Bringing the Hospital to the Adult Patient: A Qualitative Study of Patients' and Relatives' Experiences of Mobile Emergency Care at Home
Åsa Falchenberg, Ulf Andersson, Anders Sterner, Gabriella Norberg Boysen, Henrik AnderssonABSTRACT
Aim
To explore how patients and their relatives perceive and experience emergency care delivered at home by Mobile Emergency Teams (METs).
Design
An exploratory qualitative design was used to explore how patients and relatives experienced the care encounter. This approach was appropriate given the exploratory nature of the study.
Ethical Considerations
The study was approved by the Swedish Ethical Review Authority (No: 2023–02186‐01) and conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Participants provided informed consent, were assured of confidentiality, and were informed of their right to withdraw at any time.
Methods
The study was conducted in southwestern Sweden and included 20 semi‐structured interviews with patients ( n = 11), relatives ( n = 4), and joint patient‐relative interviews ( n = 5) who had recently received care from METs. Interviews were audio‐recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke's six‐phase thematic analysis.
Results
The analysis generated two overarching themes: Embraced by a calming environment and A sense of safety and security. Participants described METs' arrival as a turning point that brought calm and clarity to emotionally intense situations. The teams' respectful approach, clear communication and structured assessments contributed to emotional reassurance. Receiving care at home, in a familiar environment and in the presence of loved ones, supported participants' sense of dignity, autonomy and control. However, some participants expressed uncertainty about what would happen after METs' departure, indicating a need for improved follow‐up and continuity of care.
Limitations
Findings are shaped by a specific Swedish context, joint interviews and purposive sampling, which may limit transferability.
Conclusion
Emergency care at home was experienced as emotionally supportive and clinically competent. Attentiveness, clarity and a respectful presence were central to participants' sense of being thoroughly and considerately cared for.