Validation of the nursing diagnosis of ineffective breastfeeding.
OBJECTIVE
To test the validity of the definition, related factors, and defining characteristics of the nursing diagnosis of ineffective breastfeeding. Also, to test whether defining characteristics relevant to the interruption of breastfeeding may be included in the diagnosis of ineffective breastfeeding.


METHODS
A methodologic study using a two-stage Delphi process.


METHODS
Sixty-six nurses in the first round of the Delphi process and 34 nurses in the second round.


METHODS
A Likert-like scale was used to measure nurse experts' opinions as to how reflective each defining characteristic was of ineffective breastfeeding.


RESULTS
The definition of ineffective breastfeeding was simplified, related factors were added, and defining characteristics were clarified. Two characteristics of interruption of breastfeeding were found to be relevant to ineffective breastfeeding, but were considered minor rather than major.


CONCLUSIONS
The definition, related factors, and defining characteristics of ineffective breastfeeding have been clarified and validated by nurse experts, but they need further validation by breastfeeding women.
Lethbridge
D J
DJ
College of Nursing, University of Alabama, Huntsville 35899.
McClurg
V
V
Henrikson
M
M
Wall
G
G
D001942:Breast Feeding; D003697:Delphi Technique; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016389:Maternal-Child Nursing / Q000592:standards*; D009733:Nursing Diagnosis / Q000592:standards*; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012307:Risk Factors; D012956:Societies, Nursing