An exemplar of the use of NNN language in developing evidence-based practice guidelines.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the use of standardized language, NNN, in the development of evidence-based practice (EBP).


METHODS
Published research and texts on family interventions, nursing diagnoses (NANDA-I), nursing interventions (NIC), and nursing outcomes (NOC).


METHODS
Research literature was summarized and synthesized to determine levels of evidence for the NIC intervention Family Integrity Promotion.


CONCLUSIONS
The authors advocate that a "standards of practice" category of levels of evidence be adopted for interventions not amenable to randomized controlled trials or for which a body of research has not been developed. Priorities for nursing family intervention research are identified.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of NANDA-I nursing diagnoses, NIC interventions, and NOC outcomes (NNN language) as research frameworks will facilitate the development of EBP guidelines and the use of appropriate outcome measures.
Kautz
Donald D
DD
University of North Carolina at Greensboro, NC, USA. ddkautz@uncg.edu
Van Horn
Elizabeth R
ER
D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D015331:Cohort Studies; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005192:Family Health; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D015201:Meta-Analysis as Topic; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009733:Nursing Diagnosis / Q000458:organization & administration*; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010347:Patient Care Planning / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012107:Research Design; D018875:Vocabulary, Controlled