Nursing Minimum Data Set development and implementation in Thailand

Background. In 1997, the Thai Ministry of Public Health began planning to implement a national health information system. Development of the nursing component of this system is an ongoing process. The first step in developing a nursing information system is to identify an essential Nursing Minimum Data Set (NMDS). Aim. To describe the development of a NMDS in Thailand and explore the challenges of implementing it, including the issue of the comparability with data sets in other countries, primarily the United States of America. Methods. The process of developing a NMDS specific to Thailand is reviewed. Strategies for implementing this data set and important issues related to it are then discussed. Findings. Although a preliminary Thai NMDS has been identified, challenges associated with its development and implementation within the Thai National health information system remain. Conclusion. A Thai NMDS and its elements have been identified. The International Classification of Nursing Practice was translated and is to be used to implement the data set describing the nursing care of patients and their families. However, many issues, such as the need for conceptual translation and increasing nurses' involvement in the process, still need to be addressed in order to implement the data set successfully.