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Huang R, Yu JY, He WC, Liu RH. Feasibility analysis of China's medical insurance coverage of assisted reproductive technology. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7998. [PMID: 38580689 PMCID: PMC10997767 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58640-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
There are millions of patients experiencing infertility in China, but assisted reproductive technology (ART) is performed at the patient's expense and is difficult to afford. With the sharp decline in China's birth rate, there is a growing controversy over the inclusion of ART in medical insurance (MI). This study aims to explore the feasibility of ART coverage by MI for the first time. We obtained basic data such as the prevalence of infertility, the cost of ART, and the success rate in China with the method of meta-analysis and consulting the government bulletin. Then, we calculated the number of infertile couples in China and the total financial expenditure of MI covering ART. Finally, we discussed the feasibility of coverage, and analyzed the population growth and economic benefits after coverage. According to our research results, it was estimated that there were 4.102-11.792 million infertile couples in China, with an annual increase of 1.189-1.867 million. If MI covered ART, the fund would pay 72.313-207.878 billion yuan, accounting for 2-6% of the current fund balance, and the subsequent annual payment would be 20.961-32.913 billion yuan, accounting for 4-7% of the annual fund balance. This was assuming that all infertile couples would undergo ART, and the actual cost would be lower. The financial input‒output ratio would be 13.022. Benefiting from the inclusion of ART in MI coverage, there would be 3.348-9.624 million new live infants, and 8-13% newborns would be born every year thereafter, which means that by 2050, 37-65 million people would be born. Due to its affordable cost, high cost-effectiveness and favourable population growth, it may be feasible to include ART in MI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Huang
- Department of Laboratory, Panyu Hexian Memorial Hospital of Guangzhou, Guangzhou, 511400, China
| | - Jing-Yun Yu
- Department of Health Care, Dongguan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Dongguan, 523112, China
| | - Wei-Chao He
- Department of Health Care, Dongguan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Dongguan, 523112, China
| | - Ri-Hui Liu
- Medical Insurance Office, Human Resources and Social Security Bureau of Guangzhou's Nansha District, No.15 Huanshi Avenue Middle, Nansha District, Guangzhou City, 511466, Guangdong, China.
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Fitzgerald O, Dyer S, Zegers-Hochschild F, Keller E, Adamson GD, Chambers GM. Gender inequality and utilization of ART: an international cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis. Hum Reprod 2024; 39:209-218. [PMID: 37943304 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What is the association between a country's level of gender equality and access to ART, as measured through ART utilization? SUMMARY ANSWER ART utilization is associated with a country's level of gender equality even after controlling for the level of development. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Although gender equality is recognized as an important determinant of population health, its association with fertility care, a highly gendered condition, has not been explored. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A longitudinal cross-national analysis of ART utilization in 69 countries during 2002-2014 was carried out. PARTICPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The Gender Inequality Index (GII), Human Development Index (HDI), and their component indicators were modelled against ART utilization using univariate regression models as well as mixed-effects regression methods (adjusted for country, time, and economic/human development) with multiple imputation to account for missing data. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE ART utilization is associated with the GII. In an HDI-adjusted analysis, a one standard deviation decrease in the GII (towards greater equality) is associated with a 59% increase in ART utilization. Gross national income per capita, the maternal mortality ratio, and female parliamentary representation were the index components most predictive of ART utilization. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Only ART was used rather than all infertility treatments (including less costly and non-invasive treatments such as ovulation induction). This was a country-level analysis and the results cannot be generalized to smaller groups. Not all modelled variables were available for each country across 2002-2014. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Access to fertility care is central to women's sexual and reproductive health, to women's rights, and to human rights. As gender equality improves, so does access to ART. This relation is likely to be reinforcing and bi-directional, with progress towards global, equitable access to fertility care also improving women's status and participation in societies. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) External funding was not provided for this study. G.D.A. declares consulting fees from Labcorp and CooperSurgical. G.D.A. is the founder and CEO of Advanced Reproductive Care, Inc., as well as the Chair of the International Committee for Monitoring Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ICMART) and the World Endometriosis Research Foundation, both of which are unpaid roles. G.M.C. is an ICMART Board Representative, which is an unpaid role, and no payments are received from ICMART to UNSW, Sydney, or to G.M.C. to undertake this study. O.F., S.D., F.Z.-H., and E.K. report no conflicts of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oisín Fitzgerald
