Table 3 Themes, subthemes, and illustrative quotes

Providing Information About My Health Status

Teaching something new

“Since I got the shot, my left hip doesn't bother me. So, I mean that I didn't associate it with problems, but this report helped me see that. I just thought the hip is the hip and the knee is the knee. But I imagine if you're having problem in one area, it could affect the other.” (P10, 70 y.o. Female, Knee, Coaching, Alternative)

Confirming what know

“It basically just reiterates what I already knew from, based on how I answered the questions. It was good seeing that my pain is still in the moderate section, so there were other options besides surgery for me at this point.” (P18, 56 y.o. Female, Knee, Non-Coaching, Alternative)

Providing frame of reference

“Because like I said, it's been hurting for so long that it's kind of just like there anymore. But then when you look at the survey and take the answers and do the answers, and then you're like, ‘Wow, that's – it's only a 19, and it goes to 100.’ And I'm thinking, ‘Wow, I didn't realize that I've been living in this much pain this long with my hip.’” (P20, 49 y.o. Female, Hip, Non-Coaching, Surgery)

Reflecting health status

“I was kind of surprised on some of them that I was so close to the green. And others I was thinking I was more in the red, but I wasn’t… I don’t know what somebody else feels like. [laughs] How can anybody really know? And so, people have told me I have a great tolerance for pain. Maybe I do, and so, that’s why it’s not showing up.” (P24, 75 y.o. Male, Knee, Non-Coaching, Alternative)

Fostering Communication Between Patient and Surgeon

Setting expectations

“I would say that the physician was very realistic, the surgeon, and I appreciated that. [The surgeon] said, ‘This is a big improvement for you most likely, but nothing’s perfect.’ And [the surgeon] tried to temper expectations, which was appropriate after seeing this data.” (P19, 55 y.o. Male, Knee, Coaching, Surgery)

Asking and answering questions

“I was impressed with [the surgeon’s] thoroughness and explanation and his use of this chart to answer a lot of questions I had.… I was impressed how he used the graphics to do it.” (P15, 74 y.o. Male, Knee, Coaching, Surgery)

Facilitating shared understanding

“Because sometimes things are lost between translations and what happens, and just trying to make sure that I'm conveying to the doctors the correct information and they're understanding. And I think [the report] helps with that.… At least say, ‘Yeah, here's what we see with you.’ ‘Here's how I feel.’ So, it's a two-way street.” (P02, 61 y.o. Female, Hip, Coaching, Alternative)

Building My Confidence and Trust

Gaining confidence regarding treatment outcomes

“[Page 2] I really, really enjoyed reading. I looked at it carefully. Obviously, it’s not a definite predictor, but it lends to optimism and that helps. I mean this is an emotional time. It’s a scary time.” (P12, 78 y.o. Female, Knee, Coaching, Surgery)

Facilitating or affirming treatment decision

“I was getting irritated about filling out 8,000 forms, etc. But I got this [report], and my conclusion was I was doing the right thing [with having surgery]. It was very reassuring. And everybody should have it because even if you’ve already made up your mind, as I had, it still was something that said, ‘Do it. You’re gonna do the right thing, and it’s gonna be successful,’ which is very helpful in terms of how you face it.” (P16, 82 y.o. Male, Hip, Coaching, Surgery)

Increasing trust in surgeon

“Because I just think it’s a great tool for both the patient and the doctor. Rather than pulling out of their back pocket, it’s a lot better to say, ‘Hey, this is a sample of 100,000 people and this is where your age group and your level of injury falls. And so I can say at least statistically that you have a better than 50% chance, or you don’t have as good a chance because of things like your diabetes and stuff.’” (P15, 74 y.o. Male, Knee, Coaching, Surgery)