Medical appointments and non-medical outings involve changes in location and custodial responsibility of the resident. However, communication during microtransitions  is usually verbal because facilities often lack protocols for microtransition documentation. This form enhances screening, communication, and quality assurance and process improvement around microtransition-related adverse events.

Escorts fill out the form after the outing was complete, with guidance from receptionists, and the form then is given to the nursing team, creating a clear, documented chain of communication. The MASS tool contains two versions—one for lay caregivers, and one for non-emergency medical transport and staff escorts that solicits increased information, reflecting varying levels of clinical literacy. By integrating outing escorts individuals into the care team in this way, the MASS system strengthens adverse event surveillance and enhances handoffs, while optimizing the limited staffing resources already available in facilities.

This tool was piloted at a 130-bed skilled nursing facility, with a 98% compliance rate. Results of this pilot and more detailed information on the protocol for implementation is available through our publication in JAMDA.