Nursing diagnosis of risk for elopement attempt: A content validation study

This study aimed to validate the content of the nursing diagnosis (ND) "Risk for elopement attempt" and increase its level of evidence (LOE) in the NANDA International (NANDA-I) Classification.

A content validity study was conducted based on expert opinions. The sample consisted of 33 experts with academic training in nursing and practical and theoretical experience concerning the nursing process. Data collection was performed using a Google Forms® questionnaire, which was electronically sent to the experts. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, and the diagnostic content validity was based on the Fehring model. This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the institution.

The title and definition of the ND under investigation were validated, along with 15 risk factors. Among these, "Substance misuse" was classified as major (0.96), whereas the others were validated as minor. Of the 13 risk populations, 6 were validated and classified as major, such as "Individuals with history of elopement" (0.90); 6 were validated and classified as minor, including "Individuals with a history of nonadherence to treatment regimen" (0.79); and "Economically disadvantaged individuals" were discarded (0.46). Of the three associated conditions, one was validated as major, namely, "Mental disorders" (0.86), whereas the other two were classified as minor.

This study validated the content of the "Risk for elopement attempt" ND, allowing it to be assigned a higher LOE based on the nursing experts. All components were validated except for one of the associated conditions.

The validated ND will be submitted to NANDA-I, enabling it to achieve a higher LOE in the classification. This update will enhance the quality of this diagnostic classification and, consequently, patient care and nursing education and research.