Table 4 Theme-based content of educational video

Introduction

Short introduction to the video and the purpose.

Understanding the purpose of the video.

Consultant speaking to the viewer in a hospital setting.

“Injury model”/biopsychosocial model for whiplash trauma

Explaining “whiplash” mechanism of trauma and the expected acute effects on soft tissues.

Providing a clear understanding of what a whiplash injury is. Preventing “myths”.

Animation of rear-end-collision and head-neck-movement. Focus on soft tissues.

Expectations about symptoms

Description of common symptoms that the patient may experience in the acute phase.

Providing expectations and reassurance concerning symptoms.

Consultant speaking and showing on patient which areas of the neck are involved.

Biopsychosocial model as framework for understanding symptoms

Simple biological model for acute pain focusing on muscle tensions and soreness.

Establishing connection between symptoms and soft tissues with a high capacity for healing.

Animation of muscle tension and soreness. Verbal explanation by professional speaker.

Prognosis and expectations about the future

Description of prognosis, healing time, and pain in acute over sub-acute phase.

Establishing realistic expectations about recovery and preventing excessive worry.

Consultant coupled with animation of expected typical healing time and expected pain.

Gradual mobilization and self-efficacy/empowerment

Description of the importance of early gradual mobilization of the neck.

Establishing confidence in moving the neck and being active in promoting recovery.

Recording of consultant coupled with patient moving head and neck.

Acute pain relief

Information about basic pain relief in the acute phase. Pain medication, use of short-term rest, use of cold/hot packages.

Promoting active self-care behaviour and demonstrating how to use basic pain relief strategies.

Recording of patients illustrating the use of techniques for pain relief.

Biopsychosocial model: understanding sub-acute symptoms.

Factors that can cause symptoms to fluctuate in the healing process: physical strain, lack of adequate movement and emotional and social strain

Understanding the fluctuating nature of symptoms in the sub-acute phase and how symptoms might be aggravated.

Revisiting animations of muscle tensions and patient moving. Examples of factors that can aggravate symptoms (i.e. stress, lack of movement).

Sub-acute management of symptoms

Information about gradual return to daily activities and normalization of discomfort

Promoting movement and attention to initial stages of pain before pain escalates.

Patients in daily life situations. Verbal explanations provided by professional speaker.

Sub-acute management of symptoms: exercises

Appropriate stretch and relaxation exercises for relief of pain and muscle tension.

Providing pain relief exercises, reassuring that movement is appropriate

Physiotherapist instructs patient in stretch exercises, doctor performs relaxation exercise.

Summary of central messages

Short statement about positive prognosis and the patient’s active role in promoting recovery through gradual return to daily activities.

Providing a reassuring and unambiguous take-home message promoting positive expectations and focus on return to daily activities.

Recording of consultant briefly underlining central points with bullet points appearing one by one on the screen.