| 52 depending on the country’s ethical requirements. Participants in the qualitative strand, provided written or verbal informed consent, in accordance with the ethical requirements of each country on how data were collected (in person or virtually). Data collection The quantitative strand utilized online and postal surveys. Data was collected between December 2019 and August 2020. Surveys were anonymously completed. Online surveys were distributed via online survey tools (Google Form, LimeSurvey, RedCAP, and Qualtrics) and codebooks were utilized to achieve consistent data collection and analysis across countries. The research team, including several clinical researchers and one person with dementia, identified important topics and developed a survey. The preliminary survey was pilot-tested by five healthcare providers per country. The survey was adapted accordingly. The survey was developed in English and translated into French, Dutch, and Polish. The survey took approximately 45 minutes to complete. Most questions asked participants to indicate their degree of agreement with a statement or their level of satisfaction with aspects related to the diagnostic process or post-diagnostic support on a 5-point Likert scale (experience and satisfaction with the diagnostic process and post-diagnostic support, workplace characteristics, knowledge on available post-diagnostic support services, and attitudes towards dementia and support). Some singlechoice questions also included a ‘Not applicable’ option. The qualitative strand data collection took place during the COVID-19 pandemic (March – September 2020). A pragmatic approach utilized the following data collection methods; online focus groups and individual interviews (online and telephone). Focus groups lasted approximately two hours and interviews lasted approximately 45 minutes. ZOOM video conferencing software was used for online focus groups and interviews (22). Participants were offered a manual on how to use ZOOM and the opportunity for a try-out session to minimize potential technical difficulties and to allow participants to familiarize themselves with using ZOOM. Demographic information (age, gender, profession, and work setting) was collected beforehand for efficiency purposes and in written form. The semistructured topic guide focused on experiences with the diagnostic process and
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