Elaboration of an International Classification for Nursing Practice (ICNP)® subset in a neurosurgery’s unit: an observational study

Abstract

Abstract. Background: A review of the literature performed before the execution of the study showed that there are few studies on this topic to date.

The purpose was to identify, within the available literature, the subsets produced in order to develop a skilled nursing language, based on the International Classification for Nursing Practice (ICNP)® suitable for Neurosurgery.

In this observational study, our aim is to create a subset based on the International Classification for Nursing Practice (ICNP)® in the Neurosurgery Department of the San Camillo-Forlanini Hospital in Rome.

Methods: Our observational study examines patients with diagnosis related to skull/brain area, using it as inclusion criteria. The data were extrapolated after the examination of the nursing records, from them the patient's care needs were identified and the nursing diagnoses were formulated according to the standardized ICNP® language.

Results: It was noted that the starting diagnosis, at the time of admission, are constantly evolving and they change throughout the period of hospitalization; moreover, they are different compared to those there are at the time of discharge. A total of 148 nursing diagnosis were found of which 79 were excluded as double. In total, 69 formulated diagnoses for an INCP® subset in the hospital ward of neurosurgery

Conclusion: The ICNP® is a proven tool that facilitates promotion, organization and quality of care and could contribute to professional autonomy and self-confidence in the nurse, it provides visibility to nursing practice and encourages the professional figure in specific sectors both in the outpatient and hospital settings, as well as at the family level and in basic health units.