Crossing knowledge boundaries: health care providers’ perceptions and experiences of what is important to achieve more person-centered patient pathways for older people

Abstract Background Improving the transitional care of older people, especially hospital-to-home transitions, is a salient concern worldwide. Current research in field highlights person-centered as crucial; however, how to implement and enact this ideal practice thus achieve more patient pathways remains unclear. The aim study was explore health providers’ (HCPs’) perceptions experiences what important for people. Methods This qualitative study. We performed individual semistructured interviews with 20 HCPs who participated Norwegian quality improvement collaborative. In addition, participant observation 22 meetings collaborative performed. Results A thematic analysis resulted five themes which outline central elements HCPs’ relevant achieving pathways: 1) Finding common ground through mapping journey; 2) importance understanding whole pathway; 3) significance getting know patient; 4) key role home providers 5) ambiguity toward checklists implementation. Conclusions findings can assist stakeholders factors practicing Through knowledge sharing participants developed shared pathways. assuming responsibility holistic pathway by merging different ways knowing highlighted. Checklists incorporating What matters you? question journey were tools enabling crossing boundaries both between patients. Home perceived have providing implying them brokers during patient’s journey. draws attention benefits focusing on patients’ way well placing at heart care.