Reflections on participating in an action research study

Objective: The objective of this paper is to share our reflections of participating in an action research project designed to improve the care of older people at risk of delirium. Context: The setting for the study and the subject of this paper was a busy medical ward at the John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle Australia. Participants: The participants in this project and the authors of this paper include clinical nursing and allied health staff based on the ward at the time of the study. Primary Argument: In the discussion that follows we outline details of the study, participatory action research (PAR), what participation involved, reasons for agreeing to participate, expectations of the project, the group process, the PAR cycles: look, think and act, and the benefits and challenges of participating in the project. Conclusion: In conclusion we highlight the gains of participating in PAR and we make recommendations for the future.