An evidence-based model of job rotation

Abstract

This submission is the major project for my Doctorate of Professional Studies. It describes increases in my professional capabilities as a leader and researcher through the development and innovative use of job rotation as a means to enhance nurse recruitment, retention and development in north west London. It include an up-to-date critical review of the broad literature on job rotation. As part of an ongoing emancipatory action research study, it is a formative evaluation of five previous local studies (see supplemental materials). The formative evaluation was undertaken by me and two expert panels, using nominal group technique, with a view to identifying key factors from the literature and from our own experience to develop an evidence-based model of job rotation. Through the use of template analysis and hermeneutic dialectic process, an evidence-based model of job rotation has been produced around an a priori template of structure, process and outcome. In addition, through its use of a critical and emancipatory approach, the research process has led to increased learning among the many participants, plus a variety of other benefits that have been identified by them. The research reports and this model will contribute to the local action research community and community of practice. These are currently contributing to a feasibility study sponsored by the local Primary Care Trust to explore the use of job rotation to enable Incapacity Benefit claimants to return to work. Further dissemination of the work will be aimed at sharing the knowledge widely within my own profession of nursing and my own area of health care work. It will also be disseminated beyond these fields to include general business and other professions. It is expected that the work will continue to influence human resources policy, as it has in the past, to promote the appropriate, effective and efficient use of job rotation and the ongoing systematic development of an evidence-base in this area.