Table 1 Example of data analysis, final theme “P/N as stakeholders that choose how to participate”

“Because we sifted through the adverse event investigation report, really to the letter, to the comma […]” (#11A and B)

Feeling of wanting to contribute and ask questions

Active participation in the investigation

Ideas about your own role

P/N as stakeholders that choose how to participate

“It is best if they do their own internal investigation without me asking all sorts of questions. Because what kind of questions should I ask?” (#5)

Feeling no need to contribute to the investigation.

Consciously passive during the investigation

“She said: ‘well, do you want to participate? And I said: ‘yes, I do want to participate.’ Of course, that is the main question.’” (#1)

The main question is whether I want to participate.

Important to be able to say whether and how you want to be involved.

Everyone is different and has different needs

“I knew that [the investigation] was going to happen, and that was enough for me.” (#10)

Knowing that the investigation would happen was sufficient.

Having no insight into the investigation was OK.

“[…] we find it important, at such an adverse event investigation, that you listen to the individual needs of patients and next of kin” (focus group 1)

The individual matters.

Listen to individual needs.

Listening to individual needs

“Who is sitting across from you and what is important to that person?” (focus group 2)

People are different.

Consider what is important for different people.

“[…] it is the most important that you ask the patient what he or she needs” (Patient Federation Netherlands)

Ask the patient what he or she needs.

Needs can be different, make sure to discover them.

Listen to individual needs.