8.3.3 Appreciative inquiry: An exploration of the benifits and issues for nursing research (3)

Jacqueline Cahill, PhD Student, School of Nursing, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom Co authors: Carol Hall, Katie Gallagher, Christopher Jones & David Hilton ntxjc12@nottingham.ac.uk

Abstract:

This presentation discusses the methodology used in a study conducted in 2007 and situated within the context of existing work carried out by NHS Education for Scotland. The work was funded in light of recommendations included within the NHS Education for Scotland (NHS 2006) strategy document 'Identifying and Supporting the Numeracy Needs of Health Care Staff in Scotland. The aim of the study was to evaluate practice in developing numerical competence amongst both NHS Scotland staff and healthcare students in order to provide further baseline data to support planning. It was recognised in the planning of the research that accessing the personal perceptions of nurses, educators and students about developing practice in numercial competence may be complex. This is due to the psychological and sociological constructions of mathematical learning and potential implications in relation to the delivery of quality patient care. An appreciative inquiry (AI) approach was undertaken as it sought to understand the socialized context of mathematics within healthcare. AI focuses upon improving practice through concentrating on what works well. It builds on the understanding that helping people to realise that in all of the things that they do, there are elements which are constructive and effective and these can be used as the foundation for development. The AI methodology works through a four phase process, which encourages participants to explore the research questions through facilitating visions of; Discovery, Dreaming, Designing and Destiny. It is suggested that AI helps to develop insight into what sucess actually means and what it is about the people, resources and the organisation that creates these sucess stories. The aim of this presentation is to explore the methodology of AI as it is used within one research project and to explore the benefits and challenges that this methodology brings to nursing research.

Biography:

Jacqueline Cahill has been a registered nurse since 1987 and has gained skills, knowledge and experiences within; adult ICU and CCU, care of the older person, school nursing and gastroenterology. Since 1999 she has been actively involved with research and education and has worked at Manchester Metropolitan and Middlesex Universities. Presently she is a full time PhD student at the University of Nottingham exploring the use of educational technology within pre registration nurse education and undertakes freelance research within education.