Table 4.

Added items due to patient rating

Original item	Interview findings	Added item	Added after interview round
I feel confident	Patients assessed this item as very relevant for the EMUCQ. However, they rated the item as unclear: “I feel confident…in my situation or with the therapy? What do you mean?” (P6, m) “This question needs an appendix: for example regarding therapy.” (P9, m)	I am confident that an appropriate therapy will be found for me	1
My body is relaxed right now	Participants linked relaxation strongly with comfort: “In the EMU, relaxation is a good index of comfort.” (P12, f). “I would say this is some sort of feeling at ease.” (P11, m)	Unchanged	2
My faith helps me to not be afraid	Most of the patients rated this item as very relevant: “For a religious person, this is very important. By asking this question, you feel understood.” (P 3, f) “I wonder, if this is relevant for assessing comfort […] However, if the doctors don't know, who else? Yes, it is.” (P 14, f) “We are talking about comfort and for some people this is certainly a part of it.” (P 21, m)	Unchanged	2
My personal belongings are not here	Participants reported that they had all their belongings with them. However, some were beyond arm's reach. “It is important that things are within reach. This should be included in the question.” (P10, m)	I can reach my personal belongings easily	2
I am hungry	Mainly male patients wanted this item to be included in the EMUCQ: “If there is nothing on the TV you get hungry because you have got nothing else to do.” (P3, f) “Absolutely, you get too little to eat here.” (P 17, m)	Unchanged	3
I feel out of place here	Participants rated this item as relevant because patients may be doubtful about their stay: “This investigation is useless because no seizure has occurred, by now.” (P3, f). “It is really important to include this question. There are always people like two of my fellow patients who don't want to be here” (P19, m)	Unchanged	3