Achieving participation inaction research-sharing the lessons

Achieving participation in one action research studyAction research was the methodology used to study and change the assessment and management of pain on a medical unit in a District General Hospital. Parkin (2009) describes action research as a core strategy for implementing change in healthcare. It is grounded in the belief that research should be participative and democratic (Ladkin 2004). The extent of participation and active involvement can vary from awareness of a project to full partnership and collaboration with the researcher (Kelly and Simpson 2001). This research project moved along the typography over time as described by Hart and Bond (1995). Initially the approach used was experimental or technical collaborative, the researcher was the expert from outside the medical unit and participation was minimal and the relationship between the researcher and participants remained formal. Over time the project has moved towards an empowerment approach as a relationship has been established and developed between the researcher and practitioners. The researcher raises awareness to enable the participants to identify the problem and question their underlying assumptions and values (Holloway and Wheeler 2002) to assist them to change their practice. As a result of group learning, facilitation and active involvement by the researcher practitioners themselves have critically reflected and discussed aspects of practice generally and in particularly pain assessment and initiating change themselves. The success of a group to identify a problem, proposed alternative solutions, to implement, act and evaluate changes depends on the personality of the researcher (Meyer 1993, Waterman et al 2001). The difficulties of gaining participation and involvement have not always been reported in the literature. The intention of this paper is to describe the phases that occurred in this research study to achieve participation.