An evaluation of the nursing minimum data set and the nursing intervention classification using flight nurse documentation

The Nursing Minimum Data Set (NMDS) and the Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC) are standardized nomenclatures to describe nursing care core data. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the NMDS and the NIC in flight nursing practice. The study investigated the usefulness of the NMDS for flight nursing documentation and nursing activities performed by flight nurses. The study also examined whether the activities and interventions of flight nurses were consistent with the NIC as proposed in the Iowa Intervention project. The documentation for 20 cardiac patients transported by rotor wing aircraft was examined and analyzed. Findings demonstrated that nursing interventions were the most frequently found elements from the NMDS. Hemodynamic Regulation was the most frequently occurring nursing intervention from the NIC. Although the NMDS and NIC can be used, the fit was not always sufficient or strong. Recommendations are given for strengthening the NMDS and NIC for use in flight nursing practice.