To coincide with the first annual Action Research conference taking place in London this week, this article promotes the idea of using action research for health care exploration and change. It also introduces the work of the Healthcare Subgroup of the Collaborative Action Research Network, the group's aims and how practitioners can make contact and be involved with the development. The article also describes the outcomes of a research study that underpin the philosophy, process and potential benefits of the network as a means to promote practice development and change in client care.