Implementing the 4D cycle of appreciative inquiry in health care: a methodological review. (14th January 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Trajkovski, Suza; Schmied, Virginia; Vickers, Margaret; Jackson, Debra
• Is Part Of: Journal of advanced nursing. Volume 69:Number 6(2013:Jun.)
• Page Start: 1224
• Page End: 1234
• Publication Date: 2013-01-14
• Subjects: Nursing -- Periodicals; 610.7305
• DOI: 10.1111/jan.12086
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0309-2402

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="jan12086-abs-0001"> <title>Abstract</title> <sec id="jan12086-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Aim</title> <p>To examine and critique how the phases of the 4D cycle (Discovery, Dream, Design, and Destiny) of appreciative inquiry are implemented in a healthcare context.</p> </sec> <sec id="jan12086-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Background</title> <p>Appreciative inquiry is a theoretical research perspective, an emerging research methodology and a world view that builds on action research, organizational learning, and organizational change. Increasing numbers of articles published provide insights and learning into its theoretical and philosophical underpinnings. Many articles describe appreciative inquiry and the outcomes of their studies; however, there is a gap in the literature examining the approaches commonly used to implement the 4D cycle in a healthcare context.</p> </sec> <sec id="jan12086-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Design</title> <p>A methodological review following systematic principles.</p> </sec> <sec id="jan12086-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Data sources</title> <p>A methodological review was conducted including articles from the inception of appreciative inquiry in 1986 to the time of writing this review in November, 2011. Key database searches included CINAHL, Emerald, MEDLINE, PubMed, PsycINFO, and Scopus.</p> </sec> <sec id="jan12086-sec-0005" sec-type="section"> <title>Review methods</title> <p>A methodological review following systematic principles was undertaken. Studies were included if they described in detail the methods used to implement the 4D cycle of appreciative inquiry in a healthcare context.</p> </sec> <sec id="jan12086-sec-0006" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>Nine qualitative studies met the inclusion criteria. Results highlighted that appreciative inquiry application is unique and varied between studies. The 4D phases were not rigid steps and were adapted to the setting and participants.</p> </sec> <sec id="jan12086-sec-0007" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusion</title> <p>Overall, participant enthusiasm and commitment were highlighted suggesting appreciative inquiry was mostly positively perceived by participants. Appreciative inquiry provides a positive way forward shifting from problems to solutions offering a new way of practicing in health care and health research.</p> </sec> </abstract>