The Impact of Community Learning During a Participatory Nursing Research Project

Community learning is one approach to promote research competencies and to involve nurses and nursing students in research. This study examines the impact of community learning according to participants-both those inside and outside the community-in a joint nursing research project at a hospital.

A qualitative design was selected using a participatory approach. Data were collected through semistructured interviews, reflections, conversations, and patient input during 2 academic years.

Thematic analysis showed 11 themes, which were organized into three clusters: realization, transformation, and influencing factors. Participants perceived changes in practice and described how their perspectives have changed on care, education, and research. Reconsiderations led to some new or revised strategies, and influencing factors were associated with the contemporary context, degree of involvement, and design/facilitation.

The impact of community learning emerged and extended beyond community boundaries, and the indicated influencing factors must be taken into account. [.