Table 1.

Selected sample of most relevant interview questions

How did you think about your IBS when you first joined the study? How did you think about placebos? How did you think about peppermint oil?

Please tell me the story of how the study has gone for you What study experiences stand out the most in your memory?

How did your first meeting with the doctor go?  • What do you remember?  • What group were you assigned to?  • How did the doctor explain it?  • How did you feel about your assignment?  • Did you prefer a different group?

Did you notice any effects from taking the pills? If yes:  • When did you notice those effects?  • How did the effects go from there?  • How do you think taking the pill caused those effects? If no:  • Why do you think there weren’t any effects?

What changed during the time you were in the study?  • When did you notice those changes?  • How did the changes go over time?  • What do you think caused the changes?

Has being in the study changed how you think about placebos? Has being in the study changed how you think about peppermint oil? Has being in the study changed how you think about your IBS?

How do you think your IBS will go in the future?

Bullet point questions are prompts that were only asked if needed

IBS, irritable bowel syndrome