minimum data set


minimum data set

Epidemiology
A list of names, definitions and sources of data items needed to support a specific purpose—e.g., public health surveillance or monitoring for appropriate care using a registry.
 
Medspeak-UK
A set of key documents which enable a validation team in the Practice to Practice Plus transition to fully understand the organisation being assessed.
Components
Trend data, assessment documentation, key strategies, policies developed since Practice, evidence demonstrating progress made towards Practice Plus, and supplementary information as required.
Pathology
A paper or electronic form developed by the Royal College of Pathologists for reporting of anatomical site-specific cancers, on which the pathologist places all of the objective data gleaned from macroscopic and microscopic examination of the specimen, including tumour size, tumour extension, number of nodes involved by tumour, histologic type, degree of differentiation, etc.
Psychiatry
See, Mental Health Minimum Data Set.

min·i·mum da·ta set

(MDS) (min'i-mŭm dā'tă set) Smallest number of data that can be collected and still positively identify the patient.
See also: Nursing Minimum Data Set

Minimum Data Set

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MDS

A comprehensive computer-compatible form for assessment of Medicare- or Medicaid-certified nursing home residents. It was developed as a result of the Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 1987 and mandated for use in nursing homes in the U.S. Resident assessment protocols are used to identify multiple triggers for the assessment of various conditions. Under the current prospective payment system, the form must be completed and sent electronically to the federal government within 5 days of admission to a nursing home and at frequent intervals thereafter. See: Nursing Minimum Data Set