Participatory Action Research in clinical nursing practice in a medical ward - challenges and
barriers
Sammanfattning
Background: Action research with a participatory approach (PAR) was used as research design in
a medical ward but stopped midway because of lack of active actor participation in the actions. Aim:
To describe challenges and barriers influencing lack of participation. Setting: A medical hospital
ward, Denmark. Participants were healthcare staff. Methods: Field observations, interviews, logbook.
Data were analysed using content analysis methods. Findings: Multiple factors influenced lack of
actor participation. The causes were complex and included: organizational framework,
significance/meaning, actor roles, responsibility. Conclusion: Before using PAR it is crucial to
investigate if the organization and the participants at all levels are suited and agree to participate
actively. The findings indicate, that to carry out PAR in a busy medical ward, it is necessary to
evaluate whether the necessary framework and conditions are present not only prior to but during the
entire project process. Implications. The study shows that PAR is not always suitable as research
approach in a busy hospital ward. Furthermore, the study outlines methodological questions in
relation to use of PAR.