Using Appreciative Inquiry in Correctional Health Care: An Integrative Review

This integrative review examines the use of appreciative inquiry in correctional health care settings, following the guidelines of Whittemore and Knafl. Using the Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice Research Evidence Appraisal Tool, it assessed the level and quality of the evidence. Search terms included appreciative inquiry AND healthcare, appreciative inquiry AND nursing practice, and appreciative inquiry AND criminal justice. Nine of the 92 articles reviewed used steps of the appreciative inquiry process and were selected for the final review and analysis. Most study authors recommended organizational change. In carceral settings, appreciative inquiry was used to reduce bias, increase empowerment, and improve workplace relationships. Wider dissemination of the usefulness of this process is needed to address workforce shortages.