Table 1 Inclusion and exclusion criteria guiding study selection

Inclusion criteria

 ∙ Primary qualitative studies focused on respite services as they relate to dementia.

 ∙ Mixed methods research with a distinct and clearly reported qualitative element.

 ∙ Only studies with descriptions of the i) data collection and ii) data analysis procedures will be included.

 ∙ Studies employing surveys will be included if they collect qualitative data relating to the research question and meet other inclusion criteria.

 ∙ Participants with dementia and their carers must be community-dwelling.

 ∙ Published in English in peer-reviewed journals.

Exclusion criteria

 ∙ Quantitative studies with no qualitative element.

 ∙ Qualitative studies which do not include the perspectives of key stakeholders e.g. studies employing observational techniques only.

 ∙ Studies which include or are focused on older adults generally (not just people with dementia) and/or their carers.

 ∙ Studies which are not peer-reviewed e.g. reports, theses.

 ∙ Studies not reported in English.