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Montgomery NDM, Terrion JL. Pathways to social support: IVF patients' motivation toward peers and selection preferences. Health Care Women Int 2023; 44:378-396. [PMID: 36735905 DOI: 10.1080/07399332.2023.2172412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Infertility rates are increasing internationally, and its treatment, in-vitro fertilization (IVF) imposes stress on women as primary patients. In this study, led by a researcher with lived experience in infertility, we seek to uncover the pathways that lead IVF patients toward peer support; mainly what precipitates patients' decisions to seek peer support and how they select their peer. Having interviewed 23 IVF patients, we found that prior to disclosing to a peer, women reflect on information about their condition and their personal support needs and reconcile support gaps within their couple and social circles as they gauge their personal motivation to seek peer support. The demands of IVF compel patients to gravitate toward other women with shared experience. Prior to disclosure, patients consider diverse points of connection as well as desirable peer traits including previous IVF experience, other common ground and full transparency in a peer's communication style.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Dimitra M Montgomery
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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2
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Delaunay C, Gouveia L, Santos MJ, Morais R. (De)Bonding with embryos: The emotional choreographies of Portuguese IVF patients. Soc Sci Med 2023; 321:115770. [PMID: 36848713 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.115770] [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: 09/17/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
In this article we develop the new concept of emotional choreography to describe how patients bond, debond and/or rebond with their embryos created in vitro using assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Using this concept, we explore how the patients' management of their own emotions intertwines with political, scientific, and religious factors. Our analysis relies on and further advances Thompson's concepts of ethical and ontological "choreography". It is through these forms of choreography that complex contemporary biomedical issues with high political, ethical, and scientific stakes are negotiated, and through which different actors, entities, practices, roles, and norms undergo mutual constitution, reinforcement and (re)definition. Our article draws on the analysis of 69 in-depth interviews and the results of an online survey with 85 respondents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Delaunay
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Social Sciences (CICS.NOVA), Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (NOVA FCSH), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Luís Gouveia
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Social Sciences (CICS.NOVA), Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (NOVA FCSH), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Mário Jds Santos
- Iscte - Instituto Universitário de Lisboa, Centro de Investigação e Estudos de Sociologia, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rita Morais
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Social Sciences (CICS.NOVA), Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (NOVA FCSH), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Portugal; Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Portugal
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3
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Lin JW, Shorey S. Online peer support communities in the infertility journey: A systematic mixed-studies review. Int J Nurs Stud 2023; 140:104454. [PMID: 36841192 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2023.104454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infertile individuals desire support, as they are highly vulnerable to multi-dimensional distress. However, support from family, friends and professionals has been found to be inadequate for their needs. Online peer support communities are avenues where infertile individuals come together virtually to share experiences and provide peer support. Though they are known to fulfil the major need of understanding and sharing experiences, little is known about their actual role in supporting individuals struggling with infertility. OBJECTIVE To systematically consolidate and explore the role of online peer support communities for infertile individuals. DESIGN This is a systematic mixed-studies review. METHODS Eight published and unpublished databases were screened for English studies from inception to October 2022: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Scopus and ProQuest. Forty-nine studies were included, and quality was appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Data-based convergent qualitative (narrative and thematic) synthesis was conducted. RESULTS An overarching theme titled: Online peer support, a 'double-edged sword' and four themes were identified: 1) Receiving varied types of support with mutual benefits; 2) convenient and "safe haven" with diverse options for struggling couples; 3) herd mentality and negative collective emotions; and 4) credibility, confidentiality, and misinformation. The online communities were mainly utilised by couples in their late 20s to early 30s and the users were predominantly females. Online communities were mostly on forums and popular social media sites, public and unmoderated. Findings revealed that there were two-way benefits for both providers and receivers of peer support. Online communities were also found to be convenient and "safe haven" with diverse options for struggling couples. Conversely for some couples, online communities led to negative collective emotions and feelings of "unrelatedness" despite being among "similar others". Lastly, some couples raised concerns around the credibility, confidentiality, and misinformation from the online communities. CONCLUSIONS Whilst online communities are crucial in the individuals' journey through infertility, they can act as a 'double-edged' sword if not managed by professionals. Healthcare professionals can monitor online communities to improve fertility care for individuals; advice individuals to use online communities with caution, rain peer volunteers and develop expert-moderated peer support online communities. REGISTRATION NUMBER PROSPERO [CRD42022291461]. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT Online peer-to-peer support communities may be a double-edged sword for infertile individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wen Lin
- Nursing Division, National University Hospital, 5 Lower Kent Ridge Rd, 119074, Singapore
| | - Shefaly Shorey
- Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Level 2, Clinical Research Centre, Block MD11, 10 Medical Drive, 117597, Singapore.
