Six themes emerged from the data, each representing different causes for URVs being seen as preventable: (1) suboptimal treatment of health complaints during hospitalisation, (2) premature hospital discharge, (3) poor assessment and arrangement of post-discharge needs in the hospital, (4) patient and caregiver behaviour, (5) lack of advance care planning (ACP) and insight in treatment options and (6) deficits in general practicioners (GP) care.