- National Perinatal Epidemiology and Statistics Unit, Centre for Big Data Research in Health and School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Silke Dyer
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Groote Schuur Hospital and Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- International Committee for Monitoring Assisted Reproductive Technologies, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Fernando Zegers-Hochschild
- International Committee for Monitoring Assisted Reproductive Technologies, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Clinica las Condes and Program of Ethics and Public Policies in Human Reproduction, School of Medicine, University Diego Portales, Santiago, Chile
| | - Elena Keller
- National Perinatal Epidemiology and Statistics Unit, Centre for Big Data Research in Health and School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - G David Adamson
- International Committee for Monitoring Assisted Reproductive Technologies, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Equal3 Fertility, Cupertino, CA, USA
| | - Georgina M Chambers
- National Perinatal Epidemiology and Statistics Unit, Centre for Big Data Research in Health and School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- International Committee for Monitoring Assisted Reproductive Technologies, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Ge X, Zhang J, Shi H, Bu Z. Effect of blastocyst morphology on the incidence of monozygotic twinning pregnancy after single blastocyst transfer. Gynecol Endocrinol 2023; 39:2228434. [PMID: 37393931 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2023.2228434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims: To explore whether blastocyst morphology [blastocyst stage, inner cell mass (ICM), and trophectoderm (TE) grading] impacts the occurrence of monozygotic twinning (MZT) after single blastocyst transfer (SBT).Materials and methods: A single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted including all clinical pregnancies after single blastocyst transfer between January 2015 and September 2021 (n = 9229). Blastocyst morphology was assessed using Gardner grading system. MZT was defined as more than one gestational sac (GS), or two or more fetal heartbeats in a single GS via ultrasound at 5-6 gestational weeks.Results: The overall MZT rate was 2.46% (227 of 9229 cases), of which was the highest in blastocysts of grade A TE and lowest in those with grade C TE (grade A: B:C = 3.40%:2.67%:1.58%, p = .002). Higher risk of MZT pregnancy was associated with higher trophectoderm grading [A vs. C: aOR, 1.883, 95% CI 1.069-3.315, p = .028; B vs C: aOR, 1.559, 95% CI 1.066-2.279, p = .022], but not extended culture in vitro (day 5 vs. day 6), vitrification (fresh vs. frozen-thawed ET), assisted hatching (AH), blastocyst stage (stage 1-6) or ICM grading (A vs. B).Conclusions: We conclude that TE grade is an independent risk factor of MZT after single blastocyst transfer. Blastocysts with high-grade trophectoderm are more liable to obtain monozygotic multiple gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofei Ge
- Reproductive Medical Center, Henan Province Key Laboratory for Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Jiaxin Zhang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Henan Province Key Laboratory for Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Hao Shi
- Reproductive Medical Center, Henan Province Key Laboratory for Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Zhiqin Bu
- Reproductive Medical Center, Henan Province Key Laboratory for Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
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Majangara Karaga R, Archary P, Gwet Bell E, Khrouf M, Loto O, Wada I, Dyer S. The status of ART in the public health sector in Africa: a multi-country survey. Reprod Biomed Online 2023; 47:103213. [PMID: 37236886 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION What is the current availability of treatment with assisted reproductive technology (ART) in the public sector in Africa, and what are the facilitators and barriers towards its provision? DESIGN Cross-sectional quantitative and qualitative data were collected in two phases from February 2020 to October 2021. Key informants were identified from countries known to provide ART in Africa based on data from the African Network and Registry for Assisted Reproductive Technology and the 2019 Surveillance from the International Federation of Fertility Societies. Quantitative data were collected via a structured questionnaire (Phase 1); public centre-specific quantitative and qualitative data were then collected via a semi-structured questionnaire followed by a virtual interview (Phase 2). Data were analysed descriptively. RESULTS Informants from 18 countries reported the existence of 185 ART centres in 16 countries. Twenty-four centres (13.0%) in 10 of 16 countries (62.5%) were public. The majority of public centres (20/22 [90.9%]) reporting on ART performed <500 ART cycles per annum. Although public institutions covered most of the cost for ART, copayments from patients were universally required. The number of ART cycles per annum was inversely correlated to the copayment. Lack of policy and legislation, high costs and bureaucratic obstacles were identified by participants as the leading challenges in the delivery of public service ART. CONCLUSION Lack of public ART services leads to chronic and profound health inequities. Enablers of public service ART in the region are the same known to support ART services in general, namely policy and legislation, appropriate funding and good health service infrastructure. Addressing these requires the collated efforts of many stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rumbidzai Majangara Karaga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Groote Schuur Hospital and Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Paversan Archary
