Nursing diagnosis: use and potential in critical care

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Healthcare Classification Systems

Background:

• Nursing diagnosis is a widely adopted classification system in the USA.
• There is growing interest in applying nursing diagnosis within British nursing practice.
• The potential benefits and concerns associated with its use require careful consideration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the feasibility and implications of implementing nursing diagnosis in a critical care setting in the UK.
• To identify key issues and facilitate discussion among British nurses regarding the adoption of nursing diagnosis.
• To provide a foundation for informed decision-making prior to the integration of nursing diagnosis into practice.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on nursing diagnosis and its application.
• Analysis of potential benefits and challenges in a critical care context.
• Discussion of implementation issues relevant to British nursing.

Main Results:

• Nursing diagnosis offers potential benefits for standardized nursing care in the UK.
• Significant concerns and challenges exist regarding its practical application and acceptance by British nurses.
• The critical care setting presents unique considerations for adopting this classification system.

Conclusions:

• The implementation of nursing diagnosis in British critical care nursing requires thorough discussion and clarification.
• Addressing the identified issues is crucial for successful integration and maximizing benefits.
• Further research and dialogue are recommended to support nurses in understanding and utilizing nursing diagnosis effectively.