Conditions that hinder or facilitate the implementation of shared care plans in the care of older adults: A qualitative study from the perspective of professionals.

Developing shared care plans (SCPs) helps bridge gaps caused by organizational fragmentation, enhancing continuity and quality in care for individuals with complex needs. The aim of this study was to identify conditions that hinder or facilitate the implementation of SCPs in the care of older adults from the perspective of professional caregivers. Data were derived through qualitative interviews with 19 professionals working in residential aged care facilities, home care centers, and health care centers in five municipalities in Sweden. Content analysis was applied to the interview transcripts and resulted in the following five categories: 1) conditions that hinder or facilitate interprofessional collaboration, 2) conditions that hinder or facilitate the establishment of SCPs, 3) SCPs are of significance in the organization and for collaboration, 4) SCPs are a support in professionals´ everyday work, and 5) SCPs have consequences and bearing for the older persons and their relatives. The establishment of SCPs offers a forum for professionals to handle problems that come with fragmentation and can contribute with positive outcomes to the care of older adults. Nevertheless, insufficient conditions for interprofessional collaboration and a poor implementation climate may hamper their implementation and use.