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Evaluating the use of participatory action research to implement evidence‐based guidance on dementia palliative care in long‐term care settings: A creative hermeneutic analysis
Author(s) -
Buckley Catherine,
Hartigan Irene,
Coffey Alice,
Cornally Nicola,
O’Connell Selena,
O’Loughlin Christina,
Timmons Suzanne,
Lehane Elaine
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
international journal of older people nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.707
H-Index - 29
eISSN - 1748-3743
pISSN - 1748-3735
DOI - 10.1111/opn.12460
Subject(s) - participatory action research , citizen journalism , dementia , action (physics) , nursing , palliative care , psychology , health care , action research , medicine , sociology , political science , pedagogy , physics , disease , pathology , quantum mechanics , anthropology , law
Background Dementia affects a large proportion of society and places a significant burden on older people and healthcare systems internationally. Managing symptoms at the end of life for people with dementia is complex. Participatory action research can offer an approach that helps to encourage implementation of evidence‐based practices in long‐term care settings. Methods Three evidence‐based guidance documents (pain assessment and management, medication management, nutrition and hydration management) were introduced in three long‐term care settings for older people. Data generated from work‐based learning groups were analysed using a critical hermeneutic approach to explore the use of participatory action research to support the implementation of guidance documents in these settings. Results Engagement and Facilitation emerged as key factors which both enabled and hindered the PAR processes at each study site. Conclusions This study adds to the body of knowledge that emphasises the value of participatory action research in enabling practice change. It further identifies key practice development approaches that are necessary to enable a PAR approach to occur in care settings for older people with dementia. The study highlights the need to ensure that dedicated attention is paid to strategies that facilitate key transformations in clinical practice.