Table 1 The original PCS and the added PCCS items

1

I lack the diagnostic tools or knowledge required to perform an effective assessment of patients with low back pain

1

2

I know exactly what I need to do to provide effective treatment to patients with low back pain

1

3

I find it difficult to communicate my concerns regarding the discovery of a suspicious findings or significant pathology to patients with low back pain

Y

2

4

I feel very comfortable treating patients with low back pain

1

5

In many patients with low back pain, no physical problem can be found

Y

6

I do not have much ability to influence the development of chronic back pain in patients with acute back pain

Y

7

Patients with low back pain often have unrealistic expectations about the ability of clinicians to improve their condition

Y

8

I feel confident in recommending not to perform imaging (X-ray, CT, or MRI) despite the expectations of many patients with low back pain

3

9

I often have negative feelings about treating patients with low back pain

Y

10

Most patients with low back pain are very satisfied with the treatment I provide them

1

11

I am prepared and qualified to treat people with low back pain

1

12

I fear missing a significant pathology in patients with low back pain

Y

2

13

I have the confidence to treat people with low back pain without the need for additional medical specialists, various imaging procedures (X-ray, CT, MRI) or other medical tests

Y

3

14

It is better if I do not treat patients with low back pain until a medical examination has been completed

Y

3

15

I am concerned about the reaction of another medical professional when I refer patients with low back pain to him/her regarding the presence of a ‘red flag’ in the examination

Y

2

16

I trust in my ability to rule out the presence of significant pathologies in people with low back pain

Y

2