Action Research in Global Health Nursing

Berry, Catherine Marie

Thursday, 25 July 2013: 8:30 AM

Lee-Ellen Kirkhorn, PhD, RN
Nursing, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Eau Claire, WI
Catherine Marie Berry, MSN, RN, CNE, CCRN
Department of Nursing, University of Wisconsin Eau Claire, Eau Claire, WI
Anja F. Meerwald, SN
Nursing Department, University of Wisconsin: Eau Claire, Eau Claire, WI
Peiru Zhou, RN
Nursing: Out-Patient Services, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
Laurelyn Wieseman, BA
College of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire, Eau Claire, WI

Learning Objective 1: Discuss the concepts of action research and participatory action research in relationship to population health.

Learning Objective 2: Share examples of action research and participatory action research in global nursing practice.

Purpose: In population health, action research [or participatory action research] has been variously defined as encompassing the systematic collection of information that is designed to bring about social change. Historically and currently, its practitioners marshal evidence or data to expose unjust practices or environmental hazards and to recommend actions for change.

Methods: Research linked to traditions of citizen’s action will be presented and described through the lens of participatory action research, using evidence tables. Although there are abundant examples of participatory action research in the US, an exhaustive review of extant nursing literature has revealed a dearth of studies that highlight international research as an example of action research. International nursing research is an ongoing learning process in which nurses are eager to improve their practices; after all they are in the business of “change.”

Results: International nursing research conducted in Guangzhou, China over the summer of 2011 will be described through the lens of participatory action research. Both the American and Chinese co-investigative team were actively involved in the cause (prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus) for which the research was conducted.

Conclusion: A discussion and analysis of action research and participatory action research with a focus upon international population health practices will be presented. Examples drawn from international nursing research conducted in Guangzhou China with a sample of 150 middle school aged youth will be presented.

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