Courage, faith and chocolate cake: requisites for exploring professionalism in action

Abstract

This article provides an overview of nursing's professional journey and the extent to which emancipatory action research advances professional practice. Current United Kingdom government policy advocates continuous professional development and quality improvement as part of the clinical governance agenda. Operationalising the strategy, in a dynamic clinical environment, has been both an empowering and disempowering process. An appreciation of nursing's history enables insights into nurses' current ability to develop and advance patient-focused professional practice.

Systematic review of the uptake and design of action research in published nursing research, 2000-2005

“…The last 15-20 years have seen large-scale reform of health care policy, with concepts of evidence-based practice, research and service user involvement being prominent (Department of Health, 2000, 2001, 2006a. There has been a considerable expansion of capacity (i.e., volume) and capability (i.e., skills) within health research during that period, and an increasing engagement of practitioners in that research.…”

“…It is an attractive methodological approach because it bridges the gap between theory and practice (Rolfe, 1996), is problem-focused (Hart and Bond, 1995), is grounded in the reality of practice (Waterman, et al, 1995;Walters and East, 2001), is empowering for nurses (Bellman, 2001) and can be carried out as part of, rather than alongside, practice (Winter and Munn-Giddings, 2001). It seems to be an ideal vehicle for patient/user involvement (Waterman, et al, 2001;Winter and Munn-Giddings, 2001;Beresford, 2003Beresford, , 2006, and is recommended in the UK to be a significant component in the health R&D programme (National Co-ordinating Centre for NHS Service Delivery and Organisation, Research and Development, 2001).…”

Sustainability in an action research project: 5 years of a Dignity and Respect action group in a hospital setting

“…Action Research has been recognised as being particularly appropriate for studies in health care settings that involve the improvement of health care practice and seek to empower practitioners and service users (Waterman et al 1995, Rolfe 1998Bellman 2001. There are many different definitions of Action Research (Hart & Bond 1995, Cropper et al2007) but most commentators are agreed that amongst its defining characteristics are those that involve: "The study of a social situation carried out by those involved in that situation in order to improve both their practice and the quality of their understanding."…”