title: Development of the Psychiatric Nursing Intervention Providing Structure: An International Delphi Study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  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 four previous studies, a definition, activities, and context variables were described that were presented to experts in a Delphi study.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To reach consensus about the definition of PS, its activities, and context variables.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a qualitative study, a Delphi study is used to gather the opinions of experts. The Delphi study consisted of three rounds with statements to score in each round.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Experts reached consensus about a definition of PS, its activities, and context variables. Eleven statements related to the definition were accepted. Fourteen statements of a total of 17 statements related to the specific activities reached sufficient agreement, and 4 statements related to context variables were accepted.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A definition could be given of PS with 4 general PS activities, 15 specific activities, and 3 context variables. 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 develop their professional growth.
authors.affiliation: L. Amar Voogt, MSc, APRN, RN, GGD Zaanstreek-Waterland, Zaandam, Netherlands; Mental Health Care Hospital GGZ Noord-Holland Noord, Heerhugowaard, Netherlands; Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands a.voogt@hetnet.nl.
authors.forename: L Amar
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Voogt
authors.affiliation: Annet Nugter, PhD, Mental Health Care Hospital GGZ Noord-Holland Noord, Heerhugowaard, Netherlands.
authors.forename: Annet
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nugter
authors.affiliation: Theo van Achterberg, PhD, RN, FEANS, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands; Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
authors.forename: Theo
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: van Achterberg
authors.affiliation: Peter J. J. Goossens, PhD, APRN, RN, FEANS, Dimence Mental Health Care, Deventer, Netherlands; Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands; GGZ-VS Institute for the Education of Clinical Nurse Specialist in Mental Health, Utrecht, Netherlands; Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
authors.forename: Peter J J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Goossens
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D032921:Consensus; D003697:Delphi Technique; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing; D036301:Qualitative Research
keywords: nursing intervention; providing structure; psychiatric nursing