The nursing minimum data set: use in the quality process.

There is an increased need to use nursing information systems that include elements of the Nursing Minimum Data Set (NMDS). The NMDS is a framework within which to collect and retrieve data that are essential to the quality process, including structure, process, and outcome components. In using the NMDS for quality evaluation, there are several issues to be addressed, including database development, standardized language for nursing, standard and guideline development, and data quality. Nurses need to have standardized, computerized, essential nursing data to evaluate effectiveness of care and to demonstrate the contributions they make to client outcomes.