From Problems to Possibilities: Appreciative Inquiry in Healthcare

In series 3, we explore how Human Factors links with Appreciative Inquiry and civility. In this episode, Katy Fisher, Head of Patient Safety and Clinical Effectiveness at a Mental Health Trust shares her journey from clinical governance into the transformative world of Appreciative Inquiry (AI). She discusses how AI reshaped her mindset, influenced her leadership style, and helped her embed positivity and strength-based learning into healthcare structures traditionally focused on deficits.

• Appreciative Inquiry (AI) – Developed by David Cooperrider; foundational texts include Appreciative Inquiry: A Positive Revolution in Change.

• Appreciating Health and Care – Includes the Praise Project and examples of AI in clinical settings.
• Learning from Excellence – A movement and methodology for reporting and learning from positive clinical events.

• Civility Saves Lives – Focuses on the impact of civility on healthcare outcomes.
• PSIRF (Patient Safety Incident Response Framework) – NHS initiative integrating human factors and systems thinking.

• Caring Corner – Katy Fisher’s podcast exploring AI stories in healthcare.