Appreciative inquiry

This chapter examines the use of Appreciative Inquiry (AI) in palliative care. It argues that AI is a helpful addition to the more usual problem based paradigm of action research. The chapter critically explores the principles of AI in relation to palliative care philosophy and practice. Through this the authors argue that AI approaches promote generative collaboration between practitioners, patients and carers enabling an appreciation of differing skills, capacities and relationships. The chapter gives practical examples of the different models of carrying out AI across care settings and the outcomes of using this approach. It argues that Appreciative Inquiry is useful in helping specialist palliative care move beyond the often privileged and powerful positioning of some as "experts" and others as "recipients of knowledge/care", to a place where we are all co-learners and contributors.