Experiences and challenges to cross-sectoral care reported by patients with low back pain. A qualitative interview study

BACKGROUND: Cross-sectoral care comprises interdisciplinary and coordinated efforts for patients with complex care needs involving various competencies and professions across the primary health care sector, hospital sector, and municipal services. Cross-sectoral care can increase the effectiveness of rehabilitation programmes, but the treatment courses often lack coherence. Establishing successful treatment pathways requires a better understanding of the health care challenges faced by patients with low back pain. The aim of this study was to explore how patients with low back pain experience cross-sectoral care. METHOD: A qualitative interview study including 25 patients with low back pain. Patients were recruited in connection with their appointment at the Spine Centre of Southern Denmark. Recruitment stopped when the interviews no longer added new knowledge to the subject. The data were analysed using a systematic text condensation approach. RESULTS: Patients with low back pain experienced cross-sectoral care to be fragmented, with episodes lacking collaboration, information, and acknowledgement of their problem. They desired recognition of having a serious back problem and of being more than the diagnosis itself. Patients found it hard to keep track of their course of treatment due to a perceived lack of organisational support and collaboration between professionals. The patients called for more information about the treatment plan and the reasons for further referral in order to better understand and manage their treatment. CONCLUSION: Patients’ experiences indicate a need for a stronger person-centred approach in cross-sectoral care, in which the individual’s experiences of living with low back pain are taken into account.