Patient satisfaction after remotely delivered gut-directed hypnotherapy for irritable bowel syndrome during the COVID-19 era: implications for future practice

Abstract

ObjectiveGut-directed hypnotherapy (GDH) is an evidence-based treatment for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Adoption of remote GDH has been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. We aimed to evaluate patient experience and satisfaction following remote GDH.DesignOn completing 12 sessions of remote GDH via Skype using the Manchester protocol, patients with refractory IBS completed a feedback form on their experience. The proportion reporting positive outcomes (≥30% improvement in global IBS symptoms or abdominal pain, satisfaction, recommendation to family/friends) were compared by patient factors (age, gender, proximity, preferences).ResultsOf 52 patients completing the feedback form, 27 (52%) indicated that they would have opted for remote over face-to-face GDH, regardless of the pandemic situation. On a five-point scale (5=easy), patients rated the platform easy-to-use (mean 4.5±0.8) without impairment of communication (mean rating 4.6±0.8). Following remote GDH, 30/52 (58%) reported ≥30% global IBS symptom improvement, and 24/52 (46%) reported ≥30% pain reduction. 90% would recommend remote GDH to others. Only 39% felt they would have benefitted more from face to face. Those who would have chosen remote GDH regardless of the pandemic were more likely to be satisfied (p=0.01). Age, gender and proximity did not influence outcomes, satisfaction and likelihood of recommending remote GDH to others. Difficulties during remote sessions were infrequent in both those that were satisfied, and those that would have preferred face to face.ConclusionThese data support the need to continue developing remote GDH in the post-COVID era but suggest that there is still a role for face-to-face GDH, with patient choice being an important factor.

Clinical trial: predictive factors for response to gut‐directed hypnotherapy for refractory irritable bowel syndrome, a post hoc analysis

“…4 Other recent initiatives to widen hypnotherapy access have included group delivery, [20][21][22][23]32 remote delivery of individualised therapy via video platforms 33,34 and self-directed digital gut-directed hypnotherapy delivery via Smartphone applications. 35 However, despite these developments, outcomes from patient satisfaction surveys, 36 and data from self-directed gut-directed hypnotherapy via digital applications where compliance is low, 37 suggest that there remains a strong need for face-to-face individualised treatment for many patients, particularly those with severe refractory IBS who may require a more personalised approach to treatment.…”

Home-based guided hypnotherapy for children with functional abdominal pain and irritable bowel syndrome in primary care: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

“…Most adults with IBS prefer remote over face-to-face hypnotherapy, but this has not been studied in children or adolescents. 56 A combination of this eHealth strategy with GP communication and education may help empower patients to take control of their own health and learn to manage their symptoms without the help of others. 57 58 This strategy supports current efforts to help children with functional complaints learn to manage, rather than completely remove, pain.…”

“…Moreover, eHealth for psychological interventions represents an emerging clinical resource when treating children and adolescents with chronic diseases,52–55 proving ideal for use in primary care due to the accessibility and low cost of the exercises. Most adults with IBS prefer remote over face-to-face hypnotherapy, but this has not been studied in children or adolescents 56. A combination of this eHealth strategy with GP communication and education may help empower patients to take control of their own health and learn to manage their symptoms without the help of others 57 58.…”

Improving access to gut‐directed hypnotherapy for irritable bowel syndrome in the digital therapeutics' era: Are mobile applications a “smart” solution?

“…In the post COVID‐19 era there is a demand for remotely delivered GDH as evidenced in a recent survey of patients with IBS in tertiary care where 52% of patients indicated a preference for remote telehealth delivery of individualized therapy 44 . However, a future study should examine if there is a similar demand for app‐based, pre‐recorded materials.…”