Action Research Design Research Articles

Clarification and development of advanced practice roles in a Swiss French university hospital: an action research study

BackgroundThe evolving healthcare landscape emphasizes the need for health systems to adapt to growing complexities, with new models of care enabling healthcare providers to optimize their scope of practice and coordination of care. Despite increasing interest in advanced practice, confusion persists regarding the roles and scopes of practice of healthcare providers, exacerbated by variations in regulations and titles. We sought to clarify the differences between specialized healthcare professionals, practitioners, and clinical specialists; to describe their roles; and to propose initiatives aimed at supporting the implementation of advanced practice within a university hospital.MethodsAn action research design was conducted in a Swiss university hospital by the deputy healthcare director, five clinical specialists, one nurse practitioner, one nurse specialist, and six managers. A multimethod approach was used to generate data, which included a literature review, meeting minutes, unstructured interviews, and a questionnaire assessing healthcare providers’ perceptions about the clinical specialist role. Semi-structured interviews and a group interview with nursing leaders from Swiss hospitals were conducted to understand their use of clinical roles at the advanced level. Unstructured interviews were reduced and organized into categories. Survey data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, and an inductive content analysis method was used for semi-structured interviews and the group interview.ResultsManagers and healthcare providers shared a vision of clinical specialists’ activities but emphasized the lack of clarity surrounding these functions. Role clarity was emphasized as crucial for sustainability of advanced practice. A model that defined healthcare specialist, practitioner, and clinical specialist roles was developed. It included title standardization, use of an implementation strategy, creation of a tool to facilitate profile selection, and implementation of a communication plan. Further initiatives aimed to enhance training funding, establish regulations, and optimize advanced practice implementation and governance within the hospital.ConclusionsThe study results encourage clarification of clinical roles to facilitate their implementation and optimize resources. They also suggest initiatives to support advanced practice implementation, such as a communication plan and an implementation strategy, reflection on the current governance model, and integration of advanced practice providers. Ongoing efforts involve collaboration with academics, managers, and discussions at the political level.

Encouraging creativity in medical design contexts via a two-stage briefing process

Briefing designers to encourage creativity in medical or healthcare contexts is challenging, because of significant additional constraints. Previous work on the content of design briefs was analysed, and seven key scales for design brief characteristics were identified. Each scale ranged from the more normative, when targeting iterative improvement, to the more radical, when pursuing significant innovation. We present an action research design project that successfully navigated the additional constraints of a medical context. We evaluate the success of the project as having been dependent on a briefing process that operated at the more radical ends of these scales and suggest that similar benefits might be obtained in future, through a deliberate re-configuration of what would conventionally be pre-brief phases, into what we term ‘primary briefing’. A primary brief founds the use of design itself and has the secondary brief, or conventional product design brief, as its explicit aim. This is a technique for translating relevant aspects of design research techniques into commercial practice, towards ensuring strategic coherence.

Experiences of African women who migrate to a developed country and encounter intimate partner violence: a systematic review of qualitative evidence.

