Values-based practice (VBP) aims to provide a framework of knowledge and skills. It enables mental health practitioners to work in respectful and sensitive ways with people holding increasingly complex and conflicting values. Woodbridge and Fulford’s framework proposes a process for mental health work which examines the attitudes, skills and knowledge necessary for effective decision-making. Fulford argues the diverse values inherent to a multicultural society and the emphasis on patient centred care makes VBP imperative. Furthermore, Seedhouse contends that the prospect of healthcare professionals being able to practise objectively and free from emotion is preposterous; healthcare practitioners make value judgements about the patient, other mental health practitioners, organisation, other interested parties, society and themselves constantly. VBP complements and supports evidence-based practice.
For more information on VBP, see the University of Warwick website.
For information about our work, see What we do.