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Groote Schuur Hospital and Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; African Network and Registry for Assisted Reproductive Technology, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ernestine Gwet Bell
- Groupe Interafricain d'Etude, de Recherche et d'Application sur la Fertilité, Lome, Togo
| | - Mohamed Khrouf
- Groupe d'Etude de la Fertilité de la Société Tunisienne de Gynécologie Obstétrique, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Olabisi Loto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Association for Fertility and Reproductive Health, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Ibrahim Wada
- Association for Fertility and Reproductive Health, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Silke Dyer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Groote Schuur Hospital and Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; African Network and Registry for Assisted Reproductive Technology, Cape Town, South Africa
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Attini R, Cabiddu G, Ciabatti F, Montersino B, Carosso AR, Gernone G, Gammaro L, Moroni G, Torreggiani M, Masturzo B, Santoro D, Revelli A, Piccoli GB. Chronic kidney disease, female infertility, and medically assisted reproduction: a best practice position statement by the Kidney and Pregnancy Group of the Italian Society of Nephrology. J Nephrol 2023; 36:1239-1255. [PMID: 37354277 PMCID: PMC11081994 DOI: 10.1007/s40620-023-01670-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
Fertility is known to be impaired more frequently in patients with chronic kidney disease than in the general population. A significant proportion of chronic kidney disease patients may therefore need Medically Assisted Reproduction. The paucity of information about medically assisted reproduction for chronic kidney disease patients complicates counselling for both nephrologists and gynaecologists, specifically for patients with advanced chronic kidney disease and those on dialysis or with a transplanted kidney. It is in this context that the Project Group on Kidney and Pregnancy of the Italian Society of Nephrology has drawn up these best practice guidelines, merging a literature review, nephrology expertise and the experience of obstetricians and gynaecologists involved in medically assisted reproduction. Although all medically assisted reproduction techniques can be used for chronic kidney disease patients, caution is warranted. Inducing a twin pregnancy should be avoided; the risk of bleeding, thrombosis and infection should be considered, especially in some categories of patients. In most cases, controlled ovarian stimulation is needed to obtain an adequate number of oocytes for medically assisted reproduction. Women with chronic kidney disease are at high risk of kidney damage in case of severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, and great caution should be exercised so that it is avoided. The higher risks associated with the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, and the consequent risk of chronic kidney disease progression, should likewise be considered if egg donation is chosen. Oocyte cryopreservation should be considered for patients with autoimmune diseases who need cytotoxic treatment. In summary, medically assisted reproduction is an option for chronic kidney disease patients, but the study group strongly advises extensive personalised counselling with a multidisciplinary healthcare team and close monitoring during the chosen medically assisted reproduction procedure and throughout the subsequent pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Attini
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology SC2U, Sant'Anna Hospital, Città della Salute e della Scienza, Turin, Italy
| | - Gianfranca Cabiddu
- Nephrology, Department of Medical Science and Public Health, San Michele Hospital, G. Brotzu, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Francesca Ciabatti
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology SC2U, Sant'Anna Hospital, Città della Salute e della Scienza, Turin, Italy
| | - Benedetta Montersino
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology SC2U, Sant'Anna Hospital, Città della Salute e della Scienza, Turin, Italy
| | - Andrea Roberto Carosso
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology SC2U, Sant'Anna Hospital, Città della Salute e della Scienza, Turin, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Gernone
- UOSVD di Nefrologia e Dialisi ASL Bari. P.O. "S. Maria degli Angeli", Putignano, Italy
| | - Linda Gammaro
- Nephrology, Ospedale Fracastoro San Bonifacio, San Bonifacio, Italy
| | - Gabriella Moroni
- Nephrology and Dialysis Division, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Torreggiani
- Néphrologie et Dialyse, Centre Hospitalier Le Mans, 194 Avenue Rubillard, 72037, Le Mans, France
| | - Bianca Masturzo
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Maternal-Neonatal and Infant Health, Ospedale Degli Infermi, University of Turin, Biella, Italy
| | - Domenico Santoro
- Unit of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, A.O.U. "G. Martino", University of Messina, 98125, Messina, Italy
| | - Alberto Revelli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology SC2U, Sant'Anna Hospital, Città della Salute e della Scienza, Turin, Italy
| | - Giorgina Barbara Piccoli
- Néphrologie et Dialyse, Centre Hospitalier Le Mans, 194 Avenue Rubillard, 72037, Le Mans, France.
