Enhancing MCH Leadership Through Participatory Action Research: A Trainee Development Approach

1. USING LEND PARTICIPATORY ACTION RESEARCH PROJECTS TO DEVELOP MCH LEADERSHIP KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, COMPETENCIES, AND DISPOSITIONS Leah McLeod†,Carolyn Lullo†, Jennifer Bateman†, Emily Graybill+,Mark Crenshaw*, Stephen Truscott+, Daniel Crimmins+ †GaLEND Trainee; +GaLEND Faculty; *GaLEND Training Director PROJECTS Trainees in PAR Teams engaged in an iterative and interactive research process that involved stakeholders where they were able to practice their MCH competencies, described below: • Used interdisciplinary team building skills to complete project • Developed shared team outcome goals, roles, and responsibilities • Tested and increased own knowledge in the area of research • Applied a high level of professionalism in gathering data, interviewing staff, reviewing problem statement(s), etc. • Shared project leadership based on trainee strengths and interests • Used individual/family perspective in the research process; • Shared thoughts and ideas effectively in team meetings; • Displayed active and attentive listening in meetings with staff; • Considered the culture and values of stakeholders in the community engagement process • Created teaching opportunities for team members • Formulated research, policy, and practice questions based on data • Discussed strategies, including supporting evidence to implement policy or practice • Presented final recommendations that balance interests of all stakeholders See Guidebook: Using PAR to help with Trainee Leadership Development for more details on the process, projects and replication.