Contributing to the ICNP ® : validating the term ‘informal settlement’

Aim:  The specific aims of this study were to propose a definition of the term informal settlement, validate the term informal settlement, and submit a term and definition for international utilization to the International Council of Nurses (ICN) for consideration for inclusion in the International Classification of Nursing Practice (ICNP ® ). Background:  South Africa was one of four African countries (Botswana, South Africa, Swaziland and Zimbabwe) funded by the WK Kellogg Foundation to participate in the ICNP ® project. South Africa had two research groups. One of the research groups identified the term informal settlement to define. Methods:  This was a qualitative study where a philosophical perspective was used to explore, explain and describe nursing practice. The combined method proposed by the ICN was utilized to define and validate the term informal settlement. Findings:  Validation and literature review provided sufficient support for the defined characteristics and the term was finally defined and submitted to ICN on 12 April 2001 as informal settlement is a type of residential development with the specific characteristics – temporary residential structures, erected with limited or no formal infrastructure, densely populated, no secure tenure for occupants, no property demarcations, often associated with overcrowding/limited or no privacy, and low standard of living, being situated in high risk areas with an increased risk for disease and disasters. Conclusion:  The ICNP ® Evaluation Committee recommended inclusion in the ICNP ® with minor changes in February 2003.