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Archary P, Potgieter L, Elgindy E, Adageba RK, Mboloko J, Iketubosin F, Serour G, Dyer S. Assisted reproductive technologies in Africa: The African Network and Registry for ART, 2018 and 2019. Reprod Biomed Online 2023; 46:835-845. [PMID: 36959069 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION What were the utilization, practices and outcomes of assisted reproductive technology (ART) in Africa in 2018 and 2019? DESIGN Cycle-based data (CBD) and retrospective summary data were collected cross-sectionally from voluntarily participating ART centres. RESULTS During 2018, 43,958 ART procedures were reported by 67 centres in 16 countries, increasing to 45,185 procedures reported by 70 centres in 18 countries in 2019. Autologous fresh procedures predominated at 70%, whereas autologous frozen embryo transfers (FET) increased from 21.2% to 23.1% and oocyte donation cycles remained below 10%. In 2019, the mean age of women undergoing autologous fresh embryo transfer was 33.9 years and received a mean number of 2.4 embryos per transfer. The clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) per fresh embryo transfer was 42.8% in 2018 and 38.4% in 2019, with corresponding rates of 38.3% and 31.8% after FET. In both years, most ART procedures, excluding single embryo transfer (SET), were associated with a multiple delivery rate above 20%, reaching over 30% after elective dual embryo transfer in autologous cycles and after fresh oocyte donation. Multiples were predominantly born preterm with a substantially increased perinatal mortality rate. The CBD for both years showed that elective SET (eSET) achieved a high CPR without compromising safety. CONCLUSION This third report of The African Network and Registry for Assisted Reproductive Technology documents the prevailing practice of multiple embryo transfers in a cohort of relatively young women while highlighting the importance of disaggregating eSET, non-eSET and double embryo transfer. The high CPR after eSET and the increase in cryopreservation cycles are encouraging trends towards decreasing the number of embryos transferred without compromising effectiveness. Improved follow-up of ART pregnancies is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paversan Archary
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Groote Schuur Hospital and Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; African Network and Registry for Assisted Reproductive Technology.
| | - Liezel Potgieter
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Groote Schuur Hospital and Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; African Network and Registry for Assisted Reproductive Technology
| | - Eman Elgindy
- Egypt IVF Registry; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zagazig University School of Medicine, Zagazig Sharkia 44511, Egypt
| | | | - Justin Mboloko
- Groupe Interafricain d'Etude, de Recherche et d'Application sur la Fertilité
| | | | - Gamal Serour
- African Federation of Fertility Societies; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Al Azhar University, The Egyptian IVF-ET Center, 3 Street 161, Hadayek El-Maadi, Cairo 11431, Egypt
| | - Silke Dyer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Groote Schuur Hospital and Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; African Network and Registry for Assisted Reproductive Technology
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Keller E, Botha W, Chambers GM. Does in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment provide good value for money? A cost-benefit analysis. Front Glob Womens Health 2023; 4:971553. [PMID: 36937042 PMCID: PMC10014591 DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2023.971553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Using traditional health technology assessment (HTA) outcome metrics, such as quality-adjusted life-years, to assess fertility treatments raises considerable methodological challenges because the objective of fertility treatments is to create new life rather than extend, save, or improve health-related quality of life. Objective The aim of this study was to develop a novel cost-benefit framework to assess value for money of publicly funded IVF treatment; to determine the number of cost-beneficial treatment cycles for women of different ages; and to perform an incremental cost-benefit analysis from a taxpayer perspective. Methods We developed a Markov model to determine the net monetary benefit (NMB) of IVF treatment by female age and number of cycles performed. IVF treatment outcomes were monetized using taxpayers' willingness-to-pay values derived from a discrete choice experiment (DCE). Using the current funding environment as the comparator, we performed an incremental analysis of only funding cost-beneficial cycles. Similar outputs to cost-effectiveness analyses were generated, including net-benefit acceptability curves and cost-benefit planes. We created an interactive online app to provide a detailed and transparent presentation of the results. Results The results suggest that at least five publicly funded IVF cycles are cost-beneficial in women aged <42 years. Cost-benefit planes suggest a strong taxpayer preference for restricting funding to cost-beneficial cycles over current funding arrangements in Australia from an economic perspective. Conclusions The provision of fertility treatment is valued highly by taxpayers. This novel cost-benefit method overcomes several challenges of conventional cost-effectiveness methods and provides an exemplar for incorporating DCE results into HTA. The results offer new evidence to inform discussions about treatment funding arrangements.
