Year: 2012
Type: article
Abstract: "This paper aims to promote reflection on the viability and applicability of \nparticipatory methodologies, particularly action research, in the area of \nhealth. First it shows the human action which is socially conditioned and \nencompasses many different aspects is the main source of knowledge in \naction research. Then the paper discusses the objectivity and the scientific \nnature of this methodology, and its relevance to restoring the human dimension \nto health care. The conversion of biological and medical facts \ninto collective actions is another issue highlighted by providing examples \nof how sanitary harmful consequences in terms of environmental or epidemiological \nissues can be reversed into social mobilisation and actions \nlike education, prevention, health promotion and empowerment. It also \nintends to show how the use of this methodology in the university context \nthrough teaching activities, continuing educational, research projects and \ncommunity based programs. Finally it concludes that action research \noffers special importance to build transformative actions and to make \nimprovements on living conditions and health, as well as it is necessary to \ndeal with health system failures." (author's abstract)
Authors: Michel Thiollent, Renata Ferraz de Toledo
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W155900408