Abstract

Background: This paper presents the findings of a study exploring the impact of a values-based training initiative on the practice ofmental healthworkers. Thiswork is setwithin the context of increasing attention on the values of nurses and other health care workers as a response to national reports on care failure and negative media attention.
Objective: To examine written response feedback from participants on a national training programme for values based practice (VBP) in order to examine any intention to change practice.
Design: A national evaluation using quantitative and qualitative methodologies was conducted to gather data on reflections and self-report impact of the Ten Essential Shared Capabilities’ training programme.
Setting: The trainingwas delivered in a range of hospital, community and third sector training programmes across eight regions in England.
Participants: The participants were predominantly nurses but all sectors in the mental health community including service users as co-facilitators and participants were represented.
Methods: This study presents the qualitative findings from a cross-sectional survey. Using NVIVO 10 software, data were analysed using the framework method of qualitative analysis.
Results: Four principal themes emerged fromthe data‘Thinking differently’‘Changes to practice’‘Creating an effective learning environment and skills for practice development’ and ‘Increasing self-awareness’.
Conclusions: The quality and safety drive in the NHS has an emphasis on delivery of evidence based practice. It was concluded that an active focus on values based practice merits equal attention and status.