Developing Professional Practice in Health and Social Care

Addressing the changing world of professionalism, this text combines theory, research and practice, using real case studies, to investigate the process of becoming professional. Mapping the journey from allied or associate practitioner positions through qualifying and into advanced practitioner status, it is a valuable companion for health and social care, social work and allied health students from the beginning of their studies.

Developing Professional Practice in Health and Social Care is an accessible text, including case studies, reflective exercises and activities, chapter aims and summaries and further reading boxes throughout. It covers:

• the context for professional practice, including historical perspectives, policy and discussion of relevant competencies and frameworks
• the concept of professionalism, exploring what it means to be a professional
• values and ethics underpinning professional practice
• professional identity development, including formation and changes in identity
• professional practice in complex environments, paying particular attention to working in organisations
• becoming a critical and globally aware practitioner
• the role of evidence and knowledge in professional practice
• working with supervision.

Maintaining a strong focus on the ethical dimensions of professional practice, this text emphasises how health and social care practitioners can contribute to social justice and challenge social exclusion.