The “Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS)” was developed from the Healthcare Financing Administration and implemented in 1999 by home health agencies for many patients receiving Medicare benefits. Home health agencies are reguired to satisfy the “Medicare Conditions of Participation (CoP)”, which includes the correct utilisation of the OASIS in order to receive Medicare payments for services. Even though the OASIS tool is continually evolving, six main principles regarding “Quality Care” have remained consistent.

1. Effectiveness
2. Efficiency
3. Equity
4. Patient Centeredness
5. Safety
6. Timeliness

OASIS Tool and Data Collection

Data is collected with all the OASIS tool at a number of points throughout a patient episode of care. The OASIS usually collects data in the following times:

1. Start of Care: Data collected at the initial patient encounter. This really is the encounter that is most lengthy as the nurse reviews patient need and makes appropriate treatment strategies for the patient.
2. Recertification every 60 days: Patient need is re-evaluated and adjusted accordingly.
3. Discharge: This takes place when patient is discharged from home health care. The sufferer either remains in the home, is transferred to a long-term care facility,or perhaps is discharged should death occur. Patients use a to know once they are being discharged and must get appropriate notice prior to the day’s discharge and OASIS tool may be completed.
4. Transfer of Care: If the patient requires an in-patient hospitalization longer than 24 hours, a change in care note is manufactured and OASIS information is transferred to the hospital. Upon discharge, the OASIS is resumed and care continued instead of beginning a new OASIS document.

Exactly why is the OASIS so long?

Initially, the OASIS seems overwhelming and cumbersome. However, upon further examination, the OASIS can be seen being an in-depth version of the nursing process. It was created to stand-alone while providing evidence of patient need and ensures patient care meets or exceeds Quality of Care standards during the entire episode of care. For hospital staffing to the OASIS, it can seem overwhelming and a daunting task to finish, though practice and experience, the OASIS tool becomes part of the home health nurses’ assessment routine.

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