Methods Semi-structured, face-to-face interviews with nurses working in nursing homes in the greater Cork region were undertaken between March and May 2016. Nursing homes were purposively selected to include public, private and voluntary sites, with and without specialist dementia units. One nurse at each site was recruited. A topic guide was developed based on relevant literature, with input from an experienced geriatric nurse, and underwent iterative revision. The interviews were analysed thematically as per Braun and Clarke. Local ethical approval was obtained and all nurses provided written informed consent.