Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 3, 2026
The Participant-Reported Implementation Update and Score PRIUS: A Novel Method for Capturing Implementation-Related Data Over Time
Published on: February 19, 2021
Implementing action research in hospital settings: a systematic review
Anthony Montgomery1, Karolina Doulougeri, Efharis Panagopoulou
1Department of Education & Social Policy, University of Macedonia, Thessaloniki, Greece.
Purpose:
Health care organizations and hospitals in particular are highly resistant to change. The reasons for this are rooted in professional role behaviors, hierarchical structures and the influence of hidden curricula that inform organizational culture. Action research (AR) has been identified as a promising bottom-up approach that has the potential to address the significant barriers to change. However, to date no systematic review of the field in health care exists. The paper aims to discuss these issues.
Design/Methodology/Approach:
A systematic review of the literature was conducted. Studies were reviewed with regard to the four stages of AR; problem identification, planning, implementation and evaluation.
Findings:
Only 19 studies were identified that fit the inclusion criteria. Results revealed significant heterogeneity with regard to theoretical background, methodology employed and evaluation methods used.
Research Limitations/Implications:
Only studies published and written in the English language were included.
Practical Implications:
The field of AR interventions would benefit from a theoretical framework that has the ability to guide the methodology and evaluation processes.
Originality/Value:
This is the first systematic review of AR in hospitals.
Related Concept Videos
01:18The Scientific Method in Nursing Process
When using research findings to change practice, one must understand the process used to guide a study. The scientific method is a systematic, step-by-step process that supports the data's validity, reliability, and generalizability. As a result, findings can be...
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
01:11Purpose of Health Records I
Here's a breakdown of how health records serve these purposes:
01:15Methods of Documentation VI: Case Management Model
For example, a patient with a chronic...
01:29Nursing Interventions II: Selecting and Classifying the Nursing Interventions
01:15Nursing Implementation
The five steps to implementing effective nursing care include reassessing the patient, reviewing and revising the existing nursing care plan, organizing the resources and care delivery, anticipating and preventing complications, and implementing nursing interventions.