title: GPs' and dentists' experiences and expectations of interprofessional collaboration: findings from a qualitative study in Germany.
abstract: Against the background of well-described associations between oral and general health, collaboration between dentists and general practitioners (GP) is crucial to provide therapeutic and preventive patient care. However, in the German health system, GPs and dentists are organizationally separated, implying that interprofessional collaboration can only occur informally and on a voluntary basis. Given the scarce evidence of interprofessional collaboration between dentists and GPs, an explorative study was conducted. This paper outlines the findings of this study with regard to GPs' and dentists' experiences and expectations of interprofessional collaboration.
  
  
  
  Semi-structured interviews were conducted with GPs (n = 15) and dentists (n = 13) from three structurally different regions in Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany. The interview guide included questions on occasions, expectations and experiences of interprofessional collaboration. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using qualitative content analysis according to Mayring.
  
  
  
  Both GPs and dentists reported perceived knowledge deficits of the other profession with regard to medication, particularly anticoagulants and bisphosphonates, as well as systemic and general respectively dental diseases. Expectations regarding the scope of collaboration diverge: whereas dentists were interested in extending collaboration, most GPs saw no need for collaboration.
  
  
  
  The perceived medical knowledge deficits of the other profession as well as divergent expectations concerning the scope of collaboration hinder profound and regular interprofessional collaboration between GPs and dentists. These perceived knowledge deficits may be rooted in the separate education of dentists and GPs in Germany. Fostering interprofessional education is a promising way to improve cooperation between GPs and dentists in the long term.
authors.affiliation: Department of Prosthodontics, Centre for Dentistry, Oral Medicine, and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University Hospital Tuebingen, Eberhard-Karls-University Tuebingen, Osianderstr. 2-8, D-72076, Tübingen, Germany.|Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, University Hospital of Tuebingen, Wilhelmstr. 27, D-72074, Tübingen, Germany.
authors.forename: Khira
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Sippli
authors.affiliation: Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, University Hospital of Tuebingen, Wilhelmstr. 27, D-72074, Tübingen, Germany.|CoreFacility/Coordinating Center Health Services Research, Faculty of Medicine, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, Wilhelmstr. 27, D-72074, Tübingen, Germany.
authors.forename: Monika A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Rieger
authors.affiliation: Department of Prosthodontics, Centre for Dentistry, Oral Medicine, and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University Hospital Tuebingen, Eberhard-Karls-University Tuebingen, Osianderstr. 2-8, D-72076, Tübingen, Germany. fabian.huettig@med.uni-tuebingen.de.
authors.forename: Fabian
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-7253-5923
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Huettig
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003813:Dentistry / Q000458:organization & administration; D003815:Dentists / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D058006:General Practice / Q000458:organization & administration; D058005:General Practitioners / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010465:Perception; D010819:Physician's Role / Q000523:psychology; D011364:Professional Practice / Q000458:organization & administration; D036301:Qualitative Research
keywords: Cooperative behaviour; Dentistry; General practitioners; Interprofessional collaboration; Non communicable diseases; Oral health; Periodontitis; Primary health care physicians; Professional identity; Systemic diseases