Can the introduction of a quality of life tool affect individual professional practice and the quality of care planning in a community mental health team?

Accessible summary Audit should not be restricted to one form of methodology and should embrace mixing methods of data collection. Use of a quality of life tool allows users more of a voice, enhancing the partnership with service providers and presenting an alternate view of risk. Implementation of any change to practice needs to address local level barriers and engage the service providers in the process, therefore, avoiding the common perception of being given more work without negotiation and feelings of alienation. Abstract This practice development paper demonstrates the scope for creativity in mixing audit and methods of investigation. It details the evolution of Quality of Life (QOL) perspectives and relates them to the practice of care planning. The process proved enlightening and affirming to practitioners and engaged them in considering value-based practice (recovery-orientated) from the perspective of the client. It was clear that subtle changes to care planning emerged, and the goal of giving responsibility for self determining issues was addressed.