Modernizing the school health workforce. Staff perceptions of a rapid roll-out redesign programme.

AIMS: To explore the perceptions of staff participating in an NHS school health workforce modernization rapid roll-out redesign programme. BACKGROUND: The health and well-being of children is central to national policy and focuses upon multi-agency working. As part of the NHS modernization programme, a rapid roll-out workforce redesign model was developed for the school health workforce and introduced in northern England. METHODS: An evaluation approach using electronic distributed questionnaires and telephone interviews was utilized. RESULTS: Respondents reported that the approach was a valuable and fast way of introducing change to the workforce. Benefits for participants in providing networking opportunities were reported. LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY: Data were collected from one programme and local factors may have influenced the findings. CONCLUSION: The rapid roll-out approach appears to be a successful way of introducing change to the school health workforce. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Workforce redesign using a rapid roll-out approach is a fast and effective approach, additionally providing benefits for staff participating in the process.