A review of nursing diagnoses prevalence in different populations and healthcare settings

Abstract

Objective To provide an overview of the prevalence of nursing diagnoses in different patient populations and healthcare settings, and on the methods identifying nursing diagnoses. Methods A descriptive review with a systematic method was applied according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. All studies, in Medline and CINAHL databases from January 2007 to January 2020, reporting nursing diagnoses prevalence were included regardless of population and setting retrieving 1839 articles. Results After the screening, 328 articles were included for the analysis. Twenty different patient populations with their respective nursing diagnoses prevalence were identified. Most studies were conducted in inpatient settings (e.g., intensive, and surgical units). NANDA International was a widespread standard nursing language used, and risk for infection was the most frequently identified nursing diagnosis. Several gaps were identified regarding the methods used in the articles analyzed. Conclusion The most prevalent nursing diagnoses in different patient populations were identified. Moreover, the nursing diagnoses in the five standard nursing languages recognized by the American Nurses Association were summarized. Advances, gaps, and a call to action were identified.