The objective of this review was to synthesize the available evidence on the experiences of African women who migrated to a developed country and encountered intimate partner violence (IPV). IPV is a significant public health issue, and migrant women living in developed countries are particularly vulnerable to IPV, experiencing disproportionately higher rates of IPV. Understanding the experiences of these women can inform health policy and decision-making in clinical practice to minimize IPV. This review considered studies that included women of African descent, aged 16years or older, who migrated from any of the 54 countries in the African continent to a developed country and who experienced IPV. Qualitative studies including, but not limited to, grounded theory, ethnography, phenomenology, case studies, and action research designs, were considered for inclusion. A comprehensive database search of CINAHL (EBSCOhost), Embase, MEDLINE (Ovid), PsycINFO (OvidSP), and Scopus was conducted in February 2022 and updated in November 2022 and February 2023. ProQuest Dissertations and Theses were searched for gray literature. Studies in the English language were considered, with no date limitation. Eligible studies were assessed by 2 independent reviewers for methodological quality. The findings were extracted and pooled, categorized by similarity of meaning, and synthesized using the JBI meta-aggregation method. The synthesized findings were graded using the ConQual approach. Eleven qualitative studies were included in the review. The narratives of 234 women generated a total of 95 findings and 10 categories based on similarity of meaning, from which 4 synthesized findings were generated: i) The influence of cultural and gender norms, religion, and women's perceptions of IPV; ii) Control and the cone of silence; iii) Psychological and emotional impact of IPV and ways of coping; and iv) Support for women who are victims of IPV. IPV is an ongoing issue for African migrant women in developed countries. The women reported that their partners continued their controlling behavior that was accepted in their country of birth, particularly regarding emotions and finances. The experience of IPV was exacerbated for women who did not have access to extended family members, and they often faced practical barriers in accessing available formal support. The synthesized findings from this review can be used to support the urgent need to address IPV in this migrant population.

Encouraging Sustainable Choices Through Socially Engaged Persuasive Recycling Initiatives: A Participatory Action Design Research Study

Encouraging Sustainable Choices Through Socially Engaged Persuasive Recycling Initiatives: A Participatory Action Design Research Study

Implementing Collaborative Rotation Strategy in Teaching Geometry to Enhance Class Engagement

Geometry has become apparent that students encounter challenges in promptly solving problems, often requiring substantial amount time to reach solutions. This is emphasized by the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) rankings in 2022 for Mathematics, which placed the Philippines sixth out of the 10 countries with an average score of 355. This action research aimed to improve student engagement and geometry performance by implementing Collaborative Rotation Learning. During the 2023-2024 school year in a secondary public school in Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental, Philippines, the study utilized a classroom-based action research design with Grade 8 students as participants, selected through purposive sampling. Instruments included a pretest and posttest to assess performance levels, with data analyzed using descriptive statistics and a t-test. The results showed a significant improvement in student performance post-intervention, indicating the effectiveness of Collaborative Rotation Learning in enhancing understanding, engagement, and performance in geometry. Additionally, the study revealed developments such as enhanced communication skills, improved time management, increased confidence in problem-solving, and a more positive classroom environment. Based on these findings, recommendations include continued integrating collaborative learning strategies; incorporating essential skill development in the curriculum, promoting student confidence and peer relationships, and fostering a supportive classroom environment enhance student outcomes.

The development of critical thinking in grade 11 biology students through problem-based learning with forensic science issues

Critical thinking is crucial for biology education and requires an instructional method that allow learners to acquire the skill through hand-on experiences with content related to learners’ lives. This action research aimed to enhance the critical thinking skills of Grade 11 students using problem-based learning (PBL) integrated with forensic science issues in a biology course on the circulatory system. The study was developed in an action research design. The study involved 12 students from a public school in the Thai educational context. The research instruments included a PBL learning management plan, a critical thinking assessment, and an interview form. Data analysis showed that in the first cycle, the average critical thinking score was 67.08%, with 58.33% of students meeting the 70% threshold. After revising the learning activities, the second cycle showed an average score increase to 83.75%, with all students surpassing the 70% threshold. These findings contribute to the research area by demonstrating the effectiveness of integrating PBL with forensic science to enhance critical thinking skills in biology education. The implementation of PBL with forensic science issues should be more investigated in other topics.

