Patients' experiences of receiving hospital care from a mobile care unit – a qualitative interview study

INTRODUCTION: Demographic changes have increased the number of older adults with chronic diseases, leading to more emergency visits and poorer outcomes. In response, Sweden's "Close care" initiative promotes patient-centered care through models such as mobile care units, which provide hospital care in patients' homes during office hours. To support their integration, this study explored patients' experiences of receiving care from mobile care units in Sweden. METHOD: A qualitative interview design was used. Data were collected through individual interviews with 17 patients receiving care from mobile care units in different regions of Sweden between June 2021 and May 2025. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using manifest conventional content analysis. RESULT: The findings emerged into two main categories with six subcategories: "The home as a care setting" and "Comprehensive patient-centered care". Patients valued mobile care for its comfort, reduced stress, and decreased need for hospital visits, preferring it for mild conditions while favoring hospital care for acute illness. CONCLUSION: Patients appreciated the person-centered, home-based care, which reduced logistical challenges and supported daily routines and independence. However, some questioned its suitability for severe conditions, preferring hospital care for its advanced resources and 24/7 availability.