Methodological path of an action research project in Brazil’s unified health system research program.

This paper analyzes the cyclical process of an action research project conducted by a group of academics, policy advocates, and humanization supporters under the aegis of Brazil’s Unified Health System Research Program. The project uses a qualitative approach, based on Institutional Analysis and Intervention Research principles. As nested cycles often pass through reflection-action moments, the findings are presented according to several such moments: method construction, participation type, search for theories, and cyclical action research process. They suggest that AR’s cyclical nature can enrich knowledge production and transform healthcare practices, and that well-qualified advocates and humanization supporters can contribute to this by understanding local health needs and providing valuable suggestions to enhance administrative and healthcare actions. These findings underscore the importance of the cyclical nature of action research, which constantly deepens and adds flexibility to participation, knowledge and data production, thereby providing a crucial element which enables research to continue, despite adverse conditions, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]