Using Appreciative Inquiry to Inform Program Evaluation in Graduate Medical Education.

BACKGROUND: Graduate medical education programs are expected to conduct an annual program evaluation. While general guidelines exist, innovative and feasible approaches to program evaluations may help efforts at program improvement. Appreciative Inquiry is an approach that focuses on successful moments, effective processes, and programs' strengths.
OBJECTIVE: We implemented a novel application of Appreciative Inquiry and its 4 phases (Inquire, Imagine, Innovate, and Implement) and demonstrate how it led to meaningful improvements in a pediatric pulmonology fellowship program.
METHODS: As part of the Inquire and Imagine phases, the authors developed an interview guide that aligned with Appreciative Inquiry concepts. Two faculty members conducted semistructured interviews with a convenience sample of 11 of 14 fellowship alumni. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, and reviewed. A summary of the findings was presented to the Program Evaluation Committee, which then directed the Innovate and Implement phases.
RESULTS: Appreciative Inquiry was acceptable to the alumni and feasible with the authors' self-directed learning approach and minimal administrative and financial support. In the Inquire phase, alumni identified program strengths and successes. In the Imagine phase, alumni identified program changes that could aid transition to independent practice for future fellows (an identified program goal). Based on the results of the Appreciative Inquiry, program leadership and the Program Evaluation Committee selected improvements for implementation.
CONCLUSIONS: For small programs, Appreciative Inquiry is an innovative and feasible approach to program evaluation that facilitates actionable program improvement recommendations.