Sign in
Member-led event

The potential of Appreciative Inquiry: staff wellbeing and relationship-centred care

How can Appreciative Inquiry be used in busy clinical settings, what skills are required and what are the benefits?

On this page

About this session

This session is led by Dr Clare Gordon, Senior Research Fellow and Nurse Consultant at the University of Central Lancashire and Dr Rachel Arnold, former Nurse/​Midwife and Visiting Fellow at Bournemouth University.

Both are passionate about Appreciative Inquiry (App Inq) and will share two case studies from maternity and stroke services to illustrate how App Inq can nurture staff wellbeing and relationship centred care. Clare and Rachel will offer practical examples of App Inq in action on NHS wards, and share their reflections on lessons learnt and tips for using App Inq in clinical settings.

The session will include:A description of how the two examples of App Inq were conducted in the NHS and the different approaches used to create open, safe, communicative spaces for staff, patients and relatives to share what was meaningful for them.

  • An overview of the impact on patients and staff wellbeing.
  • Lessons learned and reflections on developing as authentic appreciative inquirers and the potential of App Inq.
  • A discussion on the commonalities between the two studies including the importance of small things and human connectedness.
  • A Q&A

This call is supported by our newly created Appreciative Inquiry in Health and Care group. If you haven’t yet, join the group and keep up to date with our App Inq events and discussions.

Join the Appreciative Inquiry in Health and Care group

This group is a space for people wanting to gain more insight and experience in using Appreciative Inquiry in Health and Care.

Join

Book

Book your place

See more events

Discover more

  • Improvement in action: get to know five member-led projects

    News
    30 April 2026 
    6 minute read 
    Collaboration is key to the Q community. At our recent member event, five member‑led projects shared their work. Get to know the projects and explore opportunities to collaborate. 
  • Getting bid ready

    Event
    20 May 2026 
    Want to write stronger bids and secure funding for innovation and change projects? Join the Dorset Innovation Hub Community of Practice to get bid ready. 
email hidden; JavaScript is required
Q, The NHS Alliance, 2nd Floor, 18 Smith Square, London, SW1P 3HZ
© 2026 The Health Foundation
Website: William Joseph