In this study, we demonstrated more similarities than differences between men and women with IBS. The largest difference were seen for QOL which might reflect certain structural stressors to which women in general are more exposed than men.

Background Person‐centred care (PCC) has been suggested as a potential means to improve the care of patients with chronic and long‐term disorders. In this regard, a model for PCC was developed by the University of Gothenburg Centre for Person‐Centred Care (GPCC). Objective The present study aimed to explore the theoretical frameworks, designs, contexts and intervention characteristics in the first 27 interventional studies conducted based on the ethics for person‐centredness provided by the GPCC. Design Cross‐sectional study. Setting and participants A questionnaire to the principal investigators of the 27 intervention studies financed by the GPCC and conducted between 2010 and 2016. Main outcome measures Theoretical frameworks, contexts of studies, person‐centred ethic, and outcome measures. Results Most of the interventions were based on the same ethical assumptions for person‐centredness but theories and models in applying the interventions differed. All studies were controlled; 12 randomized and 15 quasi‐experimental. Hospital in‐ and outpatient and primary care settings were represented and the outcome measures were related to the specific theories used. A complexity in designing, introducing and evaluating PCC interventions was evident. Conclusion The frameworks, designs and interventions in the studies were in line with the established ethical basis of PCC, whereas outcome measures varied widely. Consensus discussions among researchers in the field are needed to make comparisons between studies feasible. Patient or public contributions Patients or the public made no direct contributions, although most of the studied projects included such initiatives.

The experience of living with irritable bowel syndrome differs between men and women due to differing societal expectations, life situation and the everyday construction of gender identities. Gender stereotyping by healthcare professionals perpetuates rather than alleviates the suffering experienced by men and women with irritable bowel syndrome. In healthcare encounters, women risk being trivialized and men risk being overlooked due to the 'female health concern' label attached to irritable bowel syndrome.

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