The prevalence, promotion and pricing of three IVF add-ons on fertility clinic websites.
Reprod Biomed Online
; 41(5): 801-806, 2020 Nov.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-32888824
ABSTRACT
RESEARCH QUESTION How are IVF clinic websites advertising three common IVF add-ons assisted hatching, time-lapse embryo imaging and preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies (PGT-A)? DESIGN:
The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority 'Choose a fertility clinic' website service was used to identify IVF clinics and their websites. Assisted hatching, time-lapse embryo imaging and PGT-A were examined to determine which websites advertised them, what price they charged and what claims they made in relation to the add-ons.RESULTS:
Eighty-seven eligible clinics were identified, with 72 unique websites; 37 (43%) clinics were part of one of nine groups of IVF clinics, of sizes ranging from two to eight clinics in the UK. Time-lapse imaging (TLI) was the most frequently advertised of the three add-ons (67% of clinics), followed by PGT-A (47%) and assisted hatching (28%). Very few websites stated that the effectiveness of the add-on was in doubt or unclear (four, two and one websites for TLI, PGT-A and assisted hatching, respectively), and none raised the possibility that an add-on might have negative effects. Claims of efficacy were often based on upstream outcomes (e.g. implantation, pregnancy). Some claims that PGT-A and TLI improved live birth rates were found. There was substantial variation in pricing.CONCLUSIONS:
IVF clinic websites provide valuable information for patients seeking fertility treatment so it is key that the information is accurate and complete. There is a need for transparent information on interventions, including uncertainties and risks, to be made available by IVF clinics to support well-informed treatment decisions. The selected add-ons are widely advertised, and there is wide variation in pricing.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Fertilização in vitro
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Comércio
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Diagnóstico Pré-Implantação
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Clínicas de Fertilização
Tipo de estudo:
Diagnostic_studies
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Health_economic_evaluation
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Prevalence_studies
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Prognostic_studies
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Risk_factors_studies
Limite:
Female
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Humans
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Pregnancy
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Reprod Biomed Online
Assunto da revista:
MEDICINA REPRODUTIVA
Ano de publicação:
2020
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Reino Unido