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Keller E, Botha W, Chambers GM. What Features of Fertility Treatment do Patients Value? Price Elasticity and Willingness-to-Pay Values from a Discrete Choice Experiment. APPLIED HEALTH ECONOMICS AND HEALTH POLICY 2023; 21:91-107. [PMID: 36171511 PMCID: PMC9834167 DOI: 10.1007/s40258-022-00764-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infertility is a medical condition affecting an estimated 186 million people worldwide. Medically assisted fertility treatments allow many of these individuals to have a baby. Insights about preferences of patients who have experienced fertility treatment should be used to inform funding policies and treatment configurations that best reflect the patients' voice and the value of fertility treatment to patients. OBJECTIVE To explore the preferences for fertility treatment attributes of infertile women who had previously undergone or were undergoing fertility treatments-ex post perspective. METHODS We used data from a stated-preference discrete choice experiment (DCE) among 376 Australian women who had undergone or were undergoing fertility treatment. Respondents chose their preferred treatment choices in 12 hypothetical treatment choice scenarios described by seven attributes (success rates, side effects, counselling/peer support, treatment journey, continuity of care, availability of experimental treatment and out-of-pocket cost). We estimated random parameter logit (RPL) and latent class (LC) models that accounted for preference heterogeneity. The results were used to derive price elasticities of demand and marginal willingness-to-pay (WTP) values for the treatment attributes explored within the DCE survey. RESULTS Income level did not have a significant effect on marginal WTP for fertility treatment attributes. The demand for fertility treatment from an ex post perspective was found to be highly inelastic (treatment cost changes had almost no impact on demand). Success rates and out-of-pocket costs were significant and important predictors of individuals' treatment choices conditional on the attributes and levels included in the study. These were followed by counselling/peer support, side effects, treatment journey, continuity of care, and availability of experimental treatment, in that order. Respondents were willing to pay $383-$524 per one percentage point increase in the treatment success rate and over $2000 and over $3500 to avoid moderate and significant side effects, respectively (values are reported in AU$). Latent class models revealed that the majority of respondents (51%) were risk-averse success-rate seekers. CONCLUSION Infertile women who had previously undergone or were undergoing fertility treatment valued fertility treatment highly as reflected by highly price-inelastic demand. Success rate of treatment and out-of-pocket costs were the most important attributes and largely determined patients' WTP for fertility treatment relative to the attributes and levels used in the study. While further research should investigate the price sensitivity of women who have not experienced fertility treatment, these results might explain why women continue fertility treatment once they have commenced despite their financial capacity to pay. Future research should also determine patients' price elasticities for a fertility treatment program with multiple treatment cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Keller
- Centre for Big Data Research in Health, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | | | - Georgina M. Chambers
- Centre for Big Data Research in Health, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, NSW Australia
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Keller E, Chambers GM. Valuing infertility treatment: Why QALYs are inadequate, and an alternative approach to cost-effectiveness thresholds. FRONTIERS IN MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY 2022; 4:1053719. [PMID: 36619344 PMCID: PMC9822722 DOI: 10.3389/fmedt.2022.1053719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
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Jwa SC, Ishihara O, Kuwahara A, Saito K, Saito H, Terada Y, Kobayashi Y, Maeda E. Cumulative live birth rate according to the number of receiving governmental subsidies for assisted reproductive technology in Saitama Prefecture, Japan: A retrospective study using individual data for governmental subsidies. Reprod Med Biol 2021; 20:451-459. [PMID: 34646073 PMCID: PMC8499586 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We investigated the cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) in women receiving governmental subsidies for assisted reproductive technology (ART) in Saitama Prefecture, Japan. METHODS Women who applied for subsidies from Saitama Prefectural Government for the first time in 2016 were enrolled and followed up until the end of 2017. Treatment information, including live birth, was obtained from the Japanese ART registry by linking it with unique identification numbers for treatment. Patients' factors associated with having a live birth were investigated. RESULTS Of 1,072 women (2,513 applications), 495 (46.2%) had a live birth with 8 (1.6%) twin pregnancies. The CLBR over six subsidized cycles was 53.7% for women aged <40 years, and 17.2% over three subsidized cycles for women 40-42 years; highest among women <35 years (58.4%), followed by those aged 35-39 years (49.3%). Multivariate analysis revealed patient age as the only independent factor for having a live birth. CONCLUSIONS The CLBR of women receiving subsidies for ART was greatest in women aged <35 years. Effective policies for promoting ART among younger couples who seek infertility treatment are essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Chik Jwa
