In the context of patient care, what does the abbreviation MDS stand for?

In the context of patient care, the abbreviation MDS stands for Minimum Data Set. This is a standardized assessment tool used primarily in skilled nursing facilities and long-term care settings to collect essential information about a resident's functional capabilities and health status. The MDS includes various domains such as cognitive patterns, communication, physical functioning, and psychosocial well-being, which helps in developing individual care plans and ensuring that patients receive appropriate care tailored to their needs.

The Minimum Data Set plays a crucial role in overall patient assessment, quality monitoring, and evaluation within care facilities, making it a key component of the Medicare and Medicaid programs. By collecting this data, providers can identify resident needs, track changes in health, and manage care resources more effectively.