From child savers to child activists: a participatory action research project with community child health nurses

Abstract

Community child health nurses have the opportunity to be key child advocates. This thesis describes a group research process that was used to enable reflection on well child health nursing practice with a view to developing knowledge and skills in child advocacy. Current child health statistics indicate that New Zealand is doing comparatively poorly in terms of child health. It is timely for child health nurses to take action by speaking out on issues concerning the well being of children. This research used a process informed by participatory action research (PAR) to enhance the nursing role in optimising child health as a human right. A praxis group was formed comprising of myself, a nurse educator with experience and interest in well child health, and three experienced well child health nurses from a cross-section of child health providers in a specific geographical area and cultural context. Evidence was gathered and examined, reflected on, action taken, and ideas about how nurses can make a difference were explored. The study provided an opportunity for reflection on the political and ethical aspects of child advocacy. PAR is an adaptable research methodology, capable of providing a framework for activating nurses' understanding of advocacy, United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCROC) and other child health protection policies. Developing knowledge, skills and practices enabled the praxis group to take action, to recommend action and to instigate social and health initiatives. The group had a common goal - to provide the maximum health and development opportunities for all children in Aotearoa/New Zealand. The group engaged in dialogical encounter to provide a reflective practice-based approach with the aim of enhancing practice. As a PAR group we created a supportive environment that enabled us to work together to develop, test, justify, and critically examine the rationale for child advocacy in nursing practice. During the sessions we achieved many PAR moments, we acted on them,