Table 1 Classification of the responses to the six vignettes
Question | Vignette | Response options on questionnaire | Authors’ classification of responses |
|---|---|---|---|
Treatment(s) offered at this visit | Vignette 1 and 3 | ‘no intervention’ or ‘chiropractic adjustment’ | Strictly in line with the guideline recommendations |
‘no intervention’ or ‘chiropractic adjustment + one other treatment option | Broadly in line with the guideline recommendations | ||
2 treatment options other than ‘no intervention’ or ‘chiropractic adjustment’ | Not in line with the guideline recommendations | ||
Vignette 2 | ‘no intervention’ or ‘chiropractic adjustment’ and/or ‘exercise’ | Strictly in line with the guideline recommendations | |
‘no intervention’ or ‘chiropractic adjustment’ and/or ‘exercise’ + one other treatment option | Broadly in line with the guideline recommendations | ||
2 treatment options other than ‘no intervention’ or ‘chiropractic adjustment’ and/or ‘exercise’ | Not in line with the guideline recommendations | ||
Vignette 4, 5, 6 | ‘no intervention’ or ‘chiropractic adjustment’, ‘exercise’ and/or ‘psychological evaluation’ | Strictly in line with the guideline recommendations | |
‘no intervention’ or ‘chiropractic adjustment’, ‘exercise’ and/or ‘psychological evaluation’ + one other treatment option | Broadly in line with the guideline recommendations | ||
2 treatment options other than ‘no intervention’ or ‘chiropractic adjustment’, ‘exercise’ and/or ‘psychological evaluation’ | Not in line with the guideline recommendations | ||
Advice to return to work | All vignettes | Return to work | Strictly in line with the guideline recommendations |
Return to part-time or light duties | Broadly in line with the guideline recommendations | ||
Be off work for a further … weeks (stating number of weeks) |  | ||
Be off work until pain has improved | Not in line with the guideline recommendations | ||
Be off work until pain has completely resolved | Â | ||
Advice to stay active | All vignettes | Perform usual activities | Strictly in line with the guideline recommendations |
Perform activities within the patient’s tolerance | Broadly in line with the guideline recommendations | ||
Perform only pain free activities | Not in line with the guideline recommendations | ||
Limit all physical activities until the pain disappears | Â | ||
Investigations ordered at this visit | Vignette 1 and 3 | ‘no referral for diagnostic imaging’ | Strictly in line with the guideline recommendations |
Other options except ‘no referral for diagnostic imaging’ | Not in line with the guideline recommendations | ||
Vignette 2, 4, 5, 6 | ‘no referral for diagnostic imaging’ | Strictly in line with the guideline recommendations | |
Referring for radiographs | Broadly in line with the guideline recommendations | ||
Referring for MRI scan | Not in line with the guideline recommendations |