Enhancing lives through the development of a community-based participatory action research programme.
A community-based participatory action research (PAR) programme that has spanned 5 years is discussed in this article. A primary healthcare philosophy requires research in this practice setting and supports the way healthcare is ideally organized within an integrated team and supported by a community network that includes not only the healthcare workers and service providers but also the community as partners. The principles driving three PAR inquiries are described: the development of a model for prevention of workplace violence; working with clinicians towards improving wound management practice; and management of continence for community-dwelling women living with multiple sclerosis. Participatory action research is a potentially democratic process that is equitable and liberating as participants construct meaning in the process of group discussions. We conclude that the cyclical processes inherent in PAR promote reflection and reconstruction of experiences that can lead to the enhancement of people's lives, either at an individual or community level, or both.
Koch
Tina
T
Flinders University, Adelaide, PO Box 247, Glenside SA 5965, Adelaide, South Australia. Koch.Tina@rdns.sa.gov
Selim
Pam
P
Kralik
Debbie
D
D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000451:nursing*; D003152:Community Health Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration; D019058:Community Networks / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003256:Community Participation; D003657:Decision Making; D006801:Humans; D015399:Nursing Research; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011321:Primary Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration; D013021:South Australia