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Action research and quality of care: a mechanism for agreeing basic values as a precursor to change *
Author(s) -
Nolan Mike,
Grant Gordon
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
journal of advanced nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.948
H-Index - 155
eISSN - 1365-2648
pISSN - 0309-2402
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2648.1993.18020305.x
Subject(s) - operationalization , underpinning , typology , checklist , action (physics) , quality (philosophy) , mechanism (biology) , psychology , nursing , action research , sociology , medicine , epistemology , pedagogy , cognitive psychology , engineering , quantum mechanics , anthropology , philosophy , civil engineering , physics
This paper describes the trend apparent in nursing and other practice disciplines towards more participative and collaborative methods of enquiry as exemplified by action research. In so doing it notes the conceptual similarities between action research, change theory and quality initiatives. Particular attention is focused on the need to establish the basic values which provide the impetus and direction for subsequent activity. The difficulties this may pose are illustrated by reference to the application in two continuing care hospital wards for elderly patients of a checklist operationalizing a typology of care. A mechanism to facilitate and make explicit the values underpinning care in any given environment is suggested.