Definitions of the elements of the NANDA-I nursing diagnosis “Imbalanced Energy Field”: an integrative review

Abstract

Objectives: to synthesize literature on imbalanced energy field to conceptually and operationally define the defining characteristics and related factors of diagnosis “Imbalanced Energy Field” (00273) (NANDA-I). Methods: a study developed in two phases: integrative literature review (Whittemore & Knafl) and improvement of definitions of diagnostic elements. The CINAHL, Scopus, LILACS, BDENF, FIOCRUZ, Web of Science, INTEGRALIDADE and PubMed databases were used from 2016 to 2022. Results: a total of 524 articles were identified, and 14 articles were selected for analysis. Five addressed therapeutic touch outcomes; three studies addressed Reiki outcomes; and six studies addressed mixed integrative practices with levels of evidence, according to the Melnyk and Fineout-Overholt criteria: level II (six studies); VI (three studies); III (three studies); IV (1 study); and V (one study). Conclusions: the articles analyzed favored the improvement of the conceptual and operational definitions of defining characteristics and related factors of the diagnosis under study.