Experiences with cross-sectoral collaboration and expectations for specialist meetings: physicians’ perspectives

BACKGROUND: Collaboration between general practice and hospitals is essential for quality and sustainability in healthcare. Current collaboration is often fragmented, potentially leading to inappropriate patient courses. Closer collaboration, such as specialist meetings between physicians may improve coordination and enhance patient outcomes. AIM: Investigating general practitioners' and hospital consultants' experiences with the existing cross-sectoral collaboration and their expectations for participation in specialist meetings. DESIGN & SETTING: Qualitative study based on semi-structured individual interviews with general practitioners and hospital consultants. METHOD: 11 informants were recruited using purposive and balanced sampling and interviews were conducted between January and October 2024. Data was analyzed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis and further interpreted through the lens of Self-Determination Theory. RESULTS: Findings revealed collaboration as fragmented with limited agreement on which collaborative methods to use and how to share new knowledge. For some, this resulted in frustration and insecurity, while others viewed the collaboration as pragmatic and largely effective. Our results revealed a strong motivation to improve collaboration through structured, relational engagement where specialist meetings were anticipated to increase familiarity with each other, creating a space for knowledge sharing leading to better collaboration and hence more qualified patient pathways. Self-Determination Theory provided deeper insight into the motivational dynamics underlying cross-sectoral collaboration. CONCLUSION: Cross-sectoral collaboration between general practice and hospitals is currently shaped by fragmented communication and misaligned expectations. Specialist meetings are regarded as a promising way to strengthen cross-sectoral collaboration by fostering autonomy, competence, and relatedness, reducing fragmentation and supporting more coherent, patient-centered care pathways.