Hospital-in-the-Home nursing work design: A scoping review using the Job Demands–Resources Framework

Background Work design is crucial in shaping work experience, including that of nursing professionals. By design, Hospital-in-the-Home care models have shifted acute nursing work practices from hospitals into patients' homes. The Job Demands–Resources Framework provides a structured approach to explore work design factors influencing Hospital-in-the-Home nursing work experience. Aim To map and synthesise evidence on job demands, job resources, and, where available, work outcomes of nurses in Hospital-in-the-Home care models using the Job Demands–Resources Framework. Methods Five databases, including grey literature, were searched. A total of 5552 articles were screened against inclusion criteria, with 27 articles included for analysis. Findings Most studies used a qualitative approach (n=20). Findings revealed job demands and resource factors, influencing Hospital-in-the-Home nursing work experience. Notably, no empirical evidence on work outcomes was identified. Discussion To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study exploring nursing work design in Hospital-in-the-Home care models using the Job Demands–Resources Framework. The review reveals job crafting as a possible explanation for understanding adaptable work design approaches in Hospital-in-the-Home care models. The absence of work outcomes data represents a significant gap in current evidence. Conclusion This review highlights the distinct nursing work design influencing Hospital-in-the-Home nursing practices. As the first review to apply the Job Demands–Resources Framework in the context of Hospital-in-the-Home care models, it identifies a critical gap and provides a foundation for future research on nursing work design that supports nurse wellbeing and performance.