Table 4.

Example quotes—issues with dimensions

Dimension	Example quote
Mobility	I do use a walking frame if I’m going any distance, but otherwise just walking around, no, no problems. Probably to include distance as well as a short thing, you’d have to use the slight problems, simply because if I go any distance, yes, I use a frame. So, how do you qualify it? (Participant 01, NCI Group—participant selected slight problems)
Personal Care	The second one. Slight problems washing or dressing myself. Well, the girls help me have a shower. But of course, they help me get dressed too, but I can do that generally. I can put myself to bed without their help. (Participant 36—NCI Group—participant selected slight problems)
Usual Activities	I have no problems doing my usual activities. Well, my usual activities is mostly in this chair. Oh god, I don’t know how I answer that one. E.g., work, study, housework, family or leisure activities. Well, I don’t do any of those, being in here.. (Participant 29- NCI Group—participant selected unable)
Pain/Discomfort	I have this pain, discomfort. That comes and goes. I can say I have slight pain or discomfort all the time but then I can round and the next five minutes and go into severe pain because I have various problems. So, I’m not quite sure what to put there. I’m on high pain [medication], sort of thing, anyway. I’ll put moderate. (Participant 12-NCI Group—participant selected moderate problems)
Anxiety/Depression	I’m not anxious or depressed. I am slightly anxious or depressed. I am moderately anxious or depressed. I am severely depressed. I wouldn’t consider myself depressed. I do get anxious on the odd occasion, so what will I do there? Cross out depressed, and put slightly anxious. (Participant 30—NCI Group—participant selected slight problems)
EQ-VAS	So the worst—it’s like, my health is bad. I know that. But that doesn’t—it does depress me, but I don’t sit and think—I know I’ve got to put up with it, and there’s nothing that can be done about it…Well, I suppose I can’t say I have the worst health. Because people have worse health than I have and are in more pain. And I would say, just to be fair, I’d say 50%. I realise I’m—I know people who are in far worse health than I am. (Participant 02—CI Group)