Role of general practitioner-led rural community hospitals in Sweden: a qualitative study.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To explore rural general practitioners' (GPs') experiences of providing care in rural community hospitals (CHs) in northern Sweden.

Design

An interview study, using qualitative content analysis.

Setting

The study was conducted in Norrbotten and Västerbotten counties in Sweden and included eight rural CHs.

Participants

Semi-structured interviews were conducted in 2018 with 15 rural GPs.

Results

Two themes were identified: 'Being the hub in the patient's healthcare pathway' and 'Offering person-centred care far from hospital'. CHs are suitable for elderly, multimorbid and end-of-life patients, emphasising proximity, familiarity and discharge planning. They serve as primary care and intermediate hospital care hubs, collaborating with general hospi

SUBMITTER: Hedman M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11822432 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature