[Standardized nursing languages and care plans. Perception of use and utility in primary healthcare]

To identify opinions of Primary Healthcare nurses on the use and usefulness of standardised nursing care plans and traditional nursing language systems in the practice settings.

Multicentre, observational, cross-sectional study.

Primary Healthcare centres in Catalonia.

Sample size was estimated at 1,668 registered nurses. Consecutive sampling was applied.

On-line survey containing questions on ease, usefulness, and use of nursing care plans and standardised nursing language systems.

Descriptive statistics, including percentages, central tendency, and dispersion measures. Statistical significance was set at P≤.05.

The final analysis included 1,813 questionnaires. Participants stated that care plans have a medium added value, however their use is frequently incorrect. They stated to have a fair level of knowledge on traditional standardised nursing languages, and most were of the opinion that these languages are difficult to use in practice (81%) and not useful to represent nursing care provision and its outcomes (78%). Regardless of their education level and years of experience, the participants assessed as insufficient the clarity (P=.058), ease of use (P=.240), and usefulness (P=.039) of these language systems in practice.

Nurses say that urgent changes are required in the use of care plans. This includes changing the language systems, and improving data and information that positively impacts on the provision of nursing care, as well as to enhance the health outcomes of the individuals receiving Primary Healthcare services.