Table 2.

Interview protocol.

Stage	Subject	Content/Example Questions
Introduction	Motives	Healthcare professionals’ perceptions of loneliness in adults offers a lesson for all.
	Intentions	To carry out research to find out these perceptions.
	Ethical issues	Inform about the voluntary nature of participation, consent, possibility not to respond, to withdraw from the study at any point and confidentiality.
Beginning	Introductory question	“Please, tell me about how you perceive loneliness amongst older people living in the community and in long-term care settings.”
Development	Conversation guide	“How do the older adults usually express this feeling to you? Tell me about the barriers older adults may encounter when trying to interact with their relatives or other care home residents? How do you think healthcare professionals can contribute to fighting loneliness?”
Closing	Final question	“Is there anything else you would like to add?”
	Appreciation	“Thank you for your time and attention. Your participation will be very useful.”
	Offering	“We would like to remind you that you can contact us with any further questions. When we have the results of the study, we will inform you.”