Full Schedule

This workshop will introduce learners to Practitioner Action Research (AR), reviewing the approach, application, and expected outcomes from a Practitioner AR study. Practitioner AR is an approach that falls under the broader umbrella of Action Research. AR pursues action (social change) and research (knowledge generation) simultaneously, tackling issues relevant to the community/organization. AR is “a participatory, democratic process concerned with developing practical knowledge in the pursuit of worthwhile human purposes, grounded in a participatory worldview which we believe is emergency at this historical moment” (Reason & Bradbury, 2001).

Primarily studied and used within education, Practitioner AR is increasingly becoming recognized and utilized in healthcare. Practitioner AR allows for systemic inquiry in the context of focused efforts to improve the quality of practice and has the potential to generate genuine and sustained improvements. The approach is typically conducted by practitioners who analyze data to improve their own practice and/or address a systemic problem within the organization.

During this workshop, we will discuss the scope of Practitioner AR and its broad applicability within healthcare. We will review examples of Practitioner AR and have participants brainstorm ideas for the use of the approach within their work settings. Additionally, we will review data collection methods and tools essential to Practitioner AR including critical reflection, large group assessment, and qualitative interviews (structured, semi-structured and unstructured). Finally, we will discuss potential challenges that participants may face during a Practitioner AR study and how to disseminate Practitioner AR within the academic field.

Proposed Timeline/Agenda
8-8:10 am
Introductions
Review the agenda

8:10-8:45 am
Overview of Practitioner AR- Definition and principles, applicability, review examples within healthcare,
Watch Dr. David Coghlan’s video “A comprehensive Framework for Action Research”- 7 mins

8:45-9:30 am
Methods of Practitioner AR- review data collection methods and tools including, critical reflection, large group assessment, and qualitative interviews (structured, semi-structured and unstructured).

9:30-9:40 am
BREAK

9:40-9:50 am
Watch Dr. David Coghlan’s video “Further Development of First-Person Voice”- 2 mins
Individual reflection about an important problem within your healthcare setting

9:50-10:20 am
Small group discussion and framing of individual’s problem/question

10:20-10:45
Large group discussion about the process, perceived challenges of Practitioner AR, and how to disseminate findings of Practitioner AR studies

10:50-11:00 am
Comments/suggestions/final questions
Evaluation and wrap up