Implementing interdisciplinary Buurtzorg derived teams in Danish municipalities: Qualitative descriptive study

This study aims to identify positive experiences and challenges from the implementation of interdisciplinary teams in homecare and nursing, inspired by the Buurtzorg model, in two Danish municipalities. To address challenges in homecare nursing, Danish municipalities are adapting the Dutch Buurtzorg model of self-managed interdisciplinary teams. Understanding the goals, methods, challenges and initial experiences of these adaptations is essential for evaluating their impact on the quality of care. A qualitative descriptive approach was employed, involving researchers who supported, followed, and compared the municipalities over two years (2021–2023). The Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR) checklist was used to ensure quality and transparency. Data collection included participatory observation, eleven focus group interviews and 10 individual interviews with managers and healthcare personnel, engaging approximately 197 individuals. Results highlight two main themes: (A) Positive experiences: team collaboration provided flexibility to adapt care to the patient's perspective, contributing to improved work satisfaction and (B) Challenges lie not in the concept but in the implementation: unclear structures and roles, and resistance to cultural change. Successful team establishment requires cultural and structural changes; without clear structures, sustainability and replicability are compromised. Unlike other studies, positive results are attributed to team collaboration rather than self-management.