Table 3 Side-by-side joint display of quantitative and qualitative results

Question subject

Themes

Key quotes supporting the theme

Examination

85% were very satisfied

Expectations regarding consultation and treatment effect

I was carefully and thoroughly examined…I think the chiropractor had a good overview after he had examined me.

6

When she [chiropractor] told me that she wanted to see proof of the diagnosis, it made a lot of sense because the more confident she is, the more confident I become.

3

15% were less satisfied

Expectations regarding consultation and treatment effect

The first consultation lasted 18 min…it gets too hurried.

2

I wonder why I didn’t get that MRI earlier to find out if it was actually a disc herniation… just as a precaution.

1

Information

87% were very satisfied

Information about diagnosis and prognosis

It meant a lot to me that the chiropractor used a chart showing the whole body to explain how it was all related…it gives me a better insight into what is wrong.

6

The chiropractor has been really good at explaining why it took so long…so there has been a really good dialogue.

1

13% were less satisfied

Information about diagnosis and prognosis

I had hoped that he [chiropractor] was better at explaining how much it was supposed to hurt…

2

So, I actually get very worried when the chiropractor just says I need to move as naturally as possible… I have not been happy with the chiropractor’s information level and have not always felt that I was in good hands.

2

Treatment effect

52% were very satisfied

Expectations regarding consultation and treatment effect

I had an expectation that she [chiropractor] would loosen me up so that I could walk again and get back to work and it has succeeded very well.

6

Getting started with exercises made me get back up from my mental black hole…

4

48% were less satisfied

Expectations regarding consultation and treatment effect

I was ‘cracked’ once, then we talked, and then I was out the door. Then I thought - okay, how is this going to be better.

2

I was in the acute phase for a long time. It is only within the last month that I feel like it is starting to pay off.

6

If I had taken some exercises earlier, I would probably be better off now.

2

Overall management

87% were very satisfied

Interdisciplinary collaboration

It’s important to me that there’s, like, a coordinator of it [the course of treatment] so I do not feel like I’m being thrown back and forth between my GP, physiotherapist and chiropractor.

3

The chiropractor has said that, first, we will try this care package. Alternatively, if I continue to have pain every day, the chiropractor thinks we should talk to a surgeon.

5

13% were less satisfied

Interdisciplinary collaboration

I do not have a sense that there has been communication between my doctor and my chiropractor.

1

Expectations regarding consultation and treatment effect

I just had no personal chemistry with the chiropractor. We just didn’t get on well, which I think is a good and important thing - that you understand each other.

2