A systematic review on the use of action research methods in mental health nursing care

AIMS: To identify and synthesize evidence on the use of action research methods in mental health nursing care. DESIGN: Systematic review. DATA SOURCES: CINAHL, Web of Science, PubMed and Scopus databases were searched in January 2021. REVIEW METHODS: Data were selected using the updated Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis framework. Two reviewers independently conducted the study selection, and quality appraisal using Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Research, data extraction and data analysis procedures. RESULTS: Sixteen studies, half of which used participatory action research, were included in this review. Nurses, along with other stakeholders, were an active part of the action research process. The main topics of interest addressed were categorized as improving the adoption of a person‐centred approach to care and improving decision‐making procedures. The use of action research helped the participants to identify the meaning they attached to the topic of interest to be improved. Moreover, this method helped to identify needs and strategies for improving care. The studies concurred that the use of action research enabled participants to gain awareness, improve attitudes and acquire knowledge. In addition, it enabled participants to gain confidence and security in the group context, as key aspects of their empowerment. CONCLUSION: This review shows the usefulness of action research in any mental health nursing context, contributing to the improvement of care at both the individual and collective levels. IMPACT: This paper demonstrates the use of the action research method in the field of mental health nursing. Its use has improved the clinical practice of nurses as well as that of teams in both community and hospital settings, addressing issues of the person‐centred approach to care and decision‐making procedures.