Presents a clear, theoretical rationale for the importance and viability of action research in a variety of professional settings The book exposes the limitations of existing models of the relationships between professional theory and professional practice Contains credible case-studies of work undertaken by practioners and service-users Offers practical guidance and strategies for carrying out such work
* What is action research and how can it best be understood? * How can practitioners use action research to deal with problems and improve services? * What are the different types of action research and which might be most appropriate for use in a particular setting? This book has been designed for use as a core text on research methods courses at undergraduate and postgraduate level and on professional training courses. It is divided into three parts. Part one traces the history of action research and shows the links between its use in education, community development, management research and nursing. Building on this background the book explores different ways in which action research has been defined and proposes four different types, each appropriate to a different problem situation and context. In part two, five case studies of action research are described from the perspective of the researcher, including case studies of success and instructive failure. Part three is designed to enable the reader to find a route through the maze of methods and approaches in action research by the use of such things as self-assessment and mapping exercises, a guide to diary keeping and to evaluation. The final chapter suggests that by developing a 'project perspective' action research can be of practical benefit to health and social care professionals in promoting service improvements.
Action Research in Healthcare is a practical guide to using research for improving practice in healthcare contexts. As an increasingly popular method of inquiry, action research is widely used in healthcare to investigate professional practice and patients' experience while simultaneously: - introducing innovations - planning, actioning and evaluating new ideas - seeking to improve patient care - working collaboratively. Taking you through the process step-by-step, Action Research in Healthcare explains how to tackle each stage of your project - from planning the study and undertaking a literature review, through to gathering and interpreting data and implementing findings. Examples of action research projects are included throughout to illustrate how the method works in practice. Action Research in Healthcare assumes no previous knowledge of the subject and is the ideal resource for anyone about to start or already involved in a project.
This is a timely book, given the increasing emphasis on user participation in both research and health and social service provision, that can be read in conjunction with a more general book on research..." David Hicks, Liverpool John Moores University, UK User participation in research is still in its relative infancy with many practical, ethical, moral, methodological and philosophical questions unanswered. This text gathers together an international set of authors to explore these issues and begin to forge some practical solutions to each of these concerns. The book includes contributions on the use and application of narrative approaches, intervention and evaluation research, methodological development and quality thresholds. It provides a practical framework for all groups wishing to undertake research based on the principles and values of user participation. The book is structured around ten original case studies which explore the use of participatory methods in practice with a variety of groups across diverse health, social care and community settings. These include older people, including those with dementia, people with learning disability, mental health service users and their carers, and children and young people. Unique and often groundbreaking studies from Australia, Sweden, the UK, and the USA are used to illustrate application of theory to research practice. In addition the text: Considers the issues, challenges and rewards of user participation research Draws on the actual experience of doing research and working with users Includes the voices and contributions of users in reporting research User Participation in Health and Social Care Research: Voices, Values and Evaluation is key reading for students, researchers, practitioners and users themselves wishing to undertake participative research involving service users.
Action Research is becoming more popular in nursing and healthcare. It is used by practitioners who want to better understand and improve the quality of their work, and by students who need to do a research project for their course. An Action Research approach enables evidence-based care and links research directly to practice, making it the ideal method for a researcher in these fields. This book introduces readers to Action Research by presenting its key concepts and backing these up with practical examples throughout, often drawn from the authors′ own extensive experience. Topics include: - Action research to advance patient care - Collaborative working - Ethics - Participatory Action Research - Writing up and disseminating projects Williamson, Bellman, and Webster - leading figures in the field - provide practical advice for using Action Research in healthcare settings, with patients and alongside other practitioners. Their book presents a flexible approach that can be adapted to researchers′ real needs.
Exploring the tension between the use of evidence-based practice, based upon the ‘solidity’ of research, and reflection with its subjectivity and personal perception, this book argues that reflection is research.
* What is action research and how can it best be understood? * How can practitioners use action research to deal with problems and improve services? * What are the different types of action research and which might be most appropriate for use in a particular setting? This book has been designed for use as a core text on research methods courses at undergraduate and postgraduate level and on professional training courses. It is divided into three parts. Part one traces the history of action research and shows the links between its use in education, community development, management research and nursing. Building on this background the book explores different ways in which action research has been defined and proposes four different types, each appropriate to a different problem situation and context. In part two, five case studies of action research are described from the perspective of the researcher, including case studies of success and instructive failure. Part three is designed to enable the reader to find a route through the maze of methods and approaches in action research by the use of such things as self-assessment and mapping exercises, a guide to diary keeping and to evaluation. The final chapter suggests that by developing a 'project perspective' action research can be of practical benefit to health and social care professionals in promoting service improvements.
`Each chapter flows well and holds the reader′s interest. The book is suitable for learners and experienced practitioners′ Keith Hurst, Leeds University The management of change in the context of new policy directives and agendas is a critical issue for healthcare practitioners. All professionals - not just managers - need to develop and implement new services designed to bring patients into the centre of healthcare delivery. This book looks at the leadership, management and interpersonal skills needed to manage such change effectively within multiprofessional healthcare settings. The book: - Uniquely uses Action Research as a model for planning and implementing change at the patient-service interface. - Makes use of evidence and case studies to demonstrate the stages of the change process. - Includes advice and useful strategies for achieving change. - Shows dynamic change can be achieved at the individual, team, departmental and organisational level. - Covers a range of topics including organisational culture; leadership; conflict resolution; managerial roles; and organisational analysis. Managing Change in Healthcare will be ideal for all nursing and allied health care trainees taking courses in management and leadership. It will also be invaluable for qualified professionals and managers who need a clear and engaging guide to the key issues and skills underpinning effective healthcare management.
Key Themes in Health and Social Care is a learning resource for students in health and social care. It provides an overview of foundational issues and core themes in the field and introduces key areas of debate, moving from an introductory level to in-depth discussion as the book progresses. Divided into three parts: the first part sets the scene, addressing introductory psychology and sociology, social policy, equality and diversity, skills for practice, and working with people the second part considers key themes such as the contribution of philosophy and politics; criminal justice; management of services; the relationship between place and wellbeing; research in health and social care; theories of counselling; housing and the built environment the third part looks at discrete areas of practice such as mental health; substance abuse, protection work; health promotion; disability studies; working with men; child welfare and public responsibility. Each chapter begins with an outline of the content and learning outcomes and includes reflective exercises to allow students to reflect on what they have read, review their learning and consolidate their understanding. Time-pressed readers wanting to ‘dip into’ the book for relevant areas can do so but, read from cover to cover, the book provides a comprehensive introduction to the key areas of contemporary health and social care practice. It will be particularly helpful for students undertaking health and social care undergraduate and foundation degrees.
The Sage Handbook of Qualitative Methods in Health Research is a comprehensive and authoritative source on qualitative research methods. The Handbook compiles accessible yet vigorous academic contributions by respected academics from the fast-growing field of qualitative methods in health research and consists of: - A series of case studies in the ways in which qualitative methods have contributed to the development of thinking in fields relevant to policy and practice in health care. - A section examining the main theoretical sources drawn on by qualitative researchers. - A section on specific techniques for the collection of data. - A section exploring issues relevant to the strategic place of qualitative research in health care environments. The Sage Handbook of Qualitative Methods in Health Research is an invaluable source of reference for all students, researchers and practitioners with a background in the health professions or health sciences.
