Validation of the Nursing Diagnosis of Ineffective Breastfeeding

Abstract

Objective: To test the validity of the definition, related factors, and defining characteristics of the nursing diagnosis of ineffective breastfeeding. Also, to test whether defining characteristics relevant to the interruption of breastfeeding may be included in the diagnosis of ineffective breastfeeding. Design: A methodologic study using a two‐stage Delphi process. Participants: Sixty‐six nurses in the first round of the Delphi process and 34 nurses in the second round. Main Outcome Measures: A Likert‐like scale was used to measure nurse experts' opinions as to how reflective each defining characteristic was of ineffective breastfeeding. Results: The definition of ineffective breastfeeding was simplified, related factors were added, and defining characteristics were clarified. Two characteristics of interruption of breastfeeding were found to be relevant to ineffective breastfeeding, but were considered minor rather than major. Conclusion: The definition, related factors, and defining characteristics of ineffective breastfeeding have been clarified and validated by nurse experts, but they need further validation by breastfeeding women. Copyright © 1993, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved