Table 8 Illustrative quotes on the potential therapeutic effect of research interviews for patients with non-malignant conditions and their carers

Interviewer: “[…] what did you find helpful?”

Carer: “I think being able to talk to somebody other than… a total stranger shall we say… and like yourself, I mean I feel as if I’ve known you for years, it’s strange […] you know, you feel like part and parcel of the family”

[Carer 108t3c]

Patient: “[being] able to talk to somebody who understands. Because, with the best will in the world, people who don’t have breathing problems don’t understand what it’s like not to be able to breathe. All of them, my family, friends, everybody, because you all do it automatically, you don’t have to think about it, they’ve got no idea what it’s like, but talking to people who do understand like yourself, like [BIS team member], like the doctors, is helpful […] talking it over […] because you and [BIS team member] are approachable […] I feel as though I could talk to you, and I felt I could talk to her, I didn’t feel intimidated”

[Patient 137t3p]

Patient: “being able to talk to different people, yourself included, you realise that you can cope, and if you do what you’re told sort of thing… I suppose like a child! […] I’m glad that I’ve spoken to you, yourselves, and other people, and I don’t find any fault with any of you at all”

[Patient 108t3p]