A person-centered approach to study intimacy and sexuality in residential care facility (RCF) clients with dementia: Methodological considerations and a guide to study design.

BACKGROUND: The person-centered perspective of residential care facility (RCF) residents with dementia with regard to their intimate and sexual lives is largely neglected in research.

OBJECTIVE: We aim to provide methodological considerations and reflections on a performed qualitative study. Recommendations and a guide to study design are provided to inform and encourage future research on the inclusion of people with dementia as participants.

METHODS: Methodological recommendations and reflections are described in chronological order of the procedure. Fragments of interviews are included for further illustration and clarification.

RESULTS: Considering preparation, close involvement of clinical practice, and extensive deliberation regarding study design tended to be important. Considering procedure, investment in contacts with clinical practice and authorized representatives; an introduction meeting; person-centered inclusion and consent; profound skills in interviewing participants with dementia; and flexibility in data collection were proven of importance. Considering data analysis and study quality, including field notes and aiming at a balance between study quality and practicability to enhance study 'rigor' were found important.

CONCLUSION: Including the person-centered perspective in research on intimacy and sexuality of RCF residents with dementia, is challenging and takes a flexible and creative approach. It is, however, worthwhile to close the gap in literature.