Values-based practice in mental health and psychiatry

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Ethics
• Clinical Psychology
• Social Work

Background:

• Values-based practice (VBP) is increasingly recognized in health and social care.
• The model challenges traditional clinical practice and moral decision-making.
• Recent literature shows growing support for VBP.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the growing momentum and application of Values-based practice (VBP).
• To analyze the philosophical underpinnings and practical implementation of VBP.
• To explore the challenges and benefits of VBP in contemporary healthcare.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of publications over the last 18 months.
• Philosophical analysis of the theoretical rigor of the VBP model.
• Examination of VBP's application through education, training, and policy development.

Main Results:

• VBP is integrated into health and social care narratives and publications.
• Philosophical analysis reveals theoretical challenges for VBP.
• Practitioners view VBP as a necessary complement to Evidence-Based Practice.
• VBP necessitates adjustments in professional practice, the clinician-service user relationship, and concepts of good care.

Conclusions:

• VBP presents both opportunities and challenges for clinicians.
• It can be viewed as a crucial skill for navigating complex mental health care or a response to neoliberal demands for personalized care.
• Adopting VBP requires clinicians to deeply re-evaluate and adjust their core professional values.