PRELIMINARY RESEARCH ON TOUCHPOINT METHOD TO ENGAGE CHINESE OLDER ADULTS IN PARTICIPATORY DESIGN ACTIVITIES

Abstract Collaborative engagement with older adults in design research activities is an effective and beneficial method for researchers to understand the needs of this demographic. Participatory design, originally proposed within Western value systems, faces challenges in application across different regions and cultural contexts, particularly in participatory design activities targeting older adults within the Chinese societal context. However, limited literature focuses on the methodologies of participatory design practices with older adults in non-Western countries. This study views the organizational process of participatory design activities as a form of service design research involving older adults, where design researchers serve as providers and older adults as the recipients of the service. Drawing upon service design thinking, this paper introduces the concept of ‘participation touchpoints’—moments within activities that encourage active involvement of older adults—to explore the interactions between participants and the organizers, procedures, and environments of activities. This approach aims to optimize the experience of older participants and enhance their engagement. Furthermore, based on the Theory of Planned Behavior, we proposed a framework of participation touchpoints including attitude guidance, incentive motivation, and capability compensation. We evaluated this framework through a participatory design workshop with older adults and multiple stakeholders, focusing on the dynamic interactions among organizers, participants, and the activities themselves. This research endeavors to foster more effective collaboration with older adults in design research, aiming to develop a participatory design framework that ensures mutual empowerment for older adults and the research team.

The practicality of inclusive education in Eswatini primary schools

This study assessed the practical implementation of inclusive education in Eswatini primary schools and the relevant measures necessary to effectively implement inclusive education. The study was anchored on Cultural-Historical Activity Theory (CHAT) and employed participatory action research design, a qualitative methodology, and the transformative research paradigm. Purposive sampling was used in selecting the twenty-five participants. Thematic approach was used in presentation of the findings. Content analysis method was used in analysing the data. The findings of the study revealed that Eswatini primary schools are not ready to implement inclusive education. Participants lamented restrictive environment, lack of assistive technology, absence of resource centers, less qualified teachers to handle special needs children, negative attitude from teachers, parents and children, few inspectors and special needs children placed in schools without assessment reports. The study recommends setting up model inclusive schools in each cluster and placing special needs children in these schools while the government upgrades remaining schools to be inclusive. Ministries should also collaborate to make inclusivity practical in schools. Government should establish assessment structures for early identification of disability, improve teacher training, strengthen leadership, and increase inspectors.

Application of Crossword Puzzle Learning Media to Improve the Learning Activities of Class VII Students in Civics Subjects at SMP Negeri 4 Palu

The Pancasila education learning process is currently still carried out using traditional methods. This results in students feeling bored during the teaching and learning process. The aim of this research is to describe the application of crossword puzzle media and determine students' learning activities using crossword puzzle media. This research adopted a Classroom Action Research (PTK) design. This class action was carried out using two cycles. The results of the research show that first cycle students are still less responsive and active in the learning process. The average activity level of class VII students is 50.99%, which is included in the medium criteria. The second cycle experienced several changes. The research results showed an increase in the second cycle. The average activity level of class VII students is 75.7%. This percentage can be categorized as high criteria.

Transformando Vidas a Través del Movimiento: Integración de Recursos Digitales para Promover Hábitos Saludables en Estudiantes de Secundaria

This research examined the impact of a didactic sequence mediated by digital educational resources in promoting healthy habits among secondary school students. The study, framed within the interpretative paradigm with a qualitative approach and Pedagogical Action Research design, employed a sequential mixed analysis to process the data. The study involved 22 students (13 boys and 9 girls) in sixth grade at a Colombian public educational institution, using the Cooper Test, anthropometric measurements, and digital monitoring as main instruments. The 12-week intervention integrated specialized mobile applications with gamification strategies. Results showed statistically significant improvements (p < 0.001) in all measured variables, with large effect sizes (Cohen's d between 1.34 and 2.01). Body composition improved from 36.4% to 72.7% in students with healthy BMI, and physical fitness increased from 9% to 36.4% in "Excellent" levels in the Cooper Test. Qualitative analysis using ATLAS.ti identified three emerging categories: gamification motivation (157 citations), habit transformation (143 citations), and technological appropriation (128 citations), with a strong correlation between gamification and habit transformation (coefficient = 0.72). Adherence to extracurricular physical activity reached 78%. The findings suggest that the strategic integration of digital resources in physical education can catalyze significant transformations in adolescent healthy habits.

