McLean L, Ros ST, Hollond C, Stofan J, Quinn GP. Patient and clinician experiences with cross-border reproductive care: A systematic review.
PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2022;
105:1943-1952. [PMID:
35339328 DOI:
10.1016/j.pec.2022.03.016]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
This review analyzes the experiences of patients and clinicians with regards to international cross-border reproductive care (CBRC) for the purpose of conception.
METHODS
Electronic databases PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched using 'medical tourism' AND 'assisted reproductive technology' from 1978 to 2020.
RESULTS
Predominant patient motivators for CBRC were cost and legality of assisted reproduction technology (ART) in one's home country, followed by cultural factors like shared language, religion, and cultural familiarity. Clinicians suggested global laws for CBRC would reduce the potential for exploitation of vulnerable populations but believed the enactment of international regulations unlikely and, even if enacted, difficult to enforce.
CONCLUSIONS
While patient and clinician experiences with CBRC varied, patients frequently cited financial and legal reasons for pursuing CBRC, while many providers had concern for the patient's safety.
CLINICAL PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS
This review recommends clinicians involved in family planning counsel patients seeking treatment abroad by: (i) informing patients of the risks and benefits of treatment abroad, (ii) establishing guidelines and standards for clinicians on resuming patient care post-CBRC, and (iii) creating a directory of reputable CBRC clinicians and experts.
Collapse