Oral/dental items in the resident assessment instrument – minimum Data Set 2.0 lack validity: results of a retrospective, longitudinal validation study

• DOI: 10.1186/s12963-016-0108-y
• Publication Date: 2016-10-21T02:42:18Z
• Authors: Matthias Hoben; Jeffrey W. Poss; Peter G. Norton; Carole A. Estabrooks
• Keywords: Minimum Data Set; Odds

Oral health in nursing home residents is poor. Robust, mandated assessment tools such as the Resident Assessment Instrument - Minimum Data Set (RAI-MDS) 2.0 are key to monitoring and improving quality of oral care homes. However, psychometric properties RAI-MDS oral/dental items have been challenged criterion validity these has never assessed.We used 73,829 records (13,118 residents), collected a stratified random sample 30 urban homes Western Canada (2007-2012). We derived subsample all (n = 2,711) with an admission two or more subsequent annual assessments. Using Generalized Estimating Equations, adjusted for known covariates residents' health, we assessed association problems time, dentate status, dementia, debris, daily cleaning.Prevalence fluctuated (4.8 %-5.6 %) no significant differences across time. This range prevalence substantially smaller than ones reported by studies using clinical assessments dental professionals. Denture wearers were less likely (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.458, 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 0.308, 0.680). Residents lacking teeth not wearing dentures had higher OR 2.718, CI: 1.845, 4.003). Oral/dental prevalent persons debris (OR 2.187, 1.565, 3.057). Of other variables assessed, only age at was significantly associated problems.Robust, reliable indicators vital related safety severe underdetection lack well-known predictors suggest problems. Lacking should be considered indicator urgent treatment needs.