Content analysis of qualitative answers
An overview of content codes and associated frequencies is provided in Additional File The participants identified positive psychological effects and the utility of placebos in monitoring medication efficacy as major advantages. In addition, respondents also highlighted the absence of side effects associated with placebos, as well as their potential to reduce the use of unnecessary medications, thus serving to reduce costs to both the patient and NHS.However, the potential for patient deception and the fact that placebos are fundamentally inactive were the primary disadvantages identified by respondents. Relatedly, the participants highlighted that the use of placebos could delay the administration of necessary active medications, resulting in the prolongation or exacerbation of illness. Some respondents also proposed that the use of placebos could erode trust in clinicians and healthcare providers.