EXPLORING THE MEANING OF FACILITATION IN PRACTICE DEVELOPMENT IN COLLABORATION WITH REGISTERED NURSES AND HEALTHCARE ASSISTANTS: A PARTICIPATORY RESEARCH STUDY

Abstract

Background This research study aimed to explore the meaning of facilitation in Practice Development (PD). My co-researchers were registered nurses and healthcare assistants (practice co-researchers) working in two residential care facilities in Ireland. PD is an approach to developing person-centred cultures of care grounded in critical social science that integrates collaborative, inclusive, and participatory approaches to achieve person-centred and evidence-based care. Central to PD is person-centred facilitation, which is the focus of my research, examining the meaning of facilitation in the reality of practice. Research Methods Using a person-centred methodological approach, this study was conducted in two residential care facilities in Ireland and underpinned by participatory and emancipatory principles. Research fieldwork was conducted over fourteen months. A range of Practice Development (PD) methods were used, including one-to-one interviews, reflective accounts, observations of practice, facilitation workshops, and informal conversations. These activities were conducted over fourteen months to support engagement and foster trust. A creative hermeneutic data analysis was used to interpret how facilitators experienced and made sense of facilitation in practice. In the later phase, experienced co-researchers joined the analysis process to critically reflect on and deepen their understanding of the emerging outcomes. Research Outcomes In this research, five key elements emerged that illuminate the meaning of facilitation in PD: autonomy, courage, understanding person-centredness, embracing active learning, and flourishing. Person-centred relationships between individuals are underpinned by trust, knowledge of self and others, learning to be creative, having time, and having a supportive space to work together towards a shared purpose in practice.