Beyond knowledge deficit to a proposal for information-seeking behaviors

TOPIC: Nursing assessment of knowledge of informational needs. PURPOSE: To present of a brief evolutionary analysis of knowledge deficit in terms of its significance, application, and use, and to present a proposal diagnosis, "information-seeking behaviors." SOURCES: Literature review of knowledge deficit and "information-seeking behaviors." CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge deficit is a nursing diagnosis that is significant for identifying a patient's need for education or knowledge. Its application has revealed limitations to validity and subsequent use. "Information-seeking behaviors" is proposed as an alternative diagnosis. Antecedents and defining characteristics are presented and areas for future research proposed.