ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the transition in professional practice from a traditional, hierarchical and individualistic model to a more inclusive partnership model. The partnership model includes extended service user and carer involvement, interprofessional working and a wider public health approach. Professionalism has never been more important regarding public trust and care quality. The nature of professional practice in the community is particularly challenging given the complex care needs, diverse organisations and professions, as well as the need to demonstrate cost-effective health outcomes. Traditionally, a professional is someone who is associated with being part of an elite group of experts with claims to specialist knowledge and skills that license their practice. The nature of the work is vocational, and like professional roles such as law and medicine, is valued within society. Professional education exposes students to role models or mentors with particular placement experiences that serve to define and reinforce attitudes, values and behaviours as much as the specialist knowledge.
