News & Blog
OASIS-C Brings Major Changes to OASIS Data Set

Posted on February 10, 2009 in Featured-writers 

by Patricia Jump 

OASIS-C, the next major revision to the OASIS data set promises major changes and a new learning curve for all clinicians. We've known about it for quite some time but now it seems implementation is just around the corner and it is time to start educating your staff.

At this time, 11 agencies from three states (Colorado - 3, Massachusetts - 3, Ohio - 5) are testing the OASIS tool. These agencies were purposely selected to represent various agency sizes, types (hospital-based, for profit, nonprofit) and locations (inner city, remote mountainous, suburban). The OASIS C form HAS NOT YET BEEN FINALIZED.

OASIS-C changes can be categorized into three major areas: 1) Process items; 2) Revisions to existing items; and 3) Clarification on instructions for medication management items.

Process items include:

  • Date of referral and physician ordered start of care
  • Influenza and pneumococcal vaccines
  • Formal pain assessment, pain interventions and pain management steps
  • Pressure ulcer risk assessment, prevention measures, use of moisture retentive dressings
  • For diabetics, foot care plan education and monitoring
  • For patients with heart failure, symptoms of volume overload and follow-up
  • Depressive symptom screening and intervention/referral
  • Falls risk assessment, planning and interventions
  • Medication adverse events/reaction and follow up; drug education

Here is an example of a process item:

(M1020) Influenza Vaccine: Has the patient received an influenza vaccination during this year's recommended time period?
0 - No
1 - Yes
NA - Does not apply. SOC/ROC date is not within time period.
UK - Unknown

MO items revisions bring some desired and not-so-desired changes and include:

  • Pressure ulcer dimensions-length and width 

  • Toileting is now two items: one focused on transfers to toilet/bedside commode and one focused on hygiene and clothing adjustment

  • Transferring excludes toilet transfer and getting into/out of tub

  • Bathing excludes grooming of hands and face and now includes independent at sink

  • All individual ADLs/IADL items refer to "current" status only

  • Medication management instructions clarified

  • Prior items addressed with three new items: change in mobility before the onset of the current illness or injury; change in self-care ability; change in ability to perform routine household tasks; change in ability to manage medications

  • Change in caregiver assistance questions.

So, what can you do NOW to prepare for OASIS-C? There are several steps to take to prepare for the upcoming changes including:

  • Extensive training on OASIS & diagnosis coding

  • Change forms/software to include screening question for conditions such as depression, pressure ulcers, falls risk, and pain assessment)

  • Add dates of influenza and pneumococcal vaccine to your referral/intake information and since all sites are asking about this, teach staff to look for the information on referral forms

  • Become aware of and use existing assessment forms such as the Braden Scale.

  • Figure out a process to make the clinical record available to the discharge clinician (including when using contracted staff). Regardless of whether you are paper-based or electronic-based, the clinician making the final visit will need to be able to access the record to determine some OASIS items

  • Train all staff on specific symptoms to watch for (for example, symptoms of depression) and how to use assessment forms.

OASIS-C is NOT going away. The following is from the CMS Home Health Quality Initiatives web site on the OASIS-C.
"The post testing version will go through OMB/PRA processes and be posted for public comment Fall of 2008. Measures will be submitted to NQF for endorsement, also in the Fall of 2008. The finalized data set/instrument will go through NPRM Spring of 2009, for an anticipated implementation 1/2010."

Click here to get the OASIS-C forms and other supporting documents.

Copyright © 2009-2010 Acorn's End Training & Consulting. Inc. All rights reserved.

Patricia Jump is president of Acorn's End Training & Consulting, which specializes in staff retention and employee development. She is a sought after trainer known for her energetic, animated and results-oriented presentations. As an author and publisher, she has produced several videotapes, audiotapes, on-line training courses and a mentorship implementation manual. Additionally, Pat has been conducting OASIS training across the nation since OASIS inception. She has a popular DVD on OASIS that is used by providers throughout the nation.

For more information on Patricia Jump, go to www.AcornsEnd.com. 

Get In Touch

Call us at 888-897-9136 about support, assistance, service issues or any other questions. Or...

Contact Us Online

What's New