Penerapan Model Pembelajaran Kooperatif Tipe Group Investigation Dilengkapi LKPD 'Quis Interaktif' untuk Meningkatkan Hasil Belajar Siswa

This study aims to improve the learning outcomes of eleventh-grade students at SMA Negeri 1 Haharu through the implementation of the Group Investigation (GI) cooperative learning model, supplemented with the “Quis Interaktif” Student Worksheet (LKPD). This research uses a Classroom Action Research (CAR) design with 35 students as the research subjects. The instruments used include a learning outcomes test, observations, and questionnaires. The results of the study show that the application of the GI model with the “Quis Interaktif” LKPD can improve student learning outcomes. This is evident from the increase in the average learning score from Cycle I to Cycle II. In addition, student activity during the learning process also increased, as indicated by more active participation in discussions and collaboration within groups. Based on these findings, it is recommended that the GI cooperative learning model with the “Quis Interaktif” LKPD be implemented in other classes to effectively enhance student learning outcomes.

Implementasi Model Pembelajaran Berbasis Gamifikasi untuk Meningkatkan Minat Belajar Anak Usia Dini

This research aims to increase early childhood interest in learning at Nur Hikmah Samarinda Kindergarten through a gamification-based learning model. The background to this research is children's low interest in learning caused by less interesting learning methods. This research uses a qualitative approach with a classroom action research design carried out in two cycles. Data was collected through observation, interviews and documentation. The research results show that the application of gamification can increase children's attention, enthusiasm, active involvement and independence in learning. The discussion shows that gamification is effective in increasing learning motivation based on learning theories. In conclusion, gamification is an effective learning model for increasing early childhood interest in learning at Nur Hikmah Samarinda Kindergarten

Real-Time Triage, Position, and Documentation (TriPoD) During Medical Response to Major Incidents: Protocol for an Action Research Study.

There is a need to address the implementation of technological innovation into emergency medical services to facilitate and improve information exchange between prehospital emergency care providers, command centers, and hospitals during major incidents to enable better allocation of resources and minimize loss of life. At present, there is a lack of technology supporting real-time information sharing in managing major incidents to optimize the use of resources available. The aim of this protocol is to develop, design, and evaluate information technology innovations for use in medical response to major incidents. This study has a qualitative action research design. This research approach is suitable for developing and changing practice in health care settings since it is cyclical in nature and involves development, evaluation, redevelopment, and replanning. The qualitative data collection will include workshops, structured meetings, semistructured interviews, questionnaires, observations, and focus group interviews. This study assesses the use of a digital solution for real-time information sharing by involving 3 groups of indented users: prehospital emergency care personnel, hospital personnel, and designated duty officers with experience and specific knowledge in managing major incidents. This study will explore end users' experiences and needs, and a digital solution for prehospital and hospital settings will be developed in collaboration with technology producers. The trial implementation and evaluation phase for this study is from April 2024 to May 2026. Interviews and questionnaires with end users were conducted during the planning phase. We have performed observations in connection with 2 major exercises in April 2024 and November 2024. The outcome of this analysis will form the basis for the design and development of a new information technology system. We aim to complete the observations in training sessions and exercises (phase 3) by September 2025, followed by modification of the technology solutions tested (phase 4) before dissemination in a scientific journal. This protocol includes several methods for data collection that will form the basis for the design and development process of a digital solution for real-time information sharing to support efficient management in major incidents based on the experiences and requirements of end users. The findings from this study will contribute to the limited research on users' perspectives and the development of digital solutions for real-time information during major incidents. PRR1-10.2196/57819.

