An examination of the NANDA International taxonomy for domain completeness, ontological homogeneity, and clinical functionality.
OBJECTIVE
This study aims to examine the taxonomy of NANDA International Nursing Diagnoses: Definitions and Classification 2007-2008 for domain completeness and ontological homogeneity of the hierarchical structure.


METHODS
The taxonomy was analyzed using nursing theories representative of different paradigms and included descriptions of the theories, categorization, and systems of concepts regarding patient phenomena.


RESULTS
At present the taxonomy does not meet the criteria for domain completeness because the domain level is not all-inclusive. There are also problems regarding affiliation and natural relationships between domains and class level. Furthermore, some of the concepts seem misplaced in the taxonomic structure.


CONCLUSIONS
The taxonomy should be restructured to establish domain completeness and an appropriate ontological correspondence among domains, classes, and concepts.
von Krogh
Gunn
G
Oslo University College, Faculty of Nursing, Oslo, Norway. gunnvonkrogh@su.hio.no
D009733:Nursing Diagnosis / Q000145:classification*; D009737:Nursing Records / Q000592:standards; D009742:Nursing Theory; D012956:Societies, Nursing; D009626:Terminology as Topic