'Holding it lightly': the co-operative inquiry group: a method for developing educational materials
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Published on: June 6, 2020
1Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Stellenbosch University, South Africa. rm@gerga.sun.ac.za
Setting:
The purpose of this research was to adapt the World Health Organization's educational programme Mental Disorders in Primary Care for South African general practitioners.
Aim:
This paper describes how to organise and facilitate a co-operative inquiry group as a form of participatory action research aimed at developing or adapting educational materials. Specific quality criteria for this type of action research are defined. The experience of our own co-operative inquiry and the lessons learnt are discussed.
Conclusion:
In the field of medical education participatory action research methodology is relatively new. This article shows how the co-operative inquiry group can be used effectively to develop educational materials. It is intended to encourage and support others in using similar methods of action research in their own settings.
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