Table 3.

Overview of themes and sub‐themes

Main themes	Sub‐themes
Relational talk (Talk used to develop interpersonal relations between clinician and patient)	The use of humour (High SES patients were more likely to make jokes, banter and sarcastic comments during conversation in the appointment)
	Small talk (High SES patients were more likely to engage in more lengthy polite conversation not relating to the main purpose of the appointment)
Active or passive participation (in the consultation by patients)	Education and occupation as a cultural frame of reference
	Patients with an agenda (High SES patients came to their appointments with a list of things to discuss)
	Responsibility for obtaining information (High SES patients felt it was their responsibility to get information)
Preferences for involvement (in conversation and decision‐making during the consultation)	Defining involvement in decision‐making (High SES prefer knowing and being involved in determining the which treatment options are taken up)
	Stoicism (Low SES patients had a more stoic attitude)