An evaluation of ICNP intervention axes as terminology model components.

In this paper we evaluate selected axes of the International Classification of Nursing Practice (ICNP) as terminology model components for nursing actions by dissecting and categorizing two data sets of term phrases (Patient Care Data Set and Home Health Care Classification). Second, we critically analyze the relationships between the ICNP axes and terminology model components used to formally define procedures (including nursing actions) in SNOMED RT. Our findings demonstrate that the semantic categories represented by the ICNP intervention axes are relevant sources for terminology model components for nursing actions. In addition, our findings suggest that only minimal additions or extensions to the current semantic links of SNOMED RT are needed to support the formal definition of nursing actions such as those contained in PCDS and HHCC.