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To evaluate the quality of action research studies using the Quality Assessment Action Research Checklist (QuARC) and to assess its utility as a tool for quality appraisal.
A hybrid systematic narrative review following Turnbull et al.'s six-stage methodology and reported in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidance.
Scopus was searched for author self-identified action research studies published between January 2020 and March 2024.
Two reviewers independently selected studies meeting inclusion criteria: health science action research papers addressing any or all of QuARC's four quality factors. A scoring system was used to capture each of QuARC's 17 quality items, which was scored as 0 (absent), 0.5 (partial) or 1 (comprehensive). Narrative synthesis was undertaken across the four QuARC domains.
Thirty-two studies met the inclusion criteria. Reporting frequencies across QuARC were: Context (92.5%, mean = 3.7/4), Quality of Relationships (55% mean = 2.2/4), Quality of Action Research Process (62.5% mean = 2.5/4), and Quality of Outcomes (62.5% mean = 3.1/5). Reporting gaps were most evident in reflexive co-analysis, relational evaluation and explicit theoretical contribution.
Global reporting of rigour and quality in action research remains inconsistent. QuARC functioned both as an appraisal instrument and as an analytic lens, revealing systematic patterns in how action research privileges practical change over theoretical articulation and reflexive relational work. Further refinement and validation are recommended to strengthen its reliability as an appraisal tool.
Findings highlighted a critical need to establish a standardised, validated approach to assess quality in action research. Adoption of QuARC can enhance consistency, clarity and comparability across studies, strengthening the evidence base for action research methodologies.
This first systematic synthesis of QuARC's application provides an evidence base for its further development. This lays foundations for international standards in quality appraisal, strengthening the credibility, reproducibility and influence of action research.
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