Translational Mobilisation Theory: A new paradigm for understanding the organisational elements of nursing work

Abstract

Translational Mobilisation Theory (TMT) is a generic sociological theory that explains how emergent projects of collective action are progressed in complex organisational contexts. Grounded in a substantial programme of research on healthcare work, it has value for understanding the organisational component of the nursing role for educational, practice and research purposes. This paper introduces Translational Mobilisation Theory, outlines its core components, and considers its application to nursing using ethnographic research on the organising work of nurses as an empirical reference. Organising work is a neglected element of the nursing function and lacks theoretical foundations. As the complexity and intensity of healthcare continues to accelerate this is an important gap in existing frameworks of understanding.