Bringing the Hospital to the Adult Patient: A Qualitative Study of Patients' and Relatives' Experiences of Mobile Emergency Care at Home.
Scandinavian journal of caring sciences · 2026-06-01 · Qualitative study
Abstract
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.