disorders
Visual function
Continence

Bowel movement
Urinary incontinence & indwelling catheter

Mental Health

Alcohol abuse
Cognition
Behaviour
Depression & anxiety
Elder abuse
Social function Service Oversight

Compliance with treatment
Risk of breakdown of informal support
Medication management
Palliative care
Immunisation & screening
Psychotropic drugs
Reduction in formal services possible
Environment assessment

9. Why was MDS-HC chosen as the assessment tool to be used in Cheshire?

MDS-HC was chosen, back in 2001, as an appropriate assessment tool by a group of professional staff from Health and Social Services. The group reviewed a number of standardised and ‘home grown’ assessments and concluded that MDS-HC provided the best option to satisfy the requirements of SAP and offered professionals a way of recording assessment data which would also inform the care planning process.

Since 2001 a number of pilot projects have been undertaken across the County using MDS-HC and without exception staff have been extremely positive about using MDS-HC as an assessment tool.

10. Who will use MDS-HC?

To begin with the main users of MDS-HC will be nurses, social workers and therapists, however the range of people will increase as the roll-out continues and may eventually include Age Concern staff involved in working with older people and housing organisations.

11. When will the electronic version of MDS-HC become available?

The first phase of implementing the electronic version of MDS-HC will begin in early 2006. Within each locality (east/west/central Cheshire) there will be a 3 stage roll-out during the year. There will be approximately 330 people in each locality using the electronic MDS-HC by the end of 2006. Details of the roll-out plan are available from the local SAP leads and on the SAP website.

12. Why are some people going to use MDS-HC electronically and others use paper?

In order to use the electronic version of MDS-HC individual user licences are required, unfortunately these licences are expensive and in the first instance it was only possible to buy 1000 licences. It is hoped that more licences can be purchased at a later date as it is acknowledged that having a paper and electronic system running concurrently is not ideal.

13. How will the implementation of electronic MDS-HC affect how I work?

The biggest advantages of using MDS-HC are the quick transfer of information between professionals and the ability to share assessments and care plan summaries. This should cut down on a lot of paper work associated with making referrals and give assessors a comprehensive picture of who is involved with a client and the assessment information gathered so far.

When the MDS-HC is first introduced there will be times when dual entries to two systems will be required. For example, the CRRIS system will not be linked to MDS-HC because it is due to be replaced by PARIS in the near future, however, it is planned that PARIS and MDS-HC will be linked sometime during 2006/07 to remove the necessity for double inputting.