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Action Research Methodology (action + research_methodology)
Selected AbstractsYoung People, Photography and EngagementINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ART & DESIGN EDUCATION, Issue 2 2003Nick Stanley Over ten years research into photography and education has been undertaken at Birmingham Institute of Art and Design in collaboration with the Arts Council of England, West Midlands Arts, and local community photography agencies. A range of case studies were undertaken to explore how young people used photography, particularly in self-empowerment. These ranged from students in Further Education challenging concepts of visual stereotypes of disability, young lesbian, gay and bisexual people constructing their own website, and individuals and groups creating and modifying their own images in a shopping centre. A democratic action research methodology was developed to enable the young people to establish their own agenda and generate standards for evaluating their work. A particular feature of the later research was a self-reflective journal that was shared between the researcher and everyone engaged in the project. This resource has considerable potential in photography and elsewhere in art and design education. [source] The practice characterization model: the importance of organizational life cycles and targeted interventions in general medical practiceINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEALTH PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT, Issue 2 2001E. M. Atkins Abstract In response to a climate of constant change and increasing demand for services, general practice in the UK has undergone significant modification over the last 10 years. It has become a multi-disciplinary organisation encouraged by funding bodies to plan for service delivery using a more structured team based approach. In Tayside in 1996, practices were charged with producing formal Practice Development Plans (PDPs) which would focus on priority areas aligned with the Health Boards own strategic plan,those were teamwork, information management and technology, and clinical service delivery. The University of Dundee's Department of General Practice successfully applied for funding to develop ways of facilitating practices so that they could a) identify their own development priorities, and b) plan and implement action and learning to see these priorities through. Using action research methodology, the project attempted to create a climate for change, provide support and training to see the changes implemented, and ensure commitment to the changes from all members of the practice team. The Facilitator adopted a flexible style varying her role between expert, guide and support. Analysis of progress made by different practices, coupled with the Facilitator's in depth knowledge of them, suggested the importance of certain key aspects of practice organisation and culture. A practice characterisation model identified practices which were stable, currently coping, proactive and ready to face the challenge of change as best placed to engage in a full scale development programme. Other profiles suggested a range of alternative interventions as more likely to be acceptable and productive. [source] Validity in action research: a discussion on theoretical and practice issues encountered whilst using observation to collect dataJOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING, Issue 3 2001Christopher Turnock MSc MPhil DANS DPSN RN Validity in action research: a discussion on theoretical and practice issues encountered whilst using observation to collect data Aim.,The paper contributes to an understanding of validity in action research methodology by examining issues arising from our attempts to describe the role of an observer in an action research study. Background.,Our experiences in observing patient care in intensive care settings are used to illuminate discussion on the nature of validity in action research. Content.,The paper examines the nature of validity in action research methodology before briefly describing a study that included observing intensive care staff providing patient care. Various perspectives on observation as a research method are critically examined. These include observer role, level of participation, use of cover, structure and timing of observation. Validity in action research underpins the discussion in the paper. Conclusion.,We conclude that it may not always be possible to categorize the role of the observer within existing definitions. It may be better to summarize the actual observer role as a way of illustrating validity so that the reader can judge the validity of the findings from an action research study. [source] The development of a user-led clinical service for newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis patients.MUSCULOSKELETAL CARE, Issue 4 2004An action research study Abstract Objective: To identify the clinical services required to meet the perceived needs of patients within the first 6,12 months following a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis in an orthopaedic NHS trust. Methods: An action research methodology was utilized. Twenty three newly diagnosed patients were asked to complete a questionnaire focusing on their needs at the time of diagnosis. The content included reactions to diagnosis, physical and psychological implications and clinical services that were required. A sub-sample of patients (n = 6) participated in an interview to explore these issues in more depth. A questionnaire was also distributed to 14 members of the multidisciplinary team (MDT) to ascertain their views on the purpose, content, and provision of a clinical service for newly diagnosed patients. Results: Eighteen patients agreed to take part (M:F, 9:9, age range 23,74 years, mean age 52.3 years, mean disease duration from diagnosis 16 weeks). Data from the questionnaires and interviews led to the following themes being identified: pre-diagnosis anxiety and fear, the impact of the diagnosis, physical and psychological implications of the diagnosis, and issues related to control perceptions. There was concordance between the MDT and the patients regarding impact of the disease and the need for information. Areas of the service that were identified independently by patients related to the importance of the period of time pre-diagnosis while awaiting the hospital appointment, and employment issues. Conclusions: This study has identified the impact of RA in the early stages of pre- and post- diagnosis on physical, psychological and social functioning and has consequently informed service development. Copyright © 2004 Whurr Publishers Ltd. [source] Asymmetry in the intensive care unit: redressing imbalance and meeting the needs of familyNURSING IN CRITICAL CARE, Issue 5 2008Denise Blanchard Abstract Aims and objectives:, The purpose of this study was to develop a way for nurses to understand how they negotiate and work with families in the intensive care unit (ICU). Background:, The importance of family to the critically ill patient is described in previous research; however, research exploring how to work with families in the clinical context of ICU is modest and there is little information and research to understand how the nurse might work to integrate family and understand family needs in the clinical context. Design:, The study was designed using action research methodology where an action research group of registered nurses from ICU proposed changes to how the family are defined, assessed and understood. Methods:, In the action research group and reflective conversations, the group planned new assessment tools to use in ICU to work with the family. Results:, Exploring their pragmatic knowledge of the context, the action research group suggested ways of working with families that did not impede the clinical work of the ICU. Families provided information about themselves and the patient that helped the nurse to plan care that redressed some of the asymmetrical nature of the relationship in the ICU. Conclusions:, This research created novel ways of viewing family and offers strategies to address asymmetry between families and ICU professionals. Relevance to clinical practice:, Positive steps to redress asymmetrical relationships can help ensure that family care is better integrated into ICU practice. [source] | ||||||||||