The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #60676

Monika Suchowierska, MA, Research and Training Center on Independent Living, University of Kansas, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Dole 4089, Lawrence, KS 66045, (785) 864-0575, monikas@ku.edu and Glen White, PhD, University of Kansas, Research and Training Center on Independent Living, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Room 4089, Lawrence, KS 66045.

Participatory Action Research (PAR) is a collaborative approach to conducting research, recently emerging as a paradigm for bridging science and clinical practice. While PAR is receiving increased attention from researchers and consumers in the field of public health, including disability research, it has not been implemented widely. Some of the reasons for a limited PAR application include lack of knowledge about PAR and about strategies for its implementation. This paper will provide an overview of the characteristics of PAR and a discussion of four key implementation elements for a systematic incorporation of the PAR approach into the research process. We will present information on recruiting and selecting PAR participants, role and relationship clarification, training of the research team, and management and support to make the PAR process work. The paper will conclude with a brief description of challenges that PAR presents for both researchers and consumers.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of this presentation, members of the audience will be able to:
• 1.Describe the main characteristics of the PAR approach to conducting research
• 2.Define the four key implementation elements for a systematic incorporation of PAR into the research process
• 3.Identify the main challenges that PAR presents for researchers and consumers