Developing and Evaluating Community-Based Services Through Participatory Action Research: Two Case Examples

Abstract

Occupational therapy has a strong history of embracing concepts of client empowerment. However there is limited literature in the field on how to achieve empowerment, or on how to extend empowerment to the level of the community and social groups and services within it. This article discusses how concepts and strategies of participatory action research, an extension of empowerment theory, can be used to inform service development and evaluation in occupational therapy. The participatory action research approach is illustrated using two case examples of participatory action research programs for persons with chronic fatigue syndrome and individuals with autoimmune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). A critical analysis of the application of this approach to research and practice is provided. Finally, the paper identifies key principles of participatory action research that can be used to guide occupational therapy services and empower both individuals and communities.

The construction of university-community partnerships: entangled perspectives

“…Successful partnerships are characterized by mutuality, supportive leadership, university immersion and asset building (Taylor et al 2004). However, one of the main questions of this research area is how and to what degree these partnerships are mutually dependent on and beneficial to both the university and the community (Miller and Hafner 2008).…”

Use of the Computer and the Internet by Well Older Adults

“…Researchers reflect, inquire, make changes to the next plan of action, and examine the impact on the participant's skills. The central tenet of participatory action research is that it begins with the problems and needs of community members, rather than with the researcher's conceptualization of those problems (Taylor et al, 2004). Another important aspect is that community members themselves engage in as many aspects of the process of research as possible (Taylor et al, 2004).…”

“…Participatory action research involves consumer participation, power, leadership, and knowledge generation in the development, implementation, and evaluation of services (Taylor, Braveman, & Hammel, 2004). Researchers reflect, inquire, make changes to the next plan of action, and examine the impact on the participant's skills.…”

The move towards community-based rehabilitation in industrialised countries: Are we equipped for the challenge?

“…Similarly, Taylor et al [22] attempted to distinguish CBR from existing models of rehabilitation that were available in industrialised countries using its key features. They noted that CBR tends to occur in natural community settings.…”