Authors
1 Associate Professor, Health Information Management, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
2 Associate Professor, Nursing, Nursing Care Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
3 Lecturer, Statistics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
4 MSc, Medical Records, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Golestan, Iran
Abstract
Introduction: Health care classifications are essential tools for collecting and processing healthrelated information. They also provide a unified language for interdisciplinary communications.
Nursing data is important for extension of knowledge, evaluating the quality and effectiveness of
nursing care, and supporting human resource planning. Therefore, an integrated system for collecting, storing and retrieving nursing data is essential. The aim of this research was to compare
nursing classification systems.
Methods: This was a descriptive-comparative study conducted in 2009. We studied all available
classification systems in the world. The systems were found through searching the Internet, books
and journals. Results were presented in statistical tables.
Results: All systems were American systems developed by persons, associations or universities
for specific care facilities. Another classification system has been designed by the International
Council of Nursing (ICN) for international use by all nursing care facilities. There were no systems for nursing classification in Iran.
Conclusion: Nursing data needs to be uniquely coded for being used in computer systems and
Iranian Electronic Health Records. Thus, application or development of a nursing classification
system in Iran with the purpose of nursing information management seems necessary.
Keywords
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