Using action research to improve and understand professional practice.

Abstract

Action research is a cyclical process in which there are phases of data collection, action (including a change intervention) and evaluation. This process is repeated with redefined interventions, thereby improving the situation and increasing understanding of the phenomenon, including the development of new theory. Action research is participative, with participants having a proactive role in the research, including becoming a co-researcher. There is great potential for using action research to both improve and understand professional practice in primary care. An example of action research in primary care is described, in which a primary healthcare team improved care and developed further understanding of teamwork.