Table 2 Illustrative quotes related to distinct characteristics of CT with DCTS-tools

Uncertainty about giving cases and contact persons more autonomy and responsibilities in CT

“I think that all of the Netherlands is aware of CT and what it entails. I really do not think that PHS need to fully facilitate CT, and that for at least 90 % of all cases you can put them in control.” PHS-nurse, female, mid-20’s.

“You lose a lot of control in the sense of, will cases do all those things? Will the right people get the right information? That’s a pretty big responsibility to give away. And of course, as PHS we also have a legal responsibility to identify and notify the right contact persons.” PHS-nurse, female, early 40’s.

Digitalization can enhance CT, but may not address the complexity and interpersonal aspects of CT

“We, as a PHS, are really looking into how we can make things easier and faster, the whole process of calling cases and contact persons and getting all this data into our systems in a uniform manner. And it just comes down to digitalizing these processes.” PHS-nurse, female, mid-20’s

“Of course, this is also a chance to prepare ourselves for the future. Now we have COVID, but there will be other things for which we will have to prepare better. The systems we have now, are not good enough.” PHS-doctor, male, late-50’s

“These [DCTS-tools] are all tools that can help. And it can work very well, as long as you apply it correctly. So, I am not against it, but I believe that we need to remember that there still is a patient behind all this technology.” PHS-nurse, female, early-50’s