Table 10 Summary of panel’s agreement levels concerning the treatment characteristics (Round 2; n = 23)

Treatment characteristics (k = 12 statements)

1

Treatment advice or options

Encouraging patients to find suitable incentives/reinforcement strategies to increase daily activity (e.g., personalised activities, exercise partners)

[4.30, 4.74]

52.2% Strongly Agree

47.8% Agree

Yes (100%)

0%

2*

Treatment advice or options

Explaining your treatment advice in line with the patient's treatment expectations

[4.19, 4.77]

56.5% Strongly Agree

34.8% Agree

Yes (91.3%)

8.7% (unsure)

3

Treatment advice or options

Overtly encouraging patients to engage in therapy/exercise with an optimistic mindset to try establish positive associations with pain relief. (n = 22)^a

[4.13, 4.78]

59.1% Strongly Agree

27.3% Agree

Yes (86.4%)

13.6% (unsure)

4*

Treatment advice or options

Demonstrating whether functional change has occurred immediately after treatment (e.g., pain, range of motion, or strength)

[4.11, 4.68]

47.8% Strongly Agree

43.5% Agree

Yes (91.3%)

8.7% (unsure)

5*

Treatment advice or options

Providing self-management materials (e.g., videos, rehabilitation booklets) or email/telephone support to promote a patient's engagement in physical activities. (n = 22)^a

[4.03, 4.60]

40.9% Strongly Agree

50.0% Agree

Yes (90.9%)

9.1% (unsure)

6.5

Alternative feedback

Providing patients with clear milestones or signposting to indicate their progression through the treatment programme

[3.90, 4.54]

39.1% Strongly Agree 43.5% Agree

Yes (82.6%)

17.4% (unsure)

6.5

Appointment features

Ensuring the patient is cared for by the same practitioner/therapist (i.e., continuity of care)

[3.70, 4.74]

52.2% Strongly Agree

34.8% Agree

No (87.0%)

4.3% (unsure)

4.3% Disagree

4.3% Not Valid

8

Alternative feedback

Displaying feedback from other patients to provide reassurance (i.e., testimonials displayed on TV in waiting area, or online via website). (n = 17)^a

[3.37, 4.39]

29.4% Strongly Agree

41.2% Agree

No (70.6%)

17.6% (unsure)

11.8% Disagree

9*

Alternative feedback

Sharing positive stories of other (anonymous) patients with similar problems or goals. (n = 22)^a

[3.38, 4.34]

22.7% Strongly Agree

54.5% Agree

No (77.3%)

18.2% (unsure)

4.5% Not Valid

10

Alternative feedback

Administering treatments along with visual feedback (e.g., using mirrors during exercises). (n = 20)^a

[3.31, 4.29]

30.0% Strongly Agree

35.0% Agree

No (65.0%)

20.0% (unsure)

15.0% Disagree

11

Appointment features

Increasing the frequency and/or duration of appointments (i.e., provide extra time/attention). (n = 22)^a

[3.00, 4.27]

36.4% Strongly Agree

22.7% Agree

No (59.1%)

22.7% (unsure)

9.1% Disagree

4.5% Strongly Disagree

4.5% Not Valid

12*

Treatment advice or options

Clearly explaining the difference between a clinical examination and treatment. (n = 21)^a

[3.18, 4.06]

23.8% Strongly Agree

23.8% Agree

No (47.6%)

42.9% (unsure)

9.5% Disagree