RESEARCH ROUNDUP

With healthcare facing increasing demands and scarce resources, the hospital at home (HaH) concept is an innovative care strategy, providing eligible patients with specialised care at home. In this qualitative Norwegian study, Karlsen et al (2024) investigated the reflections of 38 primary healthcare employees – 19 registered nurses, 12 administrative managers and 7 operational manager – on the integration of HaH care into primary healthcare services.

Ten focus group interviews were conducted at five municipalities in Mid-Norway. Three themes emerged: the distinctiveness of HaH care within the primary healthcare landscape; HaH care provides opportunities to meet challenges; and primary healthcare commitment and professional pride are incentives to making HaH work.

First, all participants found that HaH was consistent with the transformation of primary healthcare services, reflecting a shift towards more advanced clinical practice in municipalities: ‘Procedures such as the administration of intravenous antibiotics, management of central venous catheters, and operating infusion pumps were not novel for home care nurses.’ Second, most participants viewed HaH as an opportunity to strengthen their relationship with specialised healthcare services. Third, many participants reported minimal resistance to undertaking the treatment and care tasks inherent in the HaH model, demonstrating a willingness to accommodate change.