P–502 Reproductive specialists should be offered additional training in providing emotional support to patients
Authors: Christiansen K 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Study question
Should medical professionals working in fertility care have additional training on how to deliver bad news and provide emotional support to patients?

Summary answer
Medical professionals providing assisted reproduction treatments should be offered more training to better assist the emotional burden that accompanies the treatment as described by patients.

What is known already
Pursuing fertility treatment provides a large physical and medical burden on patients. Many patients describe going through IVF like having a second full time job, adding stress, anxiety and social pressure to an already difficult time of trying to conceive. As specialists in reproductive treatment the main focus is trying to assist patients in achieving a healthy pregnancy and baby. In recent years it’s become evident that the emotional aspect is equally important and often patients are left feeling that their emotions and concerns are dismissed by the very healthcare professionals that are trying to help them have a baby.

Study design, size, duration
This qualitative study recruited 100 women who have had received assisted reproductive treatment in the United Kingdom during 2020. An online survey was presented to women who fit the inclusion criteria and and recruitment ended when data saturation was reached. The survey design consisted of open-text qualitative answer format.

Participants/materials, setting, methods
Inclusion criteria were women aged between 24–45 years old who had an infertility diagnosis and received assisted reproductive treatment. A survey was presented to them to describe any negative communication they had from medical professionals, specifically what was said and how it made them feel.

Main results and the role of chance
The most frequent answers were “you’re still young” (26%), “just lose some weight” (18%) and “it only takes one” (10%). Additional information included in responses had a message of “don’t worry” (50%) and “just relax” (32%). 20 participants had experienced miscarriage and 8 of them had been told “at least you can get pregnant”. The emotional response that accompanied messages like these from their healthcare professionals included anger, frustration and discouragement from “feeling invalidated”, “my feelings don’t matter” and “feeling like my baby didn’t matter”.

Limitations, reasons for caution
As the results are based on qualitative data from 100 women, the results can not be readily generated to larger populations. Furthermore, the questionnaire was specifically focused on negative experiences and therefore bias would have occurred. The survey was only advertised on social media.
Wider implications of the findings: Women undergoing fertility treatment commonly experience guilt, shame and lack of confidence. Given the question was open ended and similar responses were given, indicates that additional training in emotional support throughout treatment would be recommended and stresses the need to better integrate these aspects of patient care into daily practice.

Trial registration number
Not applicable