Table 1 Coding framework based on gPCC key features

Initiating the partnership: patient narratives

Meaning units were coded into this category when statements showed that health professionals listened to the patient’s narrative, dedicated enough time and interest to them, tried to understand the patient’s situation and identified resources and motivation. Patient narratives that showed that health professionals took interest in them as persons and looked beyond their illness were also coded into this category.

Working the partnership: shared decision making

Meaning units were coded into this category when statements described patients’ involvement in decision making and determining long-term and intermediate goals. Statements that described collaboration and discussions during the hospital stay were also coded in the shared decision-making theme.

Safeguarding the partnership: documenting the narrative

Meaning units were coded into this category when statements described the documentation efforts of patients and professionals. However, as the participants were patients and not health professionals, it was difficult for them to have real knowledge of the documentation. Meaning units were coded into this category when patients’ statements indicated they had been involved in planning care and care actions and/or aware of planned investigations and preliminary discharge plan ahead of time.