How to Create a Values Persona in Health and Social Care

Creating a values persona in health and social care is a useful way to ensure both professionals and organisations deliver care that meets individual needs and expectations. A values persona is a representation of someone’s beliefs, priorities, and motivations. This approach takes into account what matters most to an individual and aligns care delivery with their values. Below, we’ll explore how to create one step by step.

What is a Values Persona?

A values persona is a tool used to represent the core values, preferences, and beliefs of an individual. In health and social care, this tool helps professionals understand service users better by focusing on their individual perspectives. It differs from a general profile, as it emphasises values rather than demographic details or basic preferences.

This persona can help guide decisions about how care is planned, delivered, and adjusted over time. It is particularly helpful when working with groups of service users from diverse cultural or social backgrounds.

Why Create a Values Persona?

Understanding and respecting personal values allows for more person-centred care. Service users feel heard and valued when professionals consider what truly matters to them. This approach increases satisfaction, builds trust, and promotes better outcomes.

It also supports staff in maintaining a consistent and respectful approach, even when individuals may face challenges expressing their needs or wishes.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Values Persona

Gather Information Through Active Listening Start by engaging with the individual. Active listening means fully focusing on what the person is saying, without interrupting or making assumptions. Use open-ended questions to allow the person to express themselves freely. Some effective questions include:

• What is most important to you in your day-to-day life?
• How do you like decisions to be made relating to your care?
• Are there any cultural, religious, or personal beliefs that guide you?
• How do you prefer to communicate? Giving the person plenty of time and ensuring they feel comfortable will lead to better and more honest answers.

Use Observation Skills If the person finds it difficult to articulate their values, such as children, older adults with dementia, or individuals with communication difficulties, observe their behaviour. Pay attention to what makes them happy, calm, or engaged. For example, you may notice someone responds positively to a structured routine or shows attachment to certain objects that hold emotional significance.

Collaborate with Family and Carers In some situations, family members or carers may have valuable insights into the person’s values. They may be able to share examples of past preferences and experiences that help build a fuller persona. Remember to include the individual in these discussions wherever possible so they remain the focus of their care.

Identify Key Themes After gathering information, take time to reflect on the main themes that stand out. These themes form the foundation of the values persona. Examples of themes include:

• Respecting independence
• Maintaining connections with loved ones
• Faith or religion
• Privacy and dignity
• A sense of community versus solitude Write these themes in plain language rather than jargon, so everyone involved in their care can understand.

Customise the Values Persona Now bring all the information together into a clear document. A good values persona should have the following sections:

• Name or identifier: Use a name or a pseudonym, depending on confidentiality requirements.
• Core values: A short list of their key values (e.g., “Maintaining independence,” “Respecting cultural traditions”).
• Preferred communication style: Briefly describe how they prefer to be addressed or approached.
• Activities or preferences: Examples of routines or hobbies they enjoy.
• Potential challenges: Anything that could cause distress if their values are not fully acknowledged (e.g., abrupt changes to their routine).

Use Visual Aids Where Helpful Some organisations find that a visual representation, such as images or diagrams, can make the values persona easier to share and understand. This visualisation might include symbols representing religious affiliation, favourite activities, or photographs of meaningful objects. For example, a timeline of their typical day could help highlight important aspects of their routine.

Regularly Review and Update the Persona People’s values and preferences may change over time due to life circumstances, such as illness progression, personal relationships, or new experiences. Reassess the values persona regularly to ensure it stays relevant. Open communication between the individual, their family, and professionals ensures ongoing accuracy.

How to Use a Values Persona Effectively

Once the values persona is created, it should actively guide care decisions. Everyone involved in the individual’s care must have access to this document.

Practical Ways to Use a Values Persona

• During care planning: Refer to the persona when discussing personal goals or changes to care.
• In staff training: Use personas as tools to teach person-centred practices.
• Team meetings: Share the persona with colleagues to create a unified approach.

Respecting Confidentiality

Care must be taken to protect the individual’s privacy. Avoid widely sharing personal information that isn’t directly relevant to their care. Follow data protection guidelines like the UK’s Data Protection Act 2018.

Barriers in Building Values Personas

Building a values persona isn’t always straightforward. Here are some common challenges and how to handle them:

• Limited Communication Ability: Use input from family and carers, and focus on observation techniques.
• Conflicting Values Between Family and Service User: Ensure the individual has the final say unless they lack capacity, in which case professionals must act in their best interests under the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
• Time Constraints in Care Settings: Make the process ongoing. Gather small pieces of information over time rather than all at once.

The Role of Reflection

Reflection is an important part of the process when creating values personas. After developing one, take a moment to think about whether it truly represents the individual’s values. Check back with the person or their representatives to confirm its accuracy.

For example, ask yourself:

• Does this persona show what matters most to the individual?
• Could there be values or needs I have overlooked?
• Is this document simple for others to follow and use?

Practical Example

Case Study: David

David is 72 years old and lives in an assisted-living facility. He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease two years ago.

During discussions, David shared that maintaining his dignity is his most important value. He dislikes being rushed during personal care tasks and prefers being involved in decisions about his meals.

From observations, staff also noticed David enjoys listening to classical music, which helps him remain calm during periods of anxiety. He prefers clear and simple instructions because he finds complex conversations tiring.

Using this information, the team developed David’s values persona, which includes:

• Name: David
• Core values: dignity, autonomy, and calmness
• Communication: simple and respectful language
• Preferences: slow-paced personal care, mealtime involvement, and access to classical music during the day

As a result, staff feel confident in providing person-centred care that aligns with what David values most.

Conclusion

Creating a values persona in health and social care places the individual at the heart of care delivery. It’s a straightforward but meaningful way to make sure care reflects who the person truly is. By gathering information, involving family if needed, and regularly revisiting the persona, care staff can provide thoughtful and effective support.

Being aware of values not only builds trust but also creates an environment where people feel respected and valued as unique individuals.