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologySaitama Medical UniversitySaitamaJapan
| | - Osamu Ishihara
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologySaitama Medical UniversitySaitamaJapan
| | - Akira Kuwahara
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyGraduate School of Biomedical SciencesTokushima UniversityTokushimaJapan
| | - Kazuki Saito
- Department of Comprehensive Reproductive MedicineGraduate SchoolTokyo Medical and Dental UniversityTokyoJapan
| | | | - Yukihiro Terada
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyGraduate School of MedicineAkita UniversityAkitaJapan
| | - Yasuki Kobayashi
- Department of Public HealthGraduate School of MedicineThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Eri Maeda
- Department of Environmental Health Science and Public HealthAkita University Graduate School of MedicineAkitaJapan
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Levi-Setti PE, Busnelli A, Bodina A, De Luca R, Scaravelli G. 2017–2018 Assisted Reproduction Cost Analysis Performance Indexes: Lombardy County Case Study. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2021; 3:693715. [PMID: 36303956 PMCID: PMC9580757 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2021.693715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: The aim of the present study was to analyze the IVF success rates and the economic cost per delivery in all the public funded IVF Units in Lombardy in the 2017–2018 period and to assess any significant difference in ART outcomes among the enrolled centers. Methods: Analysis of costs for the 2017 and 2018 fresh transfer delivery rate (DR) and Cumulative delivery rate (CDR) considering both fresh and frozen cycles were extracted from the ART Italian Registry on oocytes retrievals, fresh and frozen embryos and oocytes embryo transfer performed in 22 Lombardy IVF Units. Results: In 2017, 29,718 procedures were performed, resulting in 4,543 pregnancies and 3,253 deliveries. In 2018, there were 29,708 procedures, 4,665 pregnancies and 3,348 deliveries. Pregnancies lost to follow up were 5.0% with a (range of 0–67.68%) in 2017 and 3.4% (range of 0–45.1%) in 2018. The cost reimbursement for the cycles were €2,232 ($2,611) for oocyte retrieval and €2,194 ($2,567) for embryo transfer, excluding ovarian stimulation therapy and luteal phase support. 19.33 (5.80). The DR was 13.23 ± 5.69% (range 2.86–29.11%) in 2017 and 19.33 ± 5.80% in 2018 (range 11.82–34.98 %) and the CDR was 19.86 ± 9.38% (range 4.43–37.88%) in 2017 and 21.32 ± 8.84% (range 4.24–37.11%). The mean multiple pregnancy delivery rate (MDR) was 11.08 ± 5.55% (range 0.00–22.73%) in 2017 and 10.41 ± 4.99% (range 1.33–22.22%) in 2018. The mean CDR cost in euros was 26,227 ± 14,737 in 2017 and 25,018 ± 16,039 in 2018. The mean CDR cost among centers was 12,480 to 76,725 in 2017 and 12,973 to 86,203 in 2018. Conclusions: Our findings show impressive differences in the DR and CDR among centers and the importance of cryopreservation in patients' safety and economic cost reduction suggesting the formulation of specific KPI's (Key performance indexes) and minimal performance indexes (PI) as a basis for the allocation of public or insurance resources. In particular, the reduction of multiple pregnancy rates costs, may lead to a more widespread use of ART even in lower resources countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Emanuele Levi-Setti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
- Division of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynaecology, Fertility Center, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
- *Correspondence: Paolo Emanuele Levi-Setti
| | - Andrea Busnelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
- Division of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynaecology, Fertility Center, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Roberto De Luca
- Assisted Reproduction Techniques Italian National Register, National Centre for Diseases, Prevention and Health Promotion, National Health Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Scaravelli
- Assisted Reproduction Techniques Italian National Register, National Centre for Diseases, Prevention and Health Promotion, National Health Institute, Rome, Italy
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