Self-neglect: a proposed new NANDA diagnosis.
OBJECTIVE
To propose a new NANDA diagnosis, self-neglect.


METHODS
Research studies and literature published from a variety of disciplines including nursing as well as primary research.


METHODS
This diagnosis can be used to describe a constellation of self-care problems of varying severity and impact on the health and well-being of people who self-neglect. Included are two subtypes of self-neglect based on the degree of intentionality. Clarification of self-neglect is long overdue because self-neglect presents conceptual, identification, and intervention problems for nurses, healthcare workers, and for medicolegal systems across settings and in many countries.


CONCLUSIONS
The proposed diagnosis, self-neglect, fills a gap in current standardized terminology. This diagnosis will contribute significantly to nurses leading the way in the explication of an interdisciplinary and international health concern. PRACTICE AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS: Developing self-neglect as a recognized nursing label is vital to clinicians and policy makers within and across countries. Appreciating less serious/non-life-threatening presentations will give nurses a care perspective to improve the health and well-being of those in earlier stages of self-neglect. Definitions for this phenomenon will contribute to care planning and interventions, leading to consistency in practice and research.
Catholic University of America, Washington, DC, USA. jfgibbons@comcast.net
Susanne
S
Gibbons
William
W
Lauder
Ruth
R
Ludwick
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002755:Choice Behavior; D003704:Dementia / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006798:Housing; D006801:Humans; D006920:Hygiene; D033182:Intention; D008016:Life Change Events; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D016743:Mental Competency; D009733:Nursing Diagnosis / Q000592:standards*; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D010551:Personality; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012307:Risk Factors; D012648:Self Care / Q000523:psychology; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology; D012934:Social Isolation; D016312:Treatment Refusal / Q000523:psychology