How do people with refractory irritable bowel syndrome perceive Hypnotherapy: qualitative study protocol

Introduction: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common condition which has significant impact on quality of life and has proven resistant to treatment. Hypnotherapy was recommended in National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines for the treatment of the refractory form of IBS in 2008. There is a dearth of research into the acceptability of hypnotherapy to people with IBS for their condition. Methods: A qualitative study will be undertaken consisting of semi-structured one-to-one interviews with UK adults who have had a diagnosis of IBS for more than 12 months and continue to experience symptoms despite pharmacological intervention. Recruitment will be via large scale employers and through online IBS support and self-help groups, with snowballing from interviewees. Fifteen to twenty-five interviews will be conducted, both in person and via electronic real-time communications platforms (video calling) such as Skype. Interviews will be analysed using the framework method and will be coded twice. The first time will be inductive open coding for naturally occurring themes and the second will be theory driven deductive coding from a set of codes relating to Max Weber's antagonistic sources of power, ‘Bureaucracy’ and ‘Charisma’ which will help to identify people's conceptualisation of hypnosis. Results: Findings will be disseminated at conferences and through peer-reviewed journals. Conclusion: The study will aid in identifying possible barriers to the use of hypnotherapy in the treatment of IBS, particularly any which relate to the perceptions of hypnosis and hypnotherapy.