title: Sensitive Interviewing in Qualitative Research.
abstract: In this paper we focus on important considerations when planning and conducting qualitative interviews on sensitive topics. Drawing on experiences of conducting interviews with dementia caregivers, a framework of essential elements in qualitative interviewing was developed to emphasize study participants' needs while also providing guidance for researchers. Starting with a definition of sensitive research, the framework includes preparing for interviews, interacting with gatekeepers of vulnerable groups, planning for interview timing, and location, building relationships and conducting therapeutic interactions, protecting ethically vulnerable participants, and planning for disengagement. This framework has the potential to improve the effectiveness of sensitive interviewing with vulnerable groups. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
authors.affiliation: Lecturer, School of Nursing & Midwifery, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland.
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Dempsey
authors.affiliation: Lecturer, School of Nursing & Midwifery, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland.
authors.forename: Maura
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Dowling
authors.affiliation: Associate Professor, School of Nursing, Midwifery & Health Systems, Health Sciences Centre, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
authors.forename: Philip
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Larkin
authors.affiliation: Professor, School of Nursing & Midwifery, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland.
authors.forename: Kathy
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Murphy
mesh_terms: D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research / Q000941:ethics / Q000379:methods*; D018579:Patient Selection; D036301:Qualitative Research; D035844:Researcher-Subject Relations / Q000941:ethics / Q000523:psychology*; D013727:Terminal Care
keywords: caregivers; dementia; hidden population; protection of human subjects; qualitative research; recruitment; sensitive topics; vulnerable populations