Abstract

The original version of evidence-based medicine (EBM) was meant to combine best research evidence with clinical experience and individual patient’s values. As we know, however, the latter two elements have almost completely fallen by the wayside in recent decades: EBM produces group-level statistics that needs to be translated into individual care decisions by the clinician and the patient. The recognition of this led to the parallel development of a complementary framework of clinical theory and skills in medicine: values-based practice (VBP). In my talk, I will use clinical examples in borderline personality disorder, dementia, and depression/suicide risk management to demonstrate the usefulness of working with patient’s values. I will also describe the accumulating evidence-base in this area and some current and potential future programmes to integrate our patients’ values into psychiatric research in order to improve treatments.