Using Assessment Data to Perform Outcome-Based Quality Measurement

The MDS-HC, or the Minimum Data Set Home Care, is a tool to help identify the needs of and services for older adults and people with disabilities who live in the community. Twenty-four states perform assessments using the MDS-HC. In addition to determining eligibility and creating service plans, this assessment data can be used to measure outcomes of home and community-based services (HCBS). These quality indicators are validated, relatively fast and easy to implement, place no additional burden on staff and providers, and enable analysis of population results. Outcome-based measures are an essential but often missing puzzle piece in assuring HCBS quality, and promoting advanced payment models to include HCBS. This presentation describes a process states may follow to evaluate the feasibility of using its assessment data to measure quality outcomes. Presented at the 21st IAGG World Congress of Gerontology and Geriatrics