Nursing Outcomes Classification

From Food & Medicine Encyclopedia

Nursing Outcomes Classification (NOC) is a standardized classification system that defines and measures patient outcomes that are directly influenced by nursing interventions. It is a key component of the nursing process and serves as a tool to evaluate the effectiveness of nursing care in clinical settings. The NOC provides a comprehensive list of patient outcomes that are sensitive to nursing actions. Each outcome is standardized with:

  • A unique label
  • A clear definition
  • A set of measurable indicators
  • A 5-point Likert scale to evaluate patient progress

Currently, the NOC includes over 330 defined outcomes. These outcomes are applicable to individual patients, families, or communities and span physical, psychological, social, and spiritual domains of health. The NOC is recognized by the American Nurses Association (ANA) and has been integrated into major healthcare information systems. It is included in the:

Purpose[edit]

The primary purpose of the Nursing Outcomes Classification is to:

Nursing-sensitive outcomes[edit]

Nursing-sensitive outcomes are defined as an individual's, family's, or community's state, behavior, or perception that changes in response to nursing care and is measured along a continuum. These outcomes are uniquely influenced by nursing interventions and can be used to justify the impact of nursing on healthcare delivery. Examples of nursing-sensitive outcomes include:

  • Pain level
  • Mobility
  • Knowledge of health condition
  • Self-care ability
  • Anxiety reduction
  • Respiratory status

Applications[edit]

NOC outcomes are used in:

They are particularly important in demonstrating the effectiveness and accountability of nursing in specialized fields such as:

Structure and Example[edit]

Each outcome in the NOC contains the following elements:

  • Label: Pain Level
    • Definition: Severity of pain reported or observed by an individual
  • Indicators:
    • Reports pain intensity on a scale of 0–10
    • Reports pain relief with interventions
    • Demonstrates non-verbal signs of pain (grimacing, guarding)
  • Measurement Scale: 1 (severely compromised) to 5 (not compromised)

Development[edit]

The NOC system was developed by the University of Iowa College of Nursing and continues to be updated based on ongoing research and clinical feedback.

See also[edit]

External links[edit]

Nursing
Levels of
practice
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and
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Specialties and
areas of
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Nursing process
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Medical classification
Topographical codes
Diagnostic codes
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specialized:
Procedural codes
Pharmaceutical codes
Outcomes codes
* NOC
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