A study was undertaken to understand how primary healthcare professionals and hospital healthcare workers in Belgium are experiencing the shift in technical and complex care from hospital to home.

A qualitative study of in-depth interviews and focus groups with home nurses, medical specialists and GPs was carried out. The content analysis identified three important concepts: a clear definition of ‘technical’ and ‘complex’ interventions is needed; more technical and complex nursing care is shifting from hospital to home; and financial and organisational barriers need to be breached to better prepare workers for this growing trend in home care. Emerging significant challenges to home nursing may be mitigated by increasing multidisciplinary collaboration, strengthening shared care and responsibility, and co-ordinating the healthcare worker’s daily practice with an adequate reimbursement system.