First discussions on the nursing diagnosis in periodicals (1956-1967)

Abstract

Introduction: The insertion of the nursing diagnosis in the routine of the Brazilian nurses followed an international tendency, receiving its theoretical and practical influence. Aim: To describe the first international discussions on the nursing diagnosis before its official publication in a national journal article. Method: It was
a literature review based on articles from international journals published up to the year 1967. Results: From eight articles were described six categories: the appropriation of the term and its impact on the academic and professional environment; parallel nomenclatures related to needs, problems, judgment and creativity; scientific bias, aiming at both social recognition and theoretical bases; the change of the technological scene in the post-war period and of the management of health resources; the patient’s evaluation approach in the
biological, social and psychological aspects; and finally, the comparison between the diagnoses performed by the physician and the nurse, delimiting the functions and their specific approaches. Conclusión: the nursing diagnosis proved to be a technique of data collection, even if associated or defended as one of the promising scientific bases of the nurses, indicating its theoretical incipience on this subject, a phenomenon that can be understood as a strategy of empowerment for professional autonomy.