'Holding it lightly': the co-operative inquiry group: a method for developing educational materials.
METHODS
The purpose of this research was to adapt the World Health Organization's educational programme Mental Disorders in Primary Care for South African general practitioners.


OBJECTIVE
This paper describes how to organise and facilitate a co-operative inquiry group as a form of participatory action research aimed at developing or adapting educational materials. Specific quality criteria for this type of action research are defined. The experience of our own co-operative inquiry and the lessons learnt are discussed.


CONCLUSIONS
In the field of medical education participatory action research methodology is relatively new. This article shows how the co-operative inquiry group can be used effectively to develop educational materials. It is intended to encourage and support others in using similar methods of action research in their own settings.
Mash
B
B
Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Stellenbosch University, South Africa. rm@gerga.sun.ac.za
Meulenberg-Buskens
I
I
D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing / Q000379:methods*; D005194:Family Practice / Q000193:education*; D006126:Group Processes; D006801:Humans; D013019:South Africa