Background. Nursing documentation has long traditions and represents core element of nursing, but the documentation is often\ncriticized of being incomplete. Nursing diagnoses are an important research topic in nursing in terms of quality of nursing\nassessment, interventions, and outcome in addition to facilitating communication and continuity. Aim. The aim of this study\nwas to explore the nurses� and nursing students� experiences after implementing free text format nursing diagnoses in a medical\ndepartment. Method.The study design included educational intervention of free text nursing diagnoses. Data was collected through\nfive focus group interviews with 18 nurses and 6 students as informants. The data was analyzed using qualitative content analysis.\nResults.The informants describe positive experiences concerning free text format nursing diagnoses� use and usefulness; it promotes\nreflection and discussion and is described as a useful tool in the diagnostic process, though it was challenging to find the diagnosis�\nappropriate formulation. Conclusion. Our findings indicate a valid usability of free text format nursing diagnoses as it promotes the\ndiagnostic process. The use seems to enhance critical thinking and may serve as valuable preparation towards an implementation\nof standardized nursing diagnoses. Use and support of key personnel seem valuable in an implementation process.
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