Methods Inf Med 1996; 35(01): 59-71
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1634633
Original Article
Schattauer GmbH

Classification Systems in Nursing: Formalizing Nursing Knowledge and Implications for Nursing Information Systems

W. T. F. Goossen
1   Leeuwarden Polytechnic, School of Nursing, Leeuwarden
,
P. J. M. M. Epping
2   Leidse Hogeschool, Leiden
,
I. L. Abraham
3   Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, The Netherlands
4   University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
5   Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
14 February 2018 (online)

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Abstract

The development of nursing information systems (NIS) is often hampered by the fact that nursing lacks a unified nursing terminology and classification system. Currently there exist various initiatives in this area. We address the question as to how current initiatives in the development of nursing terminology and classification systems can contribute towards the development of NIS. First, the rationale behind the formalization of nursing knowledge is discussed. Next, using a framework for nursing information processing, the most important developments in the field of nursing on formalization, terminology and classification are critically reviewed. The initiatives discussed include nursing terminology projects in several countries, and the International Classification of Nursing Practice. Suggestions for further developments in the area are discussed. Finally, implications for NIS are presented, as well as the relationships of these components to other sections of an integrated computerized patient record.