The broken care chain-report from a country with a low number of hospital beds.

Background: Approximately 30% of older adults admitted to hospital in Sweden are readmitted within three months. Short hospital stays and readmission can lead to further functional decline, as recovery appears to be poor at home after discharge.

Aim: To explore healthcare professionals' experiences of transitional care in older adults in order to prevent readmission.

Methods: Four focus group interviews were conducted with healthcare professionals (n = 29). Data were analyzed using a phenomenographic approach.

Results: Healthcare professionals' perceptions were compiled into seven descriptive categories. Three of the categories, i.e., resources, interprofessional coordination, and advanced care needs can be difficult to meet, described healthcare professionals' perceptions of the current stage of older adults-the first-order perspective, i.e., what something is. The remaining categories described the meanings of the healthcare professionals' perceptions.

Conclusion: Several interacting structural issues cause readmissions. These include premature discharge from hospital, poor hand-over between healthcare professionals, and a lack of qualified staff in the home-setting. To prevent readmission, medical competence and interprofessional teamwork must be improved in the home setting.