Participatory Action Research as a Framework for Transdisciplinary Collaboration: A Pilot Study on Healthy, Sustainable, Low‐Income Housing in Delhi, India

Abstract

To tackle global challenges, research collaborations need to integrate multiple disciplinary perspectives and connect with local practices to find solutions that are sustainable and impactful. This paper discusses how participatory action research (PAR) is used as a framework for transdisciplinary collaboration to integrate different disciplines and identify healthy and sustainable housing solutions appropriate for local development practices and policy. By analyzing a transdisciplinary research collaboration investigating housing interventions for low‐income settlements in Delhi, reflections and recommendations are provided for other projects wishing to use a similar methodology. It is found that the PAR framework has successfully guided the integration of contrasting methods and improved the impact of research outcomes, resulting in the emergence of new shared practices. However, it proves to be challenging and requires heightened communication and engagement to achieve understanding between all disciplines and practices. It is recommended that focus is given to developing relationships and effective communication channels and that time should be preallocated for reflection. The work provides insights for integrating academic disciplines, the community, and relevant stakeholders in the cocreation of evidence that is paramount to formulate effective solutions to global challenges.

A framework for distributed health professions training: using participatory action research to build consensus

“…Our scoping review had enabled us to first pay attention to the existing scholarship in the field, applying what Laksov and colleagues [31] framed as a 'distanced perspective', perusing available evidence to detect similarities and differences that could direct future work. However, recognising that patterns would not seamlessly emerge from the literature to fit into a framework [32], we made an active choice as researchers [31] to involve stakeholders as participants in a PAR process so that the interpretation of the literature and application to real-life contexts would be derived from the lived experience [26] of a community of inquiry. Thus we drew on the thinking and practices of key stakeholders in the field -the external voices -through our extensive consultative process.…”

“…[25] We further acknowledged the potential of PAR in the context of multi-disciplinary research that seeks to link theory to practice. [26] Kemmis et al [27] have argued that PAR is premised on enabling practitioners who share a particular discourse to engage in meaningful debate around their own practice. It allows for transforming 'the conduct and consequences of their practice … from within'.…”

“…Throughout this phase, the research team continued to adopt a critically reflective process during regular project meetings, thus ensuring iterative cycles of data collection, reflection and action, while drawing on their own lived experiences and that of their participants. [26] A key realisation during this process was the need to facilitate the implementation of the Framework. This led to a final outcome from Phase 2 namely the Implementation Tool, which again drew on the principles of Adaptive Action and saw the reorganisation of the enabling factors into a set of 'Simple Rules for Effective DHPT' (Annexure A).…”

Evaluating Housing Health Hazards: Prevalence, Practices and Priorities in Delhi’s Informal Settlements

“…This research assessed housing health hazards and prioritises interventions to support the development of solutions in an informal settlement in Delhi. It forms part of a research project "Optimising housing for health and sustainability goals in low-income settings (Optihouse)", which investigates how housing improvements can contribute to health and sustainability goals [24]. It uses a participatory action research (PAR) methodology bringing together academics, the community and local development practitioners to develop housing solutions that are locally sustainable and scalable.…”

“…It uses a participatory action research (PAR) methodology bringing together academics, the community and local development practitioners to develop housing solutions that are locally sustainable and scalable. This paper discusses the results obtained during the problem identification phase of the work [24], where the objectives were to (1) assess current housing conditions and prevalence of housing health hazards; (2) understand the households' perceptions of hazards and their lived experiences and (3) build consensus with the households on priorities for interventions.…”