Factors supporting resilient performance and mental well-being among health care professionals in home care settings: a qualitative study

Background The growing demand for home care services, mainly due to an aging population and increasing complexity of care, has intensified the shortage of qualified health care professionals (HCPs), resulting in increased workloads, emotional strain, a constant need to adapt to changing care demands, and poor mental well-being. It is therefore crucial to understand what helps HCPs to stay in their roles and perform under pressure. This study aimed to explore the factors that support resilient performance and mental well-being among HCPs in home care settings. Methods This study used a qualitative exploratory design with a thematic analysis approach. Seven focus group interviews were conducted with 34 participants working in three home care settings in three Norwegian municipalities. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews using an interview guide that focused on actual work situations, resilience in healthcare, patient safety, mental well-being, leadership support, and engagement in care services. Results Four themes were extracted: collaborative culture , describing collective problem-solving, team unity and collegiality; leadership support practices , highlighting the leadership accessibility, supportive, and attentive to the professional and emotional needs of HCPs; organization of work, roles and procedures , highlighting the structured routines, tools and technologies, as well as individual coping and adaptation strategies , describing HCPs' flexibility and task prioritization in handling unpredictable situations. Conclusion A dynamic interplay of both individual factors and organizational elements shaped the ability of HCPs in home care settings to cope with and adapt to the challenges and stressors they encounter in their work. Our research contributes to the growing understanding of the importance of actively promoting collaborative team cultures, accessible leadership, clear organizational structures, and supportive coping strategies in developing resilient and sustainable home care services.