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Introduction Gut-directed hypnotherapy (GDH) is effective at improving symptoms of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome); however, implementation of this face-to-face service can be costly and result in long patient waitlists. The aim of this quality improvement study was to investigate whether an app-delivered GDH programme could provide benefit to the IBS patient population of a district general hospital, and if this could be a cost-effective method to help manage symptoms.Methods Adults (aged 16-81) with an established diagnosis of IBS referred into secondary care between June 2024 and July 2025 were reviewed by clinicians who were randomly assigned to offer a free 6-week trial of Nerva (a GDH programme) or treat as per standard of care. Participants were asked to rate their overall symptom severity on a scale of 1-10 (10 being most severe) during their clinic appointment, and again at a telephone follow up. Scores were compared between groups, with sub-group analysis focusing on IBS sub-type, duration of IBS symptoms, and length of app use.Results Of 91 participants, 66 were assigned to the app (84% female, mean age 39), and 22 to the control group (89% female, mean age 42). 3 participants were removed from the data due to unsuitability. 61 app users and 18 controls completed the telephone follow up (averaged at 199 days post initial review). Severity of global IBS symptoms on 10-point scale decreased by 2.03 for app users and 0.61 for controls (p=0.04). Those who used the app for over 30 days reported the greatest reduction in symptoms, by 2.65 (P=0.015). All IBS subgroups had a similar response to app use, as did all age groups.Conclusions This is the first study to assess the effects of app-delivered GDH on an IBS population in the UK. The results show that app users were more likely to report a reduction in symptom severity, regardless of age and IBS subtype, with greater symptom reduction associated with those that had better app adherence. App-delivered GDH has the potential to overcome obstacles that traditional in-person hypnotherapy faces by being more cost-effective and immediately accessible. However, barriers to uses that may affect adherence and efficacy must be considered when offering GDH to patients, such as populations with lower average reading ages, and motivation to be proactive with self-help.