Online Group Hypnotherapy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome-a Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND

Gut-directed hypnotherapy is an effective treatment for patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Group delivery and nurse-led hypnotherapy can increase availability. Online treatment shows promising results, but this has not been tested in a group format.

AIMS: To investigate the acceptability and efficacy of nurse-led, online group hypnotherapy in patients with IBS.

METHODS

Patients received eight sessions of gut-directed hypnotherapy in groups via live video conferencing. IBS symptoms were assessed at baseline, mid-treatment, after treatment, and at follow-up. Patients who reported an IBS-SSS reduction of ≥ 50 points were considered responders. Extracolonic symptoms, psychological symptoms, and quality of life were assessed, as well as usability and treatment satisfaction. The study results were compared to previous assessments of group hypnotherapy delivered on-site. After hypnotherapy, patients were asked which treatment modality (online or on-site) they would prefer.

RESULTS

We included 51 patients. IBS severity was reduced after hypnotherapy (median IBS-SSS: 304 (225-385) vs. 225 (172-312), p < 0.001), and 27 patients (53%) were responders. These results are comparable to on-site group hypnotherapy outcomes; IBS-SSS: 310 (232-368) versus 230 (151-330), p < 0.001, responders: 55%. Symptom reduction was sustained at six-month follow-up. Quality of life, extracolonic, and psychological symptoms also improved. The patient ratings of the usability of the video call platform and treatment satisfaction were high.

CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES: Nurse-led, gut-directed group hypnotherapy delivered online is acceptable, often preferred by patients, and has comparable efficacy to in-person group hypnotherapy. By combining group and online treatment, hypnotherapy can be made more accessible for patients.