Application of Small Group Discussion Method for Improving Students' Critical Thinking Ability in Integral Material

The purpose of this study is to analyze the implementation of the Small Group Discussion learning method in improving students' critical thinking skills on the topic of integrals. This study employs a Classroom Action Research (CAR) design, conducted through four iterative stages: planning, action, observation, and reflection. The research subjects are students of Politeknik Muhammadiyah Tegal, focusing on enhancing their critical thinking skills using the Small Group Discussion method. Data were collected using various instruments, including pre-tests, learning outcome tests, interviews, and observations. The results indicate that the average learning score in Cycle 1 fell into the "moderate" category, with an average score of 60.26%. In Cycle 2, the results improved to the "high" category, with an average score of 78.21%. In Cycle 3, the average score significantly increased to 85.90%, which is classified as "very high." Therefore, the implementation of the learning process in Cycle 3 was deemed highly successful.

Community-driven Waste Management: Insights from an Action Research Trial in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Background Yogyakarta is in a waste emergency period. Waste management poses a significant challenge in urban areas, necessitating innovative and sustainable solutions. This article explores the Community-Based Waste Management (CBWM) approach implemented in Yogyakarta City, Indonesia, shedding light on valuable lessons from this initiative. Yogyakarta City's experience is a case study for understanding the effectiveness of involving local communities in waste management efforts. Through participatory programs, residents have been empowered to actively contribute to waste reduction, recycling, and proper disposal practices. Objective This study seeks public health-oriented household waste management options and increases public awareness about trash management while keeping public health in mind to overcome Yogyakarta's waste emergency. Methods This study employs an action research design mixed with qualitative research. Participants were members of society, government authorities (environmental and health offices), and the Yogyakarta Provincial and City Health Offices. For the trial method, participants comprised four cycles utilizing a standard random sample procedure. An in-depth interview was conducted to evaluate the procedure, and questionnaires were used to determine performance indicators for the procedure. Results Community-based action research guarantees that waste management is improved by approaching it from a public health standpoint. Waste management innovations include implementing environmental sanitation, clean and healthy lifestyles, implementing occupational health and safety concepts, sorting organic and inorganic waste, as well as innovations in household waste management infrastructure. Conclusion Innovation in waste management considers that public health is necessary for society. Innovation refines waste processing techniques that were previously in use. This idea is suitable and adaptable to the circumstances of Yogyakarta City residents.

Group discussions: an active learning resource for school and kindergarten leaders?

ABSTRACT Background In higher education programmes, group discussions are commonly used as a form of active learning to support students in their learning and knowledge development beyond what is provided by traditional lectures. However, such student-centred learning approaches and methods have received scant attention in empirical research. Purpose This study, which used an action research design, investigated how group discussions, as an extension of lectures, can contribute to students’ learning. The findings are intended to support comprehensive insights into, and further development of, the authors’ and others’ higher-education teaching practices. Method The study context was a National Kindergarten and School Leadership Programme offered by one Norwegian university, where the co-author of this article was located. Our research question was: How do students perceive group discussions about a lecture as contributing to their learning; and what can we learn from this about our own teaching practices? The core data were students’ reflection notes, with observational data used as background material. Data were analysed thematically. Findings The analysis indicated that group discussions as extensions of lectures can provide learning opportunities that promote the students’ learning, both collectively and individually. Through group discussions, learning opportunities emerge in the interaction between theoretical knowledge addressed in the lecture and practical, experience-based knowledge based on the students’ ideas from their organisational contexts. In this interaction, learning experiences are produced that provide the students with increased understanding and new perspectives about how they can drive development in their practice contexts and how they, as school leaders, can act in new ways. Conclusion The findings offer insight into how students’ experiences of group discussions, based on lectures, contribute to their learning. However, they also reveal that organisational and structural conditions related to poor quality task design and some elements of the discussions themselves can inhibit learning potential.

