Omsorg på distans - En kvalitativ studie om ledares upplevelser av implementeringen av digital hemtjänst i äldreomsorgen.

Sammanfattning

Demographic changes in Sweden, including an increasing number of older people and a shrinking workforce, have created challenges for municipal home care services. To meet rising care needs alongside limited resources and staff shortages, digital home care has been introduced as a potential solution. This study examined how leaders in municipal home care perceived and experienced the implementation of digital solutions, and how digitalization influenced work organization, care quality, and leadership practices. The study applied a qualitative design based on six semi-structured interviews with leaders in different roles, which included unit managers, development managers, coordinators, and supervisors. The material was analysed thematically and interpreted using sociotechnical systems theory and the Human-to-Human Relationship Model. The findings showed that digital home care was mainly used as a supplement rather than a replacement for physical visits. Leaders described that tools such as medication dispensers, monitoring cameras, and video communication could improve efficiency, flexibility, and resource use. However, digitalization also introduced new organizational demands, changed professional roles, and required new skills. We found that the results highlight tensions between efficiency and care quality, particularly regarding relational aspects of care. Some interactions improved through digital communication, while concerns remained about reduced physical presence, technological dependence, and unequal access. The aim was to emphasize the importance of leadership in balancing innovation with relational care values and stressed that successful implementation requires staff involvement, training, and ongoing adaptation.