An exploratory investigation using appreciative inquiry to promote nursing oral care

The purpose of this exploratory study was to determine the impact of an appreciative inquiry (AI) approach in a nursing knowledge translation initiative to facilitate oral care service delivery improvements. Comments made by nurse participants showed that they valued knowledge and strived for consistency in oral care provision. They felt that this could be obtained by implementing an oral health assessment tool, having access to an oral health expert, and enhancing interprofessional collaboration. Results also supported nurses' perceptions that organization-wide support and commitment is required in order to successfully implement and sustain improvements in oral care practice. AI was found to be a useful framework for generating dialogue regarding ways to improve oral care. This method generated positive momentum for practice change and empowered participants to become ambassadors for change, thereby effectively bridging the knowledge-to-action gap. Although AI is not a guaranteed solution for improving oral care in long-term care institutions, it should be considered as one part of a multi-interventional strategy.