| 166 aimed to compare and contrast experiences across countries but may not have captured the full range of relevant experiences in each country. Specifically, the absence of a specific subtheme in a particular country does not imply that this subtheme does not apply to that country. Rather it merely means that data on this certain theme has not been reported by participants from that country. Data was collected during the first COVID-19 wave and we opted to use an online mix of traditional qualitative data collection techniques. Interviews and focus groups traditionally address different types of research questions (69). We combined different approaches for flexibility across countries during COVID-19. Many services for people with dementia were closed which negatively affected mental health and the use of support (70, 71). Most participants had been diagnosed before the COVID-19 onset and had experience with support prior to the services being affected by COVID-19-related measures thus generally reflecting experience of support. To ensure analytical rigour, interviews and focus groups were analysed separately at first and final themes were presented by both types of data. Generally speaking, online and face-to-face qualitative methods yield similar results in terms of themes (72). Implications for practice We highlighted the importance of coming to terms with a dementia diagnosis to live well with dementia, and to maintain caregiver wellbeing. Informal and formal support are crucial in assisting people with dementia and caregivers. Whilst our study identified formal support needs to be addressed such as better accessible healthcare systems, support from the wider social network might be equally important to assist people with dementia and caregivers with the emotional consequences of a diagnosis. It could be beneficial to include the wider circle of friends and family members in supporting someone with dementia, thus replacing the traditional triad of a person with dementia, caregiver and healthcare provider with a quartet including friends and family.
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