Development of PARcific Approach: Participatory Action Research Methodology for Collectivist Health Research

Abstract

This article explores the evolution of a novel approach designed to advance qualitative methods in cross-cultural health research. This methodology was developed by synthesising several research methods and involved in-depth stakeholder consultation with participants of a Pacific-based nursing and midwifery health leadership program. Many of these participants played a crucial role in creating, exploring and evaluating several research methods and implementing and evaluating this co-designed research methodology. Starting with a Participatory Action Research framework, the research methodology evolved as it was informed by the local Pacific methodologies (in particular Talanoa and Kakala frameworks), where researchers, co-researchers and participants alike, working from within their own collectivist/individualist paradigms, negotiated cultural differences. Finally, a methodological framework of ‘best practice’ for future health research methods was developed for use with capacity building research. The new methodology could provide a foundation for future co-designed cross-cultural research in collectivist cultures.

Development Practices in Senior Nursing and Midwifery Leadership: Pathways to Improvement in South Pacific Health Policy

“…The goal of both is to create a framework that is trusted by communities and will lead to a truly collaborative approach that is owned by the partners who engage with the program. The grounds-up and partnership approach was developed in collaboration with SPCNMOA (Rumsey et al, 2022) and illustrated in this paper is a potential approach to assist meeting global and regional health outcomes. The goal is to use a framework and methodology that is trusted by Pacific communities and will lead to a truly collaborative approach that is owned by the partners who engage with the program.…”

“…Rumsey et al (2022) found that having a GCNMO to advise the Minister of Health was crucial to having a nursing and midwifery voice in policy decisions. But the development of a confident representative who is able to articulate policy positions requires appropriate, tailored leadership programs.…”

“…Programs which support the development of communication and presentation skills, data literacy, succession, strategic and project planning will be most advantageous. In particular, the development of competence in governance, political and stake holder engagement has been key to the SPCNMOA's success (Rumsey et al, 2022).…”

“…Trust is very important in the Pacific collectivist cultures (Farrelly & Vudiniabola 2013) and in the leadership styles of Alliance members (Rumsey & Rhodes, 2016); the creation of this safe space and the opportunity to develop long-lasting relationships was critical to the success of the SPCNMOA (Rumsey & Brown 2020; Rumsey et al, 2022). The WHO CC UTS team helped to create a bridge between the South Pacific program needs and a range of large organisations such as the WHO, the University and requirements of the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), other NGO funding agencies.…”

“…Rumsey used the PARcific research methodology (Rumsey et al, 2022) which is based on co-design, cooperation and cultural respect, to investigate the impact of the Leadership program in the Pacific Region (Rumsey et al, 2022). This found numerous benefits had resulted from the program which had improved healthcare throughout the region, and contributed to significant progress towards UHC, in particular in the areas of accountability, quality, efficiency, sustainability and resilience.…”