The National Quality Forum (NQF) took on the responsibility of updating the Quality  Measures for both long­term and short stay residents with the aim of improving the quality  of care in nursing homes for the 1.4 million Americans who currently reside in facilities across the country.
 

NQF previously endorsed 21 nursing home measures designed to assess resident outcomes and  care experiences. The measures address falls, infections, pressure ulcers, and 

the general health of residents and patients. The measures were published for public comment, and have now been finalized. CMS will begin collecting data in late 2011, with public reporting  expected in the spring of 2012.
 

Endorsed Measures and the Measure Developer:  
Physical therapy or nursing rehabilitation/restorative care for long­stay patients with  new balance problem (RAND)  Percent of residents experiencing one or more falls with major injury (long stay)

(CMS)

The percentage of residents on a scheduled pain medication regimen on admission  who report a decrease in pain intensity or frequency (short stay) (CMS)

Percent of residents who self­report moderate to severe pain (short stay) (CMS)2  Percent of residents who self­report moderate to severe pain (long stay) (CMS)

Percent of residents with pressure ulcers that are new or worsened (short stay) (CMS)

Percent of high­risk residents with pressure ulcers (long stay) (CMS)

Percent of residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine  during the flu season (short stay) (CMS) Percent of residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine 

(long stay) (CMS)

Percent of residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine 

(short stay) (CMS)

Percent of residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine 

(long stay) (CMS)

Percent of residents with a urinary tract infection (long stay) (CMS) Percent of low­risk residents who lose control of their bowels or bladder (long stay)

(CMS)

Percent of residents who have/had a catheter inserted and left in their bladder (long  stay) (CMS) Percent of residents who were physically restrained (long stay) (CMS) Percent of residents whose need for help with activities of daily living has increased 

(long stay) (CMS)

Percent of residents who lose too much weight (long stay) (CMS) Percent of residents who have depressive symptoms (long stay) (CMS)

Consumer Assessment of Health Providers and Systems (CAHPS®) Nursing Home  Survey: Discharged Resident Instrument (ARHQ) Consumer Assessment of Health Providers and Systems (CAHPS®) Nursing Home  Survey: Long­Stay Resident Instrument (ARHQ) Consumer Assessment of Health Providers and Systems (CAHPS®) Nursing Home  Survey: Family Member Instrument (ARHQ)