Values in practice and practising values.

Abstract

UNLABELLED: This paper first explores evidence that speech-language pathologists are experiencing dissatisfaction with their roles and then argues that one source of dissatisfaction may be in a mismatch between personal and organisational values. In order to clarify their notion of values, the authors next present a model that outlines various levels at which values operate in therapy and show how values pervade all aspects of practice. The paper then offers some practical examples of how a new organisation has tried to address overtly the implementation of values in practice, with suggestions for how other practitioners might go about making their own personal and organisational values more explicit. The paper ends with a few caveats about the difficulties and dangers of attending to values and conclude with why it is a beneficial endeavour. LEARNING OUTCOMES: Participants will be able to (1) understand issues and practices that contribute to professional burnout; (2) describe a values-based framework for clinical practice; (3) understand the importance of concerning oneself with values, despite the difficulties in so doing; (4) explore some difficulties in adopting a medical model.