Facilitating co‑research: lessons learned from reflection forms within three participatory action research projects

• Auteurs: Helga Emke , Ann van den Driessche , Mai Chinapaw , Benedicte Deforche , Maite Verloigne , Teatske Altenburg , Manou Anselma
• Type: Artikel in wetenschappelijk tijdschrift
• Taal: Engels
• Uitgever: BMC, part of Springer Nature
• Naam tijdschrift/vakblad: Health Research Policy and Systems

Samenvatting

Mutual learning and shared decision-making are key elements of Participatory Action Research (PAR), highlighting the important role of the facilitator to support this. This study aims to illustrate how a facilitator can contribute to successful PAR sessions based on the reflection of three PAR projects.

Results
A well-prepared session - for example, including active and creative participatory methods and a clearly stated goal - contributed to efficiency and the necessary flexibility. Making agreements, making sure everyone is heard and taking 'fun-time' appeared important for creating and maintaining a safe, functional and positive atmosphere. Finally, facilitators needed to encourage co-researchers to take the lead and adapt to the group dynamics, to ensure ownership and shared decision-making.

Conclusion
In-depth qualitative analyses of a standardized reflection form used in three different PAR projects resulted in various lessons to support facilitators in collaborating with co-researchers in PAR projects.

Literatuurverwijzing: Emke, H., Driessche, A. van den, Chinapaw, M.J.M., Deforche, B., Verloigne, M., Altenburg, T., & Anselma, M. (2024). Facilitating co‑research: lessons learned from reflection forms within three participatory action research projects. Health Research Policy and Systems 22

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