Table 1 Proposed dimensions for patient experience: dimension, description and items measured

1

Accessibility

The average degree (in%) of accessibility

access by phone; access by transport; free choice therapist; free choice appointment time; waiting time until first appointment; waiting time in practice (less than 15 minutes); appropriate treatment time; appropriate expertise (n = 8)

2

Accommodation

The average degree (in%) of accommodation requirements

hygiene; comfort (waiting and exercise room); enough chairs waiting room; privacy; accessibility (n = 6)

3

Information and communication

The average degree (in%) of perceived information and communication

open attitude to questions; clear explanations; tried to understand my problem; informed about course of disease; informed about intervention period; clear intervention; explained daily exercises; advised on daily life; fit between the actual and expected intervention period; results of treatment discussed (n = 10)

4

Physical therapist’s approach

The average degree (in%) of perceived physical therapist’s approach

empathy; politeness; attentive listening; taken seriously; feeling at ease; taking into account specific needs (n = 6)

5

Continuity

The average degree (in%) in continuity

treatment by more than one therapist; adequate preparation; consistency of information; progress discussed with general practitioner (n = 4)

6

Self-management support

The average degree (in%) in perceived self- management support

working together to reach intervention goals; advice to prevent new complaints; monitoring the accuracy of the exercises at home; monitoring the adherence to the advice given (n = 4)

7

Intervention outcome

The average degree (in%) in which the intervention outcome is reached

increased performance in daily activities; fit between actual and expected intervention outcome (n = 2)

8

Global perceived effect (GPE)

The average degree (in%) in which the outcome in terms of the GPE is reached

Global Perceived Effect scale (GPE) (n = 1)

9

Length of intervention period

The average degree (in%) in which the length of the intervention period is as expected

fit between actual and expected intervention period (n = 1)

10

Patient-centeredness

The average degree (in%) of patient- centeredness

free choice therapist (see 1); appropriate expertise (see 1); privacy (see 2), GPE score (see 8), fit between actual and expected outcome (see 7); discussed different treatment methods