Evidence-Based Refinement of Health and Social Services: Exploring the Possibilities of Intravention Research

Authors

Carol L. McWilliam, The University of Western Ontario
Abram Oudshoorn, The University of Western Ontario

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

10-2011

Journal

Quality Management in Health Care

Volume

20

Issue

4

First Page

280

Last Page

292

URL with Digital Object Identifier

http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/QMH.0b013e31823170a5

Abstract

To promote evidence-based refinement of quality health and social services delivery and care, decision makers, researchers, and practitioners often undertake intervention research. Intervention research tests and describes new strategies for achieving desired outcomes. But theoretical, methodological, and practical issues continue to plague even alternative participatory approaches to intervention research, raising questions about its potential for promoting quality health and social services and care. In response to this persistent challenge, the authors of this article propose a radical solution, namely intravention research, laying out its unique features as well as its theoretical and practical implications. Their conceptualization sets the stage for dialogue on options for advancing research methodologies and methods that might better promote evidence-informed health and social services.