In this study, the authors aimed to validate the content of the nursing diagnosis, risk for elopement attempt (00290) and increase its level of evidence. A content validity study was conducted based on the expert opinion of 33 experts with academic training in nursing and practical and theoretical experience concerning the nursing process. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, and the diagnostic content validity was based on the Fehring model.
The label and definition of risk for elopement attempt were validated, along with 15 risk factors. Among these, “Substance misuse” was classified as a major characteristic, with the remaining risk factors validated as minor. Of the 13 risk populations, 6 were validated and classified as major; 6 were validated and classified as minor; and “Economically disadvantaged individuals” was discarded. Of the three associated conditions, one was validated as major, while the others were classified as minor.
As we have discussed previously, and based on recommendations of the NANDA-I research committee and level of evidence revision, the use of Fehring’s method for future studies should probably be reconsidered, as this method was developed during a period in which it was difficult for nurses to be approved to conduct clinical validation studies, and therefore required a dependence on expert opinion. Thus, this work does require clinical validation to move the diagnosis to significantly higher levels of evidence; however, expert opinion does provide a low level of evidence which provides a starting point for future studies.
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