Introduction of home-based mobile specialist psychiatric nursing teams: Experiences of mental healthcare professionals

Abstract Background The number of adults in need of psychiatric care is increasing in Sweden. To meet this need, new working methods are implemented. Home-based mobile specialist psychiatric nursing teams (SPOT) are being introduced to function as a complement to outpatient care and inpatient care, but still little is known about how healthcare professionals experience such efforts. The purpose of this study was thus to capture mental healthcare professionals’ experiences of the early phase of the introduction of SPOT. Methods Focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 mental healthcare professionals, including nurses, psychiatric aides working within psychiatric care and on the SPOT team and psychiatrists who had a consultative role in SPOT. The data was inductively analysed through reflexive thematic analysis. Results The discussions and interviews revolved around three themes: The phases and conditions of the change , Opportunities and challenges in the new form of intermediate care and Care in the patient’s home for patient empowerment and engagement . Different perspectives on the new form of care emerged and many were positive about patients’ increased engagement in care when it was offered in the home environment. However, it was also emphasised that the need for different forms of care remains and that a new level of care should not exclude other forms of care. The results further showed a need to engage and offer continuous support to healthcare professionals at different levels when new working methods are introduced. Specifically, support from managers and increased competence and skills development in performing new work tasks were requested. Conclusions Providing care in the home environment through SPOT interventions can help increase patients’ engagement in their own care. Preparing and equipping healthcare professionals at all levels and offering them knowledge support and influence in the introduction of new forms of care is important to reduce the vulnerability that professionals may initially experience in change processes and new ways of working.