Table 2 Topics discussed and examples of trigger questions during the interviews

Current role in SAM

• How are you currently involved in managing sickness absence of your patients?

• What is your experience regarding sickness absence of your patients?

• In what kind of patients do you typically consider sickness absence?

• How often do you certify/advise about sickness absence?

• How do you assess the patients regarding SAM?

• How do feel equipped to engage in SAM?

Collaboration with stakeholders

• How do you collaborate with the general practitioner/work place/social services regarding SAM?

Barriers and facilitators for SAM

• Which challenges have you met in managing sickness absence?

• What do you see as facilitators for managing sickness absence?

Future role

• Given the possibility, which initiatives or collaborations would support you in your work regarding SAM?

• How do you envision the future collaboration between the general practitioners and you – who has which role?

• How do you think you can contribute to managing sickness absence? - What role would you like to play?