Objectives:
to reconstitute how the "management of narratives" was developed in the course of a qualitative research process and used as a tool for immersion in the field, production and analysis of data with institutional actors from a regional health agency.
Methods:
the study was conducted in three stages: 1) schematization of the networks of relations and conversations of each team; 2) drawing up of narratives by the main researcher; 3) revision and appropriation of narratives by the participants.
Results:
eleven narratives were drawn up, debated and revised by 55 participants. The main reasons for modifications to the text initially produced by the researchers were a) absent, imprecise or incorrect information; b) redaction or alteration of confidential information relating to institutional relations; and c) questioning of positions taken by the researchers. The method required sensitive and careful treatment of the effect of management of narratives on each of the teams and constant analysis of the involvement of the researchers.
Conclusion:
the method of investigation, which enabled the main researcher to spend a prolonged period of time with subjects in the field, was able to bring to light elements of the complex relations that make up the micropolitics of the day-to-day work of a health organization from the point of view of its actors.
Narratives; Qualitative research; Research and new techniques; Health services research; Regional health planning