Implementasi P5 melalui Kolaborasi Musik Angklung dan Tari Tor-tor di Kelas IV Sekolah Dasar

This study aims to analyze and implement the Pancasila Student Profile Improvement Project (P5) through traditional arts collaboration for 4th grade students of Muhammadiyah Elementary School 29 Sunggal. This study uses a qualitative method with a classroom action research (CAR) design by integrating the West Javanese angklung game and the North Sumatran Tor-Tor dance into learning. The location of the study was Muhammadiyah Elementary School 29 Sunggal, where the study was conducted on 4th grade students of the 2023/2024 academic year from January 2024 to June 2024. The subjects of this study were 25 4th grade students of Muhammadiyah Elementary School 29 Sunggal. The results of the study showed that the P5 project improved students' understanding of Pancasila values, especially mutual cooperation and tolerance through active involvement in collaborative activities and the positive impact on students' cultural understanding and character was very visible. The evaluation highlighted the importance of adding training sessions, improving technical guidance, and integrating cultural activities into the regular curriculum. In conclusion, this P5 project has improved students' skills and understanding of Indonesian culture and strengthened Pancasila values, which have the potential to be applied to other classes in the future.

Development and Implementation of a Multicultural-Based Learning Model to Enhance Understanding of Cultural Diversity

This research aims to develop and implement an effective multicultural-based learning model to enhance the understanding of cultural diversity among students of the Department of Dance and Theater, Faculty of Arts and Culture, Universitas Negeri Gorontalo in the course of Indonesian Dance. In the era of globalization, understanding cultural diversity becomes important to build tolerance and appreciation for differences. The research method used is a qualitative approach with a classroom action research design involving 30 students. The research procedure consists of the preparation, implementation, and evaluation stages, which include the use of questionnaires, interviews, and observations to collect data. The research results show that the implementation of a multicultural-based learning model significantly enhances students’ understanding of cultural diversity, as evidenced by the increase in questionnaire scores and active student participation during the learning process. This research concludes that this learning model can be an effective strategy in teaching cultural diversity through dance, as well as making a positive contribution to the development of the curriculum in the Performing Arts department.

Empowerment Disaster-Resilient Village Forums for Health Crisis Preparedness: A Participatory Action Research Approach

This study aims to enhance the Disaster Resilient Village (Destana) forum's preparedness for disaster-related health crises. The key challenges identified are low community response to early warning systems and slow mobilization of health resources, both contributing to high victim numbers and exacerbating health crises. The study focuses on creating an accessible early warning system and accelerating health resource mobilization, prioritizing these elements based on an analysis of disaster preparedness parameters. Using Action Research with a Participatory Action Research (PAR) design, the research was conducted in Magetan Regency, East Java, involving 150 Destana forum administrators. The study explores the development of early warning procedures, health contingency plans, emergency response structures, and simulation plans. The findings reveal that the Destana forum successfully developed tailored health contingency plans for each village, including an inclusive early warning system Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for vulnerable groups. Additionally, an integrated health command structure was formed, enhancing emergency response coordination. Emergency response simulations with 90 participants demonstrated improved readiness and community engagement in handling health crises. The study highlights the importance of a participatory, sustainable approach to building resilience, showing that active community involvement fosters collective responsibility for managing health crises during disasters.

Reader’s Theatre: A Critical Lens for Engaging Psychology Students with Socio-Political Reality

Thanks to the intersection of colonialism, late capitalism and neoliberalism, Western medico-scientific approaches dominate psychological training and practice in the global South. Such approaches position patients as passive, encouraging clinicians to impose universalised assumptions in the psychotherapeutic space. Western approaches also undermine any acknowledgement of the socio-cultural, political, and economic causes of distress - such as racism, sexism, and engineered inequality - so prevalent in multicultural and resource-constricted contexts. Taking a transformational and decolonial stance, there is an urgency to develop alternative approaches to address this neglect. In response, this study employs an action research design - with pre- and post-strategy questionnaires and self-study assignments – and explores the usefulness of reader’s theatre for developing awareness of the impact of taken-for-granted socio-political attitudes, norms, and values on subjectivity. Findings reflect that through this strategy students can acknowledge how experiences that do not correspond to socio-politically endorsed discourses lead to feelings of anger and resentment for some, as well as shame and humiliation for others. Employing reader’s theatre may, therefore, be an important step toward the development of clinicians empowered to work in a respectful and socially just manner with the complexities of distress in the global South.