Implementation of evidence‐based health care using action research: An emancipatory approach

Abstract

The aim of the study is to discuss the emancipatory approach to action research as an appropriate methodology for workers' meaningful implementation of evidence-based health care. Implementation of evidence-based health care using action research is well supported by the literature. There are various approaches to action research, and they are coherent with the objectives and methods elected to develop the investigation. It is not clear which approach of action research is responsible for meaningful worker engagement in changing praxis. This is a discussion paper based on our experiences and supported by literature on collective health. Health care is defined as a social praxis, dependent upon the capitalist mode of production in which health workers engage themselves in a labour process that has negative (as alienation) as well as positive (as creativity) meanings. Emancipatory changes of social praxis through implementation of evidence-based health care require that participants understand the positive and negative meanings of their work and engage health workers in a conscious and intentional collaborative educational process. Implementation of evidence-based health care through emancipatory action research is capable of overcoming alienation and changing social practice through a participatory meaningful process of knowledge translation.

Práticas emancipatórias na área de drogas: construção de projetos com trabalhadores da Atenção Primária à Saúde

“…As a methodological instrument, this study followed the principles of emancipatory action research (EAR), a participatory methodology which has been extensively used in implementation research (10) .…”

“…EAR incorporates the four guiding principles of Action Research (AR): 1) participation -considers the existence of different participation levels; 2) spiral-reflective cycle process -a constant learning process that seeks implication of the participants in the action; 3) knowledge production; and 4) transformation of practices. These last two are in dialectical relation, providing changes in the two spheres of knowledge and practice (10) .…”

“…The study counted on the participation of 17 PHC workers from different health units who volunteered to participate in the research based on their affinity with the theme and without mandatory participation, and included nurses (10), psychologists (03), occupational therapists (02), a dentist (01) and a social worker (01). These professionals work beyond care actions, developing educational activities with co-workers and/or with the population in their area of coverage.…”

Práticas emancipatórias na área de drogas: construção coletiva com trabalhadores da atenção primária em saúde

“…No campo jurídico, Boiteux (2006) (Santos, 2008;Santos, Soares, Campos, 2010;Cordeiro, Godoy, Soares, 2014;Cordeiro et al, 2016;Paixão et al, 2018).…”

“…Este estudo tem como finalidade contribuir para a implementação de práticas e políticas na APS voltadas para o consumo de drogas. Como instrumento metodológico, seguiram-se, nesta pesquisa, os princípios da pesquisa-ação (PA), classificada como uma metodologia participativa que tem sido extensivamente utilizada em pesquisa de implementação (Cordeiro, Soares, 2016).…”