Figure 1 Advice of Beacon Caresystem.
Choices were made in two conditions: 1) advice from a financial expert about which choice to make was displayed (MES condition); and 2) no advice was displayed (NOM condition).
Eligible patients are randomised to one of three groups: Group 1 – advice to remain active while awaiting physiotherapy treatment; Group 2 – advice to rest the arm while awaiting physiotherapy treatment; or Group 3 – immediate physiotherapy.
Eligible and consenting patients were randomly allocated to one of the following three groups in equal numbers: 1) advice to remain active, 2) advice to rest, 3) immediate physiotherapy.
These options were: 1) advice and education, 2) non prescription analgesics, 3) non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, 4) other medications, 5) joint infiltrations, 6) walking aids, 7) orthosis, 8) supervised physiotherapy, and 9) home exercises.
Group 1 – advice to remain active; Participants randomised to receive advice to remain active were given a seven-page leaflet focusing on positively shifting beliefs about activity and arm pain, along with practical advice on staying active.
