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Background
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional gut disorder manifesting as recurrent abdominal pain [1]. One of the hallmark complaints of IBS patients is a health-related decrease in quality of life, which appears to improve with treatment [2].
The cost of healthcare in IBS patients is also particularly burdensome, and in one study it was reported to be 50% more the cost for healthcare in non-IBS patients [3]. Patient satisfaction with symptom management modalities is of concern for digital therapeutic companies because product usage and success is largely driven by patient satisfaction [4]. In this survey, patient satisfaction was gauged with questions to users having just completed the Nerva program.
Nerva app
The Nerva app is a 6-week gut-directed hypnotherapy program created by Dr. Simone Peters and Mindset Health. The app includes daily (15min) hypnotherapy sessions, psychoeducation readings, and breathing exercises.
Objective
The objective of this study was to examine the end-of-program survey to determine the self-reported satisfaction of Nerva users.
Methods
Following the completion of the 6-week Nerva program, users were sent an optional survey to complete via email. The survey was opened by 2,520 users and has an 84% completion rate for a total response of 2,136. On average, the survey took about 8 minutes for participants to complete. Answers were analyzed for the questions:
- “How would you rate your overall satisfaction with Nerva?”
- “How would you feel if you could no longer use Nerva?”
- “How likely are you to recommend Nerva to someone with IBS?”
- “Have you seen any reduction in symptoms so far?”
Results
The first question, regarding the overall satisfaction with Nerva stated, “how would you rate your overall satisfaction with Nerva?” There were 2,065 respondents, and the scale was 1-5 stars. The average response was 4.2/5 stars. 42.5% responded with 5 stars, 39.9% responded with 4 stars, 14.2% responded with 3 stars, 2.4% responded with 2 stars, and 1% responded with 1 star. [Figure 1]
The second question stated, “how would you feel if you could no longer use Nerva?” There were 2,119 respondents, and the responses were, “somewhat disappointed,” “very disappointed,” and “not disappointed.” 48.9% responded they would be “somewhat disappointed” if they could no longer use the Nerva program. 36.7% responded they would be “very disappointed” if they could no longer use the Nerva program. And 14.4% responded they would “not [be] disappointed” if they could no longer use the Nerva program. [Figure 2]
The third question stated, “how likely are you to recommend Nerva to someone with IBS?” There were 2,119 respondents, and the scale was 0 (not likely at all) to 10 (very likely). The average response was 8.4/10. 45.4% responded 10, 13.2% responded 9, 15.1% responded 8, 10.9% responded 7, and the following 15.3% responded if the 0-6 range. [Figure 3]
The final question stated, “have you seen any reduction in symptoms so far?” There were 1,369 respondents, and the responses were, “yes!” and “not yet.” 81.4% responded they have seen symptom improvement. 18.6% responded they have not yet seen symptom improvement. [Figure 4]
Discussion
The self-reported satisfaction with the Nerva program is generally positive. Sentiment in a digital therapeutic is an integral component of the program because it fosters adherence and therefore symptom improvement. Continual qualitative and quantitative studies monitoring sentiment are required to maintain the efficacy of the Nerva program.
Figure 1. Survey question to Nerva users after completing 6-week gut directed hypnotherapy course rating overall satisfaction.
Figure 2. Survey question to Nerva users after completing 6-week gut directed hypnotherapy course on feelings regarding loss of program use.
Figure 3. Survey question to Nerva users after completing 6-week gut directed hypnotherapy course on likelihood of referring Nerva to someone with IBS.
Figure 4. Survey question to Nerva users after completing 6-week gut directed hypnotherapy course on symptom reduction.
