Provision of information to patients in an NHS IVF unit

Abstract

There is strong emphasis in the literature on the importance of the provision of high quality information to patients before invasive fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection. The introduction and development of a structured information evening for patients has facilitated the provision of such information, evidenced by the positive feedback observed in patient evaluation forms. Furthermore, the introduction of this system has led to a marked reduction in non-attendance at clinic appointments. The Commission for Health Improvement praised this system at a recent inspection. The provision of information before treatment is an essential aspect of fertility care in terms of patient satisfaction, preparation and reducing anxiety. The patient information evening is now routine practice for the Reproductive Medicine Unit at the Liverpool Women's Hospital.