ABSTRACT
This chapter explains participatory action research (PAR) within seasons of learning and change, and provides an annual timeline for participatory action research. It draws upon strategic partners in cycles of participatory action research. PAR gets people to contribute to an inquiry and do something positive about what they find. The really powerful effects come when the cycles of research and development become embedded as the routine way to operate – as annual cycles of inquiry, learning and change. Participation stimulates a broad sense of ownership that helps to sustain improvements and motivates people to take part in future. The shared leadership team engages patients and strategic partners to co-design service improvements and care-plan updates, applying learning from the previous year. General practitioners need to switch effortlessly between three consulting styles. The three consulting styles require different approaches and different resources: reactive care; planned care; and emergency care.
