%V 52 %D 2016 %K Accidental falls, community networks, evidence-based practice, health services research, nursing, residential aged care facilities, action research, randomized controlled-trial, nursing-homes, older-adults, tai-chi, health, organization, settings, science, quality, state %N 2-3 %T Developing networks between residential aged care facilities as a result of engagement in a falls prevention project: an action research study %P 163-175 %X BACKGROUND: Residential aged care facility (RACF) staff often operate in isolation. Research is lacking on networking between facilities. AIMS: To explore outcomes associated with network formation between two RACFs as part of an action research approach to reducing falls. DESIGN: Action research approach with qualitative data collected. METHODS: Twelve RACF staff from two facilities in regional Tasmania, Australia, formed a falls prevention action research group. Thematic analysis was undertaken of 22 audio-recorded fortnightly group meetings. RESULTS: This was the first opportunity for participants to meet colleagues from another facility in a professional context. The formation of an inter-facility network enabled the sharing of ideas and systems related to evidence-based falls prevention activities and other issues and galvanised a collaborative focus for action. CONCLUSIONS: An action research process can be used to create an inter-facility network. Such networks can decrease staff isolation and facilitate best resident care. %J Contemporary Nurse %A E Lea %A S Andrews %A T Haines %A J Nitz %A B Haralambous %A K Moore %A K Hill %A A Robinson %O This version is the author accepted manuscript. For information on re-use, please refer to the publisher’s terms and conditions. %I ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD %L discovery1531880