Developing nursing research with people

This paper explores issues surrounding the role and capacity of research to inform practice. Through a consideration of three research projects undertaken by cancer nurses, some questions concerning nurse-led research and practice development initiatives are raised. Philosophical tenets of collaborative inquiry and action research from the basis of the exploration, articulating the essence of the way in which the research endeavours described, were undertaken. It is an attempt at describing research that moves away from traditional approaches that have so often depersonalised those involved.