Assessing research team development
Using a participatory action research process, we will bring together a group of innovative, young researchers with experienced cancer researchers. This process will be guided by Kelley’s conceptual model of change (adapted for the ABC-SC research team).
Knowledge exchange is a collaborative, interactive process between researchers and decision-makers. Implicit to knowledge exchange is a focus on collaborative or participatory action research (PAR), where individuals work together to identify, produce, and apply knowledge.
PAR focuses on bringing about change in practices, with participants advancing a specific plan for addressing the important issues on which they are collaborating.
Mary Lou Kelley has presented a research-based model of change that encompasses collaborative processes. This model emphasizes the importance of existing infrastructure and collaborative practices, a catalyst for change, creating the team, and growing the program.
Kelley ML. Developing rural communities‟ capacities for palliative care: a conceptual model.
J Palliat Care 2007; 23(3): 143-153.
ABC-SC Objective
To use and evaluate a participatory knoweldge exchange process to expedite the development of supportive care research, and thereby improve it for women with advanced breast cancer.
Kelley’s conceptual model of change will be used to engage Team members, support effective knowledge exchange processes/practices, and strengthen members’ capacity to develop and carry out ABC-SC research. An evaluation of the knowledge exchange process will be conducted.