Table 2 Semi-structured interview guide for elderly patients and family members

 What is your understanding of the term abuse of hospitalized elders and what does it mean to you?

Please give some examples of what you consider as abusive behavior.

 What is the first thing that comes to your mind when the term abuse of hospitalized elders is mentioned?

 Have you experienced abuse by a nurse, doctor, or other health care personnel during the current hospital setting?

Please expand. What happened? How did you react? How did you feel? When did you notice being abused? Do you think it was done intentionally to harm you?

 Do you have previous experience of abuse by health care personnel while you were hospitalized?

 Have you ever witnessed the abuse of other elderly patients by health care personnel?

Please describe the situation in details?

 Is there anything else you would like to add to this topic?

Please give an example.

 What is your understanding of the term abuse of hospitalized elders and what does it mean to you?

Please give some examples of what you consider as abusive behavior.

 What is the first thing that comes to your mind when the term abuse of hospitalized elders is mentioned?

 Have you ever noticed your elderly family member being abused by health care personnel during the current hospitalization?

Please expand. What happened? When did you notice that your elderly patient was abused? Do you think it was done intentionally to harm your patient?

 Do you have previous experience of abuse of a hospitalized elderly family member by health care personnel?

 Have you ever witnessed other elderly patients being abused by a health care provider?

Please describe the situation in details?

 Is there anything else you would like to add to this topic?

Please give an example.