Cross-sectoral collaboration among hospital professionals on rehabilitation for patients with neuromuscular diseases

Abstract

Introduction: Living with a neuromuscular disease often leads to a need for specialized rehabilitation due to the complexity and progression of the diseases. Aim: To investigate cross-sectoral collaboration on rehabilitation for patients with neuromuscular diseases among hospital professionals to inform future targeted rehabilitation services. Patients & methods: The design was qualitative using the interpretive description methodology and the theoretical lens of symbolic interactionism. Ethnographic fieldwork was conducted, and 50 hospital professionals included, 19 of whom were interviewed. Results & conclusion: The results emphasize the importance of relations when collaborating across sectors. The professionals acted and made choices in relation to dilemmas and influences of diagnosis and progression, professional demarcations in multiprofessional teams, and cross-sectoral collaboration toward a mutual goal.