The NANDA codes should be used in conjunction with a nursing diagnosis text. The NANDA coding structure is a standard format for reporting nursing diagnosis. It is not intended in any way to change or intrude upon nursing practice, provided the information available can transpose to the NANDA codes for the Community Nursing Minimum Data Set - Australia (CNMDSA).
Data element attributes
Collection and usage attributes
Guide for use:
Up to seven nursing diagnoses may be nominated, according to the following:
1. Nursing diagnosis most related to the principal reason for admission (one only)
2-6. Other nursing diagnoses of relevance to the current episode.
Collection methods:
In considering how nursing diagnosis could be implemented, agencies may opt to introduce systems transparent to the clinician if there is confidence that a direct and reliable transfer to NANDA codes can be made from information already in place.
Agencies implementing new information systems should consider the extent to which these can facilitate practice and at the same time lighten the burden of documentation. Direct incorporation of the code set or automated mapping to it when the information is at a more detailed level are equally valid and viable options.
Comments:
The Community Nursing Minimum Data Set - Australia (CNMDSA) Steering Committee considered information from users of the data in relation to this metadata item. Many users have found the taxonomy wanting in its ability to describe the full range of persons and conditions seen by community nurses in the Australian setting. In the absence of an alternative taxonomy with wide acceptance, the CNMDSA Steering Committee has decided to retain North American Nursing Diagnosis Association (NANDA). The University of Iowa has a written agreement with NANDA to expand the relevance of NANDA. The Australian Council of Community Nursing Services (ACCNS) has sought collaboration with a United States of America project at the University of Iowa which is seeking to refine, extend, validate and classify the NANDA taxonomy.
