ABSTRACT
Introduction Gut-directed hypnotherapy is an evidence-based treatment for refractory Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Traditionally, hypnotherapy has been delivered face-to-face, but the emergence of video-technology has enabled remote delivery with comparable results1. However, data on patient experience and acceptance of remote hypnotherapy for IBS are lacking. We therefore evaluated feedback from consecutive patients that received remote hypnotherapy during enforced COVID-19 restrictions. Methods Patients with refractory IBS referred for hypnotherapy at a tertiary centre received 12-sessions of hypnotherapy remotely via Skype using the Manchester Protocol2 during COVID-19 restrictions. As part of a service evaluation, consecutive patients treated during the COVID-19 pandemic completed a 14- item feedback questionnaire on their experience and opinions following their course of remote gut-directed hypnotherapy. Results 29 patients with refractory IBS (22/29 (76%) female, 15/29 (52%) aged >41-years) completed the feedback questionnaire after receiving remote hypnotherapy during the pandemic. Overall,16/29 (55%) of patients indicated that they would have opted for remote over face-to-face hypnotherapy regardless of the pandemic situation. These preferences did not differ between those who were local, and those based >20 miles distance from the treatment centre (P=0.84). Most rated the video-technology (Skype) easy to use (25/29, 86%). The majority (25/29, 86%) reported that remote hypnotherapy improved their global IBS symptoms, with 16/29 (55%) reporting >30% overall improvement, and 6/29 (21%) reporting >50% improvement. Remote hypnotherapy also improved stress levels (26/29, 90%) and quality-of-life (24/29, 83%). However, after completing remote treatment, 15/29 (52%) felt they would have had more benefit from face-to-face hypnotherapy. The main advantages of remote hypnotherapy from a patient perspective were improved access (21/29,72%);reduced travel costs (23/29,79%) and convenience (21/ 29,72%). The main difficulties frequently encountered included: in-home interruptions (9/ 29,31%);issues with internet connectivity (9/29,31%) and difficulties logging in (9/29, 31%). However, the majority (25/29, 86%) would recommend remote hypnotherapy to a friend/relative with similar symptoms. Conclusion Remote gut-directed hypnotherapy for IBS has been well received by patients and has been effective in providing effective treatment during enforced pandemic restrictions. In the post-COVID era, these data support the need to continue to develop and optimise remote hypnotherapy, but also suggest that there may still be a role for face-to-face hypnotherapy, with patient choice being an important factor.