Using nursing interventions classification as a framework to revise the Belgian nursing minimum data set.

PURPOSE To develop the revised Belgian nursing minimum data set (B-NMDS). METHODS The Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC, 2nd edition) was used as a framework. Six expert nurse panels (cardiology, oncology, intensive care, pediatrics, geriatrics, chronic care) were consulted. Seventy-nine panelists completed standardized e-mail questionnaires and discussed results in face-to-face meetings. FINDINGS We initially selected 256 of 433 NIC interventions. After panel discussions, plenary meetings, and pretesting, the revised B-NMDS (alpha version) contained 79 items covering 22 NIC classes and 196 NIC interventions. CONCLUSIONS Consensus building promoted acceptance of the B-NMDS, while the NIC provided a good theoretical basis and guaranteed international comparability. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE The revised B-NMDS instrument can be used to visualize nursing activities in different applications (e.g., financing, staffing allocation).