35.6 million people are living with dementia worldwide. Up to 40% of people with a dementia go into residential care. There is a need to understand PSI practice and training requirements of practioners.

Interview and observe stake holders (service users, carers, educationalists and practitioners). Participants were asked to explore their understanding of the value of PSIs. Develop grounded theory to inform the development of a structured education programme for PSIs.

Identify current practice and the potential to develop PSI training. Contribute to a structured education programme. Develop a framework for the implementation of PSIs.

Classical Grounded theory.

Delivery of PSIs is dependent upon the influence of: attributes, experience and education. These factors are affected by the need to be flexible and individual ideas of what is effective. All of these factors are shaped by the need to make the most of limited resources and complete basic physical tasks.

A complicated range of influences impact upon the delivery of PSIs. Theory developed indicates that PSI education must address practitioner attitude and emphasise the benefits to staff efficiency and reducing agitation in people with dementia along with improving the quality of life of people with dementia.