Table 3.

RETURN fidelity checklist

RETURN fidelity checklist Dental Nurse Code:		Fully Implemented Score: 3	Substantially Implemented Score: 2	Partially Implemented Score: 1	Not implemented Score: 0
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