3. Action Research in Health Care
The work of Kurt Lewin (1946), who conducted research on social issues, is considered important in the development of AR as a research approach, but many educational researchers have influenced action researchers in health care settings.
In particular the work of Paulo Freire who worked in the early twentieth century with oppressed groups in Brazil is considered fundamental, particularly in relation to the collaborative and participatory nature of action research.
Action research has become important in health care as it provides a framework for understanding organizational change, team work, ‘best practice’. It also encourages organizational learning and emphasises evidence-based practice. Rather than more traditional methods that rely on the "expert researcher", action research involves all stakeholders in the research process.
