Midwifery leaders’ experience of engaging with Appreciative Inquiry to co-create a mentoring program: a qualitative study

Aim: To understand the experience of midwifery leaders using the Appreciative Inquiry methodology to co-create and implement a Mentoring in Midwifery program in NSW, Australia. Methods: Qualitative data were generated using an appreciative approach in focus group discussions, project planning and implementation discussions with working group members, and program implementation facilitators. The data were analysed using 5th Generation Evaluation. Findings: Twenty midwifery leaders from across NSW Health participated in focus groups or project discussions. The evaluation of these discussions identified three themes: Connection, Learning, and Growth. Each included sub-themes of; Connection: the nature and nurture of connections; Learning: learning lightbulbs; and Growth: the gains and pains of growth. Discussion: The use of Appreciative Inquiry is a valuable change methodology and process that supports the effective design, development and implementation of a project. In addition, involvement in co-creation using Appreciative Inquiry can support and enable leadership development for those involved that is transferable to other initiatives and leadership roles. Conclusion: This paper explores the impact for midwifery leaders in the context of developing and implementing a Statewide mentoring program for midwives within NSW Health. Co-creation and the use of Appreciative Inquiry is an effective process in a midwifery context. This approach enabled midwifery leaders to experience a new way of working, develop a deep sense of connection, learn together and develop new capabilities as leaders that are translated into practice.