Beyond the diet: Contextual (placebo) effects in dietary counselling for gastrointestinal conditions

Contextual factors refer to the psychological, social, and physical elements present during clinical interactions between patients and healthcare professionals. In gastroenterology, these factors can produce meaningful placebo and nocebo effects, shaping patient experiences and symptom improvement independently of the active treatment itself. Despite increasing recognition of their importance in medicine, contextual factors remain poorly understood within dietetic practice. This PhD project aims to investigate how contextual factors influence outcomes in dietary management of gastrointestinal (GI) conditions, particularly irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The findings will help inform more effective, ethical, and patient-centred approaches to dietary care. The successful candidate will join the Diet, Gut and Brain Group within the School of Translational Medicine, a leading research team conducting innovative research in nutrition, gastroenterology, and mental health. The project may include opportunities for international collaboration and a study-away component. The PhD will comprise three interconnected studies: • Dietitian perspectives: Exploring clinician understanding and application of contextual factors in practice • Patient understanding: Investigating patient experiences and perceptions of contextual influences on dietary treatment. • Clinical trial: Evaluating the impact of contextual factors on treatment outcomes in a clinical trial. This project addresses a significant gap in the literature at the intersection of nutrition, gastroenterology, placebo science, and health psychology. It offers an exciting opportunity to work with leading researchers in these fields and contribute to a rapidly emerging area of clinical research. Essential criteria: Candidates with a dietetic background will be considered.