VBM and evidence-based medicine (EBM) are strong partners as support tools for any clinical decision-making process. The aim of this series is to provide a framework for the analysis of values in clinical practice. The need for the series is catalysed by international policy initiatives such as the increased use of multidisciplinary team-working and the priority now given to the provision of patient-centred and patient-directed care. The series will complement our publishing in areas including clinical ethics, evidence-based medicine and medical decision-making, and provides a rare opportunity for the Press to take the lead in publishing for a new area of generic interest.