Table 1.

Interview schedule

1.	I understand you have (had) gastric cancer. Can you tell me about that?
2.	Could you tell me about how you first found out you had gastric cancer? Prompts: What questions did you most want to ask, when you were told that you had gastric cancer?
3	Were there were any areas you wanted more information about but were unable to find? Prompts: Were you given any leaflets at the time of diagnosis? Did you find these useful?
4	What treatment was offered and how you decide about undergoing treatment. Prompts: What information did you want about the treatment you would be receiving? What factors did you consider when deciding on the treatment?'
5	What effects did the treatment have on you after surgery? Prompts: Did the treatment affect your physical or mental well-being? Did the treatment have an effect on relationships with those around you? Did you have to make any changes to your behaviour as a result of treatment?
6	What long-term effects did the treatment have on you? Prompts: Did the treatment affect your physical or mental well-being? Did the treatment have an effect on relationships with those around you? Did you have to make any changes to your behaviour as a result of treatment?
7	What was the worst side effect of treatment?
8	What are your concerns for the future, especially those relating to their diagnosis/history of gastric cancer?
9	Did the explanation of what you should expect from surgery match your real experience?
10	In the context of research studies, can you explain what an outcome is in your own words? The interviewer will then provide a definition of the term ‘outcome’ is in the context of clinical research.
11	What, in your opinion, is the most important outcome to measure in gastric cancer surgery trials?
12	Are there any other outcomes which may be important to measure?
13	Has your perspective on what is important changed over time?
14	Is there anything else that you feel is important to talk about that we have not discussed?