Table 3 RETURN fidelity checklist

Overarching communication skills

Use of empathic listening statements

Use of relevant open questions

Use of non-judgemental language

Use of non-directive talk

Patient’s priorities, beliefs and challenges acknowledged

1: Discuss barriers to regular dental attendance – raise awareness

Patient given space to tell their story (if they choose to do so)

Patient encouraged to come up with their own barriers without being led, or spoken for

Patient encouraged to decide on the one barrier they want to work on

2: Increase Motivation

Patient is shown the video relevant to their selected barrier

Encouragement provided to the patient to reflect on the video, and how their own situation relates

3: Increase knowledge

Patient guided to the booklet relevant to their selected barrier

Information (relevant to the barrier) provided to the patient

Statements communicated offering hope and assurances to the patients about their ability to overcome barriers

Emphasis placed on the benefits of regular dental attendance

4: Setting SMART goals and action plans

SMART principles applied to goal and action plan

Patient guided to set their own goal and action plan tailored to their situation

Photographs of goal and action plan taken

5: Increase Intention

Encouragement statements about what’s been achieved in the session

Encouragement provided to the patient to look at intervention materials at home

Feedback:

Strengths

Areas for development

Unhelpful components present in session:

□ Providing directive clinical advice

□ Telling the patient what they should or should do / have done

□ Setting goal / action plan for the patient

□ Choosing the barrier for the patient