Table 2

Patient reported outcomes: domains, subcategories and quotes

Domain	Subcategory	Representative quote
Relief of symptoms	Degree of relief of symptoms	P4: It was very important for me that the vomiting and abdominal pain was relieved. P7: They gave me oxygen trying to relieve my shortness of breath, which I think is important. P24: I wanted to stop vomiting. P26: The pain and dyspnea were very bad. So I’m happy when they do something against it.
	Duration until symptom relief	P2: I wanted to get better, as soon as possible. P22: When someone arrives at the ED they directly have to give something against the pain. I just wanted to get rid of the pain.
	Impact on function	P16: They had to relieve the fever, so that I can function normally again. P25: I wanted to get better. The only thing I wanted was to stand on my legs again.
Understanding the diagnosis and cause of symptoms	Understanding the diagnosis and cause of symptoms	P2: At the ED I want to know, as quickly as possible, what the diagnosis is. P7: I’m worried when I don’t know what is causing the shortness of breath. P11: I’m never ill. Therefore, I wanted to know what is making me ill? P21: The worst thing is not knowing what’s wrong. For me it’s important that they explain what they think the diagnosis is; what’s the reason for my complaints? P28: I want to know what is causing the problem.
Understanding the diagnosis and cause of symptoms	Understanding the prognosis	P5: I want to know if the cancer is spread through my body and what that means for the treatment. P19: I want to know how to deal with my shortness of breath. What can I do? I just want to be able to cycle again.
Presence and understanding the diagnostic or therapeutic plan	Understanding the diagnostic plan	P8: The fact that you know what they are going to do with you, is very important for me. They would complete some more tests after my stay at the ED to evaluate the cause of my blood loss. P10: I had to stay in the hospital for one night to observe my heart rate. That was very clear to me.
	Understanding the treatment plan	P1: Doctors repeatedly have to tell what they are going to do and why, that reassures me. P3: They explicitly told me what they were going to do with me. At the ED they gave me intravenous fluid and antibiotic, because the oral antibiotic I used at home didn’t work well. It is important to know why they do that. P5: They told me I had too little red blood cells and that they had to give me a blood transfusion. P26: They provide me with updates on the treatment plan. That is important for me, because otherwise you might feel forgotten.
	Understanding follow-up after discharge from the ED	P2: They told me that I could go home with oral antibiotic pills. And they said it was important to drink enough water. That was clear to me, which gave me confidence going home. P18: When you arrive at the ED with fever, you know that they can’t resolve the problem within 5 min. But it’s important that they tell you something about the plan they have for you thereafter.
Reassurance		P1: I was worried because a friend of mine died last summer and I was afraid of dying at the ED. I needed more reassurance, not from a nurse or a medical student, but a real doctor. P5: It gives reassurance, when you’re treated nicely and they give you enough attention. P8: The clear explanation about my symptoms and diagnosis reassured me. P14: The fact that they tell you what will happen and noticing they are doing everything possible for you, reassured me. P20: The expertise of the doctors and the fact they know my medical history gives me confidence.
Experiences	Coordination of care	P4: The nurses and doctors asked me the same questions over and over again. It seemed they did not communicate. P29: I had to wait for the radiologist quite a long time. However, it helped that they told me that 2 critical patients at the ED needed help more urgently.
	Continuity and transition	P16: I went home quite insecure. I didn’t know what would happen next and when I had to come back.
	Information and education	P26: They continuously updated me on what was going on and which diagnostics were planned. That’s good.
	Emotional support	P6: They really listened to me and payed attention. They frequently asked if I needed anything. P24: The nurses did what they needed to do. They put you at ease.
	Patient preferences	P30: The doctor told me she thought it was better to be admitted, but she asked me wat I thought about that. That was really nice. P24: The doctor told me what condition I was suffering from and which treatment options were available. He explained the options really well so that I could choose which one suited me the most.
	Family involvement	P6(daughter): I think we were well informed at the ED. They explained what they were doing and answered all my questions. P12: I helped that my wife was with me, she supported me emotionally. She received all the information of the doctors and could explain it to me, while I was too ill.

ED, emergency department.