Living the transition: Experiences of patients receiving palliative care from hospital to home – A phenomenological study

Abstract

Purpose: Transitions from hospital to home in palliative care are emotionally and organisationally complex, influencing patients' dignity, safety, and continuity of care. Although previous studies have focused largely on professionals and informal caregivers, patients’ own perspectives remain insufficiently understood. This study aimed to explore the lived experience of adults receiving palliative care during the transition from hospital to home. Methods: A descriptive phenomenological design guided by Giorgi's method was used. Twenty adults (n = 20) recently discharged from hospital and receiving home-based palliative care were purposively recruited from three specialised community palliative care teams in northern Portugal and participated in in-depth individual interviews. Results: Four essential themes described the transition experience: reconstructing home as a place of care and meaning; transforming relationships, highlighting the role of family and professionals; navigating loss and adaptation, where dependence evokes fear yet promotes acceptance; and system fragilities, including limited continuity and coordination, contributing to insecurity and distress. Overall, the transition was experienced as a tension between autonomy and vulnerability as patients reconstructed daily life in the context of serious illness. Conclusions: Improving transitional palliative care requires integrated and relationally attuned models that ensure continuity and timely support across care settings. Nursing practices should actively involve patients and families, strengthen home-based support, and promote dignity and safety during the transition from hospital to home.