Participatory Action Research: A Methodological Approach to Actively Involving Individuals With Lived Experience in Nursing Research

Aim This methodological paper, informed by a targeted structured narrative review of contemporary nursing participatory action research studies, aims to distinguish participatory action research from participatory research and patient and public involvement and engagement, examine how participation, shared decision‐making, power‐sharing, iterative inquiry and collective action are operationalised, and provide practical guidance for nursing researchers across different health settings. Design A methodological paper informed by a targeted structured narrative review of contemporary nursing participatory action research studies. Methods The review used predefined eligibility criteria, structured searches and duplicate screening to identify contemporary illustrative studies. Data were examined for study context, individuals with lived experience involved, methods of invitation, participatory activities, shared decision‐making, iterative processes and the action developed, implemented and evaluated. Data Sources PubMed and CINAHL were searched in April 2025 for nursing studies published during the preceding five years using terms for nurses or nursing combined with participatory action research, participatory research, or action research. The studies were used as contemporary illustrations and were not ranked for methodological quality. Results The 20 illustrative studies reported diverse approaches, but the depth of participation, shared decision‐making, power‐sharing and action was inconsistently described. The synthesis identifies relationship‐building, explicit negotiation of power, collaborative interpretation, collectively agreed action, reflexivity and transparent reporting as central considerations in nursing participatory action research. Conclusion Participatory action research can help nurses respond to patient, family and community priorities by involving individuals with lived experience in shaping decisions, interpreting findings and collective action. Although participatory action research may draw on patient and public involvement and engagement principles, it is distinguished by collaborative inquiry, negotiated power, shared decision‐making, co‐production of knowledge and collectively agreed action. Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care Participatory action research can extend nursing practice beyond consultation by enabling patients, families, and communities to share authority over research priorities, interpretation and action. Impact This paper provides practical guidance on partnership formation, power sharing, collaborative interpretation, action, methodological rigour and transparent reporting. The recommendations are linked to patterns and gaps observed across contemporary nursing studies and to core participatory action research literature. Reporting Method A targeted structured narrative review was used to support methodological development rather than to provide an exhaustive synthesis of the field. Reporting therefore focuses on transparent study identification and selection and the included studies are used as contemporary illustrations. Patient or Public Contribution This study did not include patients or the public in its design, conduct, or reporting.