Methods	Sampling frame: from longitudinal survey of people aged > 50 years. Data collection: indepth interviews, semi‐structured interviews and diary. Data analysis: constant comparative/thematic analysis.
Stated aim of study	To explore the ‘lay' model of self‐management for knee pain within a populace of people with knee pain who have not recently consulted with their GP for their condition. It can be argued that this allows specific exploration of how people manage without professional advice and support, and whether they distinguish between professional and lay approaches to self‐management.
Details of participants	Country: UK. Sample number: 22. Age: > 50 years. Gender: 9 male, 13 female SES: not stated. Ethnicity: not stated. Occupation/employment: 2 professional; 3 unskilled; 15 retired/pensioner; 1 semi‐retired.
Details of exercise programme	Not applicable.
Notes
Quality appraisal
Questions used to judge the dependability and credibility of studies		Review authors' judgements
Were steps taken to increase rigour in sampling?		Yes, several steps were taken.
Were steps taken to increase rigour in data collection?		Yes, a fairly thorough attempt was made.
Were steps taken to increase rigour in data analysis?		Yes, a fairly thorough attempt was made.
Were the findings of the study grounded/supported by data?		Well grounded/supported.
What was the breadth and depth of findings?		Good/fair depth limited breadth.
To what extent does the study privilege the perspectives and experiences of older people with osteoarthritis of the knee or hip?		Somewhat.
Overall dependability and credibility of findings		Review authors' judgements
Dependability of findings		High.
Credibility of findings		High.