2.3. Data collection
Data were collected through eight focus groups interviews (two in each LCT facility), ranging in size from 5 to
12 participants. The interviews were conducted by a trained gerontologist in a quiet room of each facility, so that
DCWs felt that they could speak freely without being interrupted. A semi-structured interview guide was developed
to explore DCWs’ perspectives. The following questions were considered: How do you feel about taking care of
residents with dementia? What are your main difficulties/concerns? The role of the moderator was to encourage
participants’ reflection, using probes to clarify or elaborate their responses (e.g., ‘can you explain further?’) while
keeping a friendly and non-judgemental attitude. Interviews were video-recorded and had an average duration of
43.21±10.08 minutes.