Clinical Applicability of a Terminology Subset for Monitoring Child Development from Zero Months to Age Three: An Observational Study.

This study tested whether a set of nursing terminology for monitoring child development from birth to age three could be used in real clinical practice in Brazil. Researchers observed 46 nursing consultations in two Brazilian municipalities to see which diagnoses, outcomes, and interventions from the terminology set were actually used. The study found that about 65% of the diagnoses and outcomes were applicable, but only 21% of the interventions appeared in practice, suggesting the terminology set is useful but needs adjustment for broader application.

Key points

• 64.7% of nursing diagnoses and outcomes in the terminology subset were observed and applicable during consultations
• Only 21.3% of the interventions in the subset were observed in clinical practice
• The diagnosis 'Child development, effective' was identified in 93% of the 46 consultations observed
• The study was conducted in primary healthcare settings in two Brazilian municipalities
• Applicability was predominantly demonstrated with healthy children

Limitations

This is a small observational study in specific Brazilian primary healthcare contexts with healthy children, so findings may not generalize to other countries, healthcare settings, or populations with developmental concerns or disabilities. The study does not evaluate whether using this terminology actually improves child health outcomes or early identification of developmental delays.