title: Action research in developing knowledge networks.
abstract: This paper describes the experiences of the Eastern Head Injury Study in creating a strategic regional head injury service framework using a collaborative action research methodology. The types of data, information and knowledge required to develop and support such a framework for both development and successful implementation are identified. This includes the identification of existing knowledge/information systems, the variability and gaps in these, and how the systems fit together, using a number of evidence-gathering and knowledge-sharing methods. The discussion debates the value of the action research approach and what principles are necessary in developing and maintaining knowledge networks. The project demonstrates that an understanding of the social learning cycle can help in understanding how the pieces fit together, and how the information systems need to be in place to provide the information (or data or knowledge) in the appropriate format to make the learning possible.
authors.affiliation: Academic Neurosurgery, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK. hms35@medschl.cam.ac.uk
authors.forename: Helen
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Seeley
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Urquhart
mesh_terms: D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D006259:Craniocerebral Trauma / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000592:standards*; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D019451:Information Management / Q000379:methods*; D019359:Knowledge; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D006113:United Kingdom