Providing structure. Unraveling and building a psychiatric nursing intervention

Abstract

Psychiatric nurses commonly refer to ‘providing structure’ (PS) as a key intervention. But, no consensus exists about what PS entails. PS can be understood as a complex intervention. In five studies a definition, activities and context-variables were described. On the basis of results of a literature review, an observational study, an interview study with patients, an interview study with psychiatric nurses, and a Delphi-study with (Inter) national panel of experts, a definition of PS, four general PS-activities, fifteen specific activities activities and three context-variables could be described. Psychiatric nurses can use the information about PS to reflect on the use of PS-activities within their own working environment, and these insights can help nurses to develop their professional growth.