Combining action research and grounded theory in health research: A structured narrative review

Abstract

Action research and grounded theory are popular methodologies in qualitative health research. The aim of this structured narrative review was to develop a contemporary understanding of combining action research and grounded theory. We searched Web of Science Core Collection and Google Scholar for empirical peer-reviewed articles that used both methodologies in a health- or healthcare-focused study. We identified 28 studies published from 2004 to 2022 that combined various types of action research and interpretations of grounded theory in innovative ways. Our results highlighted that combining the two methodologies is feasible and growing in use. Benefits identified by the study authors were opportunity to work with participants, methodological compatibility, enhancement of action, theoretical understanding, and perceived legitimacy of research processes and outputs. Key challenges were compromising on both methodologies, and conceptual and practical limitations. Our findings also highlighted that important synergies and tensions exist between the two methodologies, but tensions are not insurmountable. We suggest a combined action research and grounded theory approach underpinned by pragmatism as a methodologically congruent path forwards. In an academic environment which increasingly implores health researchers to translate new-found knowledge to timely real-world change, innovative approaches to research methodologies and design are required.