An exemplar of the use of NNN language in developing evidence-based practice guidelines.

PURPOSE: To explore the use of standardized language, NNN, in the development of evidence-based practice (EBP). DATA SOURCES: Published research and texts on family interventions, nursing diagnoses (NANDA-I), nursing interventions (NIC), and nursing outcomes (NOC). DATA ANALYSIS: Research literature was summarized and synthesized to determine levels of evidence for the NIC intervention Family Integrity Promotion.
CONCLUSIONS: The authors advocate that a "standards of practice" category of levels of evidence be adopted for interventions not amenable to randomized controlled trials or for which a body of research has not been developed. Priorities for nursing family intervention research are identified. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: The use of NANDA-I nursing diagnoses, NIC interventions, and NOC outcomes (NNN language) as research frameworks will facilitate the development of EBP guidelines and the use of appropriate outcome measures.