Realising participation within an action research project on two Care Innovation Units providing care for older people.

Abstract

Background:On two care ion units in the Netherlands, staff, students and lecturer practitioners work intensively together to provide care, create a rich learning environment, and to foster innovation and research. In striving to advance the quality of care and to dev elop person centred cultures ,a preference is given to participative forms of research in which diverse experiences and different types of knowledge are valued. Aims and objectives:The research described here had two overarching aims: the improvement of practice situations and the encouragement of the integration of work and learning. This article focuses on our actions and learning with respect to fostering participation during this project. Design and methods:Within the action research methodology used , participative work -forms and research methods were chosen. For example, a responsive approach to evaluation of practice, use of narratives and the stimulation and use of creativity to help in exploring and sharing feelings, values and different forms of