Recruitment and ethical considerations for 1-2-1 interviews

In all cases

Follow our guidance on how to recruit people affected by dementia and ethical considerations.
 

Specific considerations for 1-2-1 conversations and interviews

• Safeguarding and CRB/DBS checks

  • Can I be alone with a person affected by dementia?
    Being diagnosed with dementia doesn’t mean that someone has to give up their independence, but as a person working or volunteering to learn about the experience of a person with dementia you should follow your organisation’s policies and procedures about working with service users and vulnerable people. For example in relation to DBS checks.
     
  • What if they say things that give me concerns for them or other people?
    Please see our page on safeguarding and concern.

• Consent

  • provide participant information in advance
  • on the day of the conversation/interview, introduce yourself. Give a simple, brief, and clear explanation about 
    • what to expect will happen during the conversation/interview 
    • the purpose of your research.
       
  • Check the person with dementia is happy to do the interview.
  • Keep checking that the person is happy to continue. If the person wishes to withdraw, or seems too unwell to continue to be consenting, stop. 

• Confidentiality and data protection

• Tell the person you are interviewing that their privacy will be protected.
  • Explain that their responses will be anonymised, treated confidentially and not sold on to third parties.
  • If you do want to use something they say in a way that identifies them, get their permission about doing this. 

• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

  • Be guided by the needs and preferences of the person with dementia 

    • meet in person? talk by phone,  WhatsApp or video chat?

    • using visual aids or communication support?