The feasibility of nurse-delivered, low-intensity cognitive behavioural therapy for irritable bowel syndrome

Introduction: This study assessed the feasibility of nurse-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Methods and analysis: A mixed-method design was used, and 20 participants were randomly allocated to high-intensity CBT (n=5), guided self-help (n=5), self-help only (n=5) or treatment as usual (n=5). Ten intervention participants completed semi-structured interviews. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics; qualitative data were analysed using group thematic analysis. Results: Barriers to the interventions were lack of therapist contact, negative preconceptions about treatment and factors relating to supporting materials. Treatment facilitators included therapist-facilitated relaxation, narratives located within self-help materials and social support mechanisms. Conclusion: Further development of the low-intensity interventions in collaboration with service users is required to improve intervention acceptability and relevance.