Validation of nursing diagnoses: validated types, patterns and components validated

Abstract

The validation of nursing diagnosis is an important step for knowledge development and professional practice. This study aimed at identifying the patterns used in the validation process of nursing diagnoses, the types of validation applied and the components of diagnoses validated in the post graduation courses created in Brazil. It is a study of literature review, performed by means of search in on line data bases, utilizing a quantitative approach. The different steps of validation by different authors were observed and the prevalence was the one of contents and conjoined clinic. The authors name such processes after similar names. Fehring’s pattern was the most utilized methodological approach. The defining characteristics of the diagnosis constitute the greatest focus of analysis. It was concluded that the post graduation investment in that kind of study is recent, as from 1994; it is also small and presents methodological diversity, which makes it difficult to adopt a validation methodology of nursing diagnoses.

Key words: Nursing Diagnoses; Validation studies; Nursing.