Introduction:
A new competency-based job framework was implemented for clinical research professionals at a large, clinical research-intensive academic medical center. This study evaluates the rates of turnover before and after implementation of the new framework. Turnover in this workforce (as with most) is costly; it contributes to wasted dollars and lost productivity since these are highly specialized positions requiring extensive training, regardless of experience in the field.
Methods:
Trends in employee turnover for 3 years prior to and after the implementation of competency-based job framework for clinical research positions were studied using human resources data. Employee demographics, turnover rates, and comparisons to national statistics are summarized.
Results:
Employee turnover within the clinical research professional jobs has decreased from 23% to 16%, a 45% reduction, since the implementation of competency-based job framework.
Conclusion:
The new jobs and career ladders, both of which are centered on a competency-based framework, have decreased the overall turnover rate in this employee population. Since little is known about the rates of turnover in clinical research, especially in the academic medical setting, the results of this analysis can provide important insights to other academic medical centers on both employee turnover rate in general and the potential impact of implementing large-scale competency-based job changes.
OBJECTIVES/SPECIFIC AIMS: Describe the framework for tier advancement of research professionals. Describe the various forms of assessments of competencies. How competencies are used to provide transparency into professional development opportunities. Discuss the results of the first tier advancement opportunity for research staff. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: These processes were developed at Duke, an academic medical center with over 2000 active clinical research protocols and 300 new clinical trials per year. Roughly 500 employees are categorized into tiered classifications, allowing them opportunities for advancement through competency testing. Approximately 10% opted for tier testing, and their results will be shared. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Competency assessments were developed for all 42 of Duke’s research professional competencies, some using 2 modalities of testing. Almost 12% of the research professionals classified in tiered positions opted to attempt the tier advancement process. Of those, 37 completed, and the vast majority reached their desired tier. Results by competency will be provided. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: The use of objectively assessed competencies is an important step in the development of a workforce. By (1) maintaining alignment with industry standards for competencies, (2) holding staff to a high bar, and (3) offering a consistent approach to career growth, Duke is working to develop and maintain a workforce that supports high quality research.
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