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. 2022 Jul 1;11(3):1319–1340. doi: 10.1007/s40120-022-00375-3

Table 1.

Interview guides: examples of open-ended and probed questions

Interview section Exemplar questions or probes
Symptoms: open-ended What were the first symptoms you experienced that led you to believe that something was wrong?
What symptoms prompted you to seek medical attention?
What symptoms led to you getting diagnosed?
What symptoms do you currently experience?
What is an average day with [symptom] like? What is a good day with [symptom] like? What is a bad day with [symptom] like?
Does [symptom] change from day to day? During the course of 1 day?
How long does [symptom] last? (e.g., minutes, hours, days?)
How has the symptom changed over time since it was first experienced?
Symptom: probes

Mobility (in general any problems with body movements)

Upper limb (arms, hands)?—specifically dexterity/fine motor issues

Lower limb (legs, feet)?

Smoothness of gait (e.g., leg dragging)?

Impact: open-ended How does PD affect your life or the things you did on a typical day?
Are some days better than others? If so:
 How does PD affect your life on a “bad” day? What aspects of your life/activities are affected on a “bad” day?
 How does PD affect your life on a “good” day? What aspects of your life/activities are affected on a “good” day?
Did PD affect you differently when you first noticed the symptoms or prior to you starting treatment? If so in what way?
Impact: probes Does PD ever affect your broad daily functioning activities?
 Handwriting or typing
 Buttoning up your clothing
 Folding clothing
 Shoelaces
 Household chores
 Using utensils/preparing meals
 Driving
 Exercise or participation in sports
 Hobbies

PD Parkinson’s disease