Cross-sectoral physical activity-related health services: a qualitative study on the tasks and competencies in network coordination using the example of the Network ActiveOncoKids (NAOK)

Background: Pediatric cancer leads to various health issues that call for long-term, cross-sectoral aftercare. Physical activity and exercise are effective regarding many outcomes, but remain underused in pediatric oncology. Initiatives like the German ActiveOncoKids network (NAOK) aim to integrate physical activity into usual care. Effective cross-sectoral networks require coordination and leadership. NAOK has made recent advancements in network coordination. This study aimed to better understand the role of network coordination to strengthen future network development and explored the tasks of network coordination and the required competencies from the viewpoint of NAOK stakeholders. Methods: In an exploratory approach, qualitative, partly structured interviews were led with 23 stakeholders of NAOK: members of the project team and the advisory board, physicians and exercise therapists from acute clinics and aftercare as well as affected families. The interviews were analyzed using structuring content analysis with concurrent deductive and inductive creation of main categories, dimensions and expressions. Results: Based on the interviews, 3 main categories were created: current tasks on an organizational level, current tasks on an individual level and required competencies with 11 dimensions and 33 expressions overall. Regarding organizational-level tasks, network management as well as public relations were mentioned. Additionally, contact with locations such as clinics and both research and implementation efforts were stressed. Tasks at the individual level were identified by interviewees in counseling for both affected families as well as professionals. Mentioned competencies stretched across professional, socio-communicative and personal ones. Conclusion: The findings provide first insights into tasks and competencies in network coordination at NAOK. Both tasks and competencies that are being mentioned are very broad, which reflects the nature of pediatric oncology and cross-sectoral physical activity promotion. The study offers hints for future task allocation of network coordination and indicates the need for a competency framework.