The Utility of Participatory Action Research in the Nursing Field

Abstract

Participatory action research (PAR) is a method of inquiry that promotes a collaborative approach to knowledge creation. This article examined areas of research interest that included PAR methods, highlighting the areas of improvement that such approaches might offer to researchers and scientists in the nursing field. Among the 20 included studies, participatory concepts are more likely used to direct research design than to select participants. About two-thirds of the studies reviewed used PAR principles in designing projects. Although only a few research collaborative efforts involved partners in selecting participants, 70% involved participants in data gathering. Participatory approaches to data processing and interpretation were found in over 60% of articles assessed across all content categories. Approximately half of the studies included suggestions for participatory implementation approaches; a quarter discussed participatory ways to disseminate results. The findings demonstrate how researchers are incorporating PAR principles into a variety of areas of nursing research. Promises to fully include participants and promises of reciprocal benefit are essential in order to pursue meaningful PAR.