Developing a nursing diagnosis for the risk for malnutrition: a mixed‐method study

Abstract

Aim As the risk for malnutrition in older people in hospitals is often underreported, we aimed to develop a risk nursing diagnosis, including label, definition and risk factors. Design A convergent parallel mixed‐methods design was employed. Methods A literature review led to risk factors, validated by 22 hospitalized older people's perspectives and observations, including their nursing records. Per participant, one interview (qualitative), one non‐participatory observation of three meals (198 hr; qualitative) and one nursing record evaluation (quantitative) were conducted. Findings According to the classification system of NANDA International, the risk for protein–energy malnutrition is defined with 18 risk factors, including associated conditions. Content validated risk factors are presented from three participants with the most, medium and least coherent nursing record, measured with the Quality of Diagnosis, Intervention and Outcomes tool. Conclusion This new nursing diagnosis supports nurses to manage the risk for malnutrition and optimize older people's nutrition.

Recognising undernutrition in a community hospital: the nursing judgement is insufficient

“…Furthermore, data on the prevalence of undernutrition in community hospitals are lacking. Nevertheless, our findings contribute to research on the validity of nursing diagnosis, which has recently focused on nutritional status [ 25 ].…”

What should nurses do on post-stroke depression? A global systematic assessment of clinical practice guidelines

“…They are the basis for the choice of nursing interventions to achieve nursing outcomes for which the nurse is responsible. 46 However, nurses’ behaviours towards nursing diagnoses are still unclear, thus, the use of nursing diagnoses is not systematic and difficulties still exist in its use. 47 48 To solve this problem, on the one hand, nursing administrators and educators should promote the application of nursing diagnosis.…”

“…Nursing diagnoses are clinical judgements about current or potential reactions to the health problems of individuals, families or communities. They are the basis for the choice of nursing interventions to achieve nursing outcomes for which the nurse is responsible 46. However, nurses’ behaviours towards nursing diagnoses are still unclear, thus, the use of nursing diagnoses is not systematic and difficulties still exist in its use 47 48.…”