Accuracy of Nursing Diagnoses: Concept Development

The concept of accuracy of nursing diagnoses was developed by the author as a first step of theory development related to nursing diagnosis. Accuracy is conceptually redefined as a continuous variable and as such contrasts with the prevailing view of accuracy that diagnoses are either accurate or inaccurate. The conceptual definition of accuracy of a nursing diagnosis and a delineation of the characteristics of accuracy emphasize the relativistic nature of the concept.