Sample quotes from interviews with patients based on questions from online supplemental appendix 2
| Articulated patient priorities | Unresolved concerns and ability to ask questions |
| Would like to know the discharge plan. Wants to see grandchildren as soon as possible. | Didn’t really know what tests had been done but would like to know results. Wouldn’t want to ask questions. |
| Would like to breath more comfortable. Wants to go home in a ‘few days’ | Had blood tests but did not know the results. Hasn’t asked any questions. |
| Doesn’t want to go home before the diagnosis is known, would like answers to questions about condition and feel better. Hoping it isn’t too long | Had blood tests but had not heard about results. Would ask questions about tests results if needed. |
| Most concerned about going home | Had some tests and heard of some results. Did not know what the X-ray had shown. Hadn’t seen doctor since day before and felt reluctant to ask. |
| Would like to be able to mobilise without oxygen. Felt in no rush to go home unless able to cope without oxygen | Had heard of test results. Would ask questions if doctors came to the bedside. |
| Most concerned about going home | Had blood tests and had heard results. Hadn’t asked any questions about condition. |