Methodological insights into content validity studies for nursing diagnoses

PurposeThis scoping review aimed to characterize content validity studies in nursing diagnostics, focusing on methodological approaches, including expert selection criteria, aggregation measures, and validation outcomes.MethodA comprehensive literature review was conducted, encompassing studies published between 1989 and 2023. The primary sources included 78 articles from 22 different journals, with a significant number from Brazil and the United States.FindingsThe analysis revealed a concentration of content validity studies in a few countries, with Brazil and the United States leading. There was a noticeable shift in research focus from North America to Latin America and Europe over the past decade. Methodologically, the studies predominantly used Fehring's method, though recent works have adopted diverse approaches to improve study quality. Despite the expansion of the NANDA-I classification into various languages, research dissemination remains limited by regional publication preferences and the challenges of finding adequately experienced experts.ConclusionsContent validity research in nursing diagnoses shows geographic and methodological disparities. While traditional methods remain prevalent, newer approaches are emerging, contributing to higher methodological rigor. However, publication in specialized and high-impact journals remains limited, affecting the global dissemination and implementation of findings.Implications for Nursing PracticeThis study underscores the importance of adopting diverse research methodologies and enhancing international collaboration to improve the validity and applicability of nursing diagnoses. Broadening publication strategies can facilitate the global exchange of knowledge and contribute to the standardization and refinement of nursing practices, ultimately improving patient care outcomes.