Scandinavian journal of primary health care
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Scand J Prim Health Care · Mar 2020
The function of the Norwegian municipal acute units fails to fulfill the intention of health authorities.
Objective: The aim of the study was to explore healthcare providers' perceptions of how Norwegian municipal acute units (MAUs) possibly can reduce hospital admittance and improve service integration. Method and material: Qualitative data were drawn from individual interviews with 40 healthcare providers, including general practitioners and staff in Norwegian MAUs, purchasing offices and home-based nursing services. Interview transcripts were analysed using systematic text condensation. ⋯ KEY POINTSAs of 2016, Municipal Acute Units (MAUs) are statutory healthcare services in Norway. Exploring patients' and healthcare providers' views on MAUs can improve the services. Healthcare providers disagreed on which patients were suitable for the unitsThe units were perceived as a new (healthcare) level, entailing a new collaboration arena, with more bureaucracy and time expenditureThe patients were satisfied with their treatment and care in the MAUs and the units' proximity to their home.