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Validation of defining characteristics of four nursing diagnoses using a computerized data base
H Ríos1, C Delaney, T Kruckeberg
1College of Nursing, University of Iowa, Iowa City 52246.
Summary
This study validated nursing diagnoses for fluid volume alterations using computerized data. Key defining characteristics were identified, improving diagnostic accuracy in clinical practice.
Area of Science:
- Nursing
- Health Informatics
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Increasing use of nursing diagnoses necessitates systematic validation.
- Information technology and computerized databases can expedite validity studies.
- North American Nursing Diagnosis Association (NANDA) proposed diagnoses require empirical support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To validate defining characteristics for four NANDA-approved nursing diagnoses related to fluid volume alterations.
- To utilize a nursing minimum data set (NMDS) from a computerized database for validation.
- To assess the validity of risk factors for potential fluid volume diagnoses.
Main Methods:
- Descriptive study employing a sensitivity measure (proportion of subjects with characteristics).
- Data collected from a computerized nursing database at a 265-bed community hospital.
- Systematic sample (N=191) of discharge patient care plan summaries for fluid volume diagnoses.
Main Results:
- Individual and combined defining characteristics met validation criteria for each fluid volume diagnosis.
- Sensitivity analysis confirmed the validity of specific diagnostic indicators.
- Identification of never-documented defining characteristics was also noted.
Conclusions:
- Computerized nursing data and NMDS are effective for validating nursing diagnoses.
- Established defining characteristics enhance the accuracy of fluid volume diagnoses.
- Further research can refine diagnostic criteria using health informatics tools.