Ambitious but unclear: a policy document analysis of digital cross-sectoral collaboration between social security service and healthcare service in Norway.
5 affiliations
- 1Department of Public Health and Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, 7491, Norway. [email protected].
- 2Department of Public Health and Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, 7491, Norway.
- 3Norwegian Centre for E-health Research, Tromsø, Norway.
- 4Department for Pain and Complex Disorders, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway.
- 5The Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration of Trøndelag (NAV), Trondheim, Norway.
Abstract
Background
Digital technologies are recognized as enablers of collaboration across organizational boundaries. However, the fast pace of technological developments introduces new challenges to policymaking. The study aimed to explore how digital cross-sectoral collaboration between social security service and healthcare service is conceptualized and discussed in Norwegian government white papers.Method
A qualitative study of documents presenting Norwegian policies regarding digital cross-sectoral collaboration between social security service and healthcare service was conducted. Eleven government reports were used in the dataset.Results
Most of the documents predominantly focused on the general aspects of collaboration between the two sectors, with comparatively less emphasis on digital solutions. There was a focus in the documents on integrating work-oriented goals within healthcare interventions to improve workforce participation. The potential of digital technologies to enhance cross-sectoral collaboration was mentioned, with an emphasis on the need for robust frameworks and regulatory adjustments.Conclusion
The limited focus on digital cross-sectoral collaboration between the sectors in the studied documents may indicate the need for prioritization of building collaborative culture before adopting digital tools. A more coordinated and adaptive policy approach is needed to align digital innovation with collaborative goals in order to ensure integrated service delivery across sectors.
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BibTeX
@article{haghshenas2026ambitious,
title = {{Ambitious but unclear: a policy document analysis of digital cross-sectoral collaboration between social security service and healthcare service in Norway.}},
author = {Maryam Haghshenas and Aslak Steinsbekk and Karen Walseth Hara},
journal = {BMC health services research},
year = {2026},
month = jul,
doi = {10.1186/s12913-026-15234-2},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42928217},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Ambitious but unclear: a policy document analysis of digital cross-sectoral collaboration between social security service and healthcare service in Norway.
AU - Maryam Haghshenas
AU - Aslak Steinsbekk
AU - Karen Walseth Hara
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/07/29
JO - BMC health services research
DO - 10.1186/s12913-026-15234-2
UR - https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42928217
AB - Background Digital technologies are recognized as enablers of collaboration across organizational boundaries. However, the fast pace of technological developments introduces new challenges to policymaking. The study aimed to explore how digital cross-sectoral collaboration between social security service and healthcare service is conceptualized and discussed in Norwegian government white papers.Method A qualitative study of documents presenting Norwegian policies regarding digital cross-sectoral collaboration between social security service and healthcare service was conducted. Eleven government reports were used in the dataset.Results Most of the documents predominantly focused on the general aspects of collaboration between the two sectors, with comparatively less emphasis on digital solutions. There was a focus in the documents on integrating work-oriented goals within healthcare interventions to improve workforce participation. The potential of digital technologies to enhance cross-sectoral collaboration was mentioned, with an emphasis on the need for robust frameworks and regulatory adjustments.Conclusion The limited focus on digital cross-sectoral collaboration between the sectors in the studied documents may indicate the need for prioritization of building collaborative culture before adopting digital tools. A more coordinated and adaptive policy approach is needed to align digital innovation with collaborative goals in order to ensure integrated service delivery across sectors.
SN - 1472-6963
ER -