Healthcare professionals' perceptions of risk when care is given in patients' homes

Perceptions of risks in decision making for home healthcare were examined. Twenty home healthcare professionals were interviewed. Content analysis yielded one theme (management of known and unpredictable risks) and four categories. Healthcare professionals had to handle both known and unpredictable risks in daily work in patients' homes concerning communication challenges, a fragmented organization at several levels, risky medication management, and balancing respect for patient autonomy and involvement in care against risk taking. Priority must be given to creating safer care in this setting