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René C, Landry I, de Montigny F. Couples' experiences of pregnancy resulting from assisted reproductive technologies: A qualitative meta-synthesis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NURSING STUDIES ADVANCES 2022; 4:100059. [PMID: 38745619 PMCID: PMC11080439 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnsa.2021.100059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Across the world, a growing number of couples are directly or indirectly affected by infertility. Advances in assisted reproductive technologies are now enabling many of them to plan to have a child. As pregnancies resulting from assisted reproductive technologies are being experienced by a growing number of couples, it is important to better understand their experiences and the difficulties they encounter during the prenatal period. Objective This literature review aims to synthesize the qualitative results of primary studies in order to better understand couples' experiences of pregnancy resulting from assisted reproductive technologies, after having experienced infertility. Design A meta-synthesis was conducted in accordance with the guidelines put forth by Sandelowski and Barroso in order to carry out an integrative analysis of the knowledge resulting from qualitative studies on this phenomenon. Data sources The literature search was carried out between October and November 2020. Seven electronic databases were searched (CINAHL, Medline, PsycNet, SCOPUS, ScienceDirect, CAIRN, ERUDIT) and 14 eligible articles were selected. Review methods The data from the "results" and "findings" sections of each of the articles were synthesized through thematic analysis to examine and summarize the topics found in the articles selected and develop the main themes. Results The thematic analysis is structured around four themes to describe and interpret different aspects of the experience of pregnancy resulting from ART, namely: 1) travelling a long and complex journey; 2) moving on with paradoxical emotions; 3) struggling with an emerging identity; and 4) reorganizing relationships. These results shed light on the complex issues faced by couples previously affected by infertility during a pregnancy resulting from assisted reproductive technologies. Conclusion The journey of a pregnancy resulting from assisted reproductive technologies must be recognized in order to offer support in line with the challenges faced by couples. This research will allow for a deeper understanding of women's experience, as well as that of their partner's, in a more specific way, and to better understand the impact on family and loved ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline René
- Department of Nursing, Université du Québec en Outaouais, 283, boulevard Alexandre-Taché, Gatineau, Québec J9A 1L8, Canada
| | - Isabelle Landry
- Department of Nursing, Université du Québec en Outaouais, 283, boulevard Alexandre-Taché, Gatineau, Québec J9A 1L8, Canada
| | - Francine de Montigny
- Department of Nursing, Université du Québec en Outaouais, 283, boulevard Alexandre-Taché, Gatineau, Québec J9A 1L8, Canada
- Director Paternity, Family and Society Research Team, Full Professor, Department of Nursing, Université du Québec en Outaouais, 283, boulevard Alexandre-Taché, Gatineau, Québec J9A 1L8, Canada
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5
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Portuguese Version of the Spiritual Well-Being Questionnaire: Validation Study in People under Assisted Reproductive Techniques. RELIGIONS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/rel13050400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Attention has been given to the experience of individuals undergoing assisted reproductive techniques. However, only recent literature has focused on the spiritual journey triggered by such an event and highlighted the nurses and midwives’ roles in the assessment of the spiritual needs of those living with infertility. This study aimed to perform a psychometric test of the factor structure of the Portuguese version of the Spiritual Well-being Questionnaire in a sample of people undergoing assisted reproductive techniques. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2019 and June 2020 on a sample of 104 Portuguese adults attending fertility treatment. An online questionnaire was released on fertility-related websites. A confirmatory factor analysis was conducted on six hypothesized models of the instrument. The findings provided evidence of an adequate internal consistency of the instrument, and the validity and reliability of the oblique four-factor model was confirmed. Spiritual well-being had a significant association with the nature of infertility and a higher score was achieved by participants that perceived religion as very important. This study provides a validated tool for nurses and midwives to assess spiritual well-being and promote an integrated reproductive healthcare approach. Further longitudinal research with bigger samples would provide more evidence of the spiritual needs of people living with this condition.
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LoGiudice JA. A Narrative Analysis of the In Vitro Fertilization Experiences of Survivors of Sexual Abuse. Nurs Womens Health 2022; 26:107-115. [PMID: 35219687 DOI: 10.1016/j.nwh.2022.01.007] [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: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the lived experience of in vitro fertilization (IVF) from the perspective of survivors of sexual abuse. DESIGN In this qualitative study, narrative analysis provided the framework to understand participants' IVF experiences. SETTING Participants were recruited through a regional support group for women with infertility. PARTICIPANTS Three women (mean age = 33.3 years) who self-identified as a survivor of sexual abuse and had at least one IVF experience participated in this study. MEASUREMENTS Each participant wrote a narrative text of her experience. Burke's method was followed for analysis of the narratives. RESULTS The most frequent imbalance was between what is happening (i.e., IVF procedures) and how the health care team provided the care. The repercussion was a negative experience for survivors, stemming from an insensitive manner in which their physical and verbal care was delivered by health care teams. These women were also deeply protective of their oocytes (eggs), embryos, and children. CONCLUSION Health care providers may use these findings to better meet the physical and psychological needs of survivors of sexual abuse who are coping with infertility. Providers can have a more positive effect on the IVF experience of survivors by ensuring that the procedures they perform and the information they share are explained fully and delivered in a trauma-informed manner.
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Mounce G, Allan HT, Carey N. 'Just have some IVF!': A longitudinal ethnographic study of couples' experiences of seeking fertility treatment. SOCIOLOGY OF HEALTH & ILLNESS 2022; 44:308-327. [PMID: 35076088 PMCID: PMC9303759 DOI: 10.1111/1467-9566.13429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
We present findings from a longitudinal ethnographic study of infertile couples seeking treatment following initial GP referral to specialist fertility services. Repeated observations and interviews were undertaken with the same 14 heterosexual participants over an 18-month period. Heterosexual, non-donor couples comprise the majority of fertility clinic patients; however, research interest in this group has dwindled over time as IVF cycles have increased. In the United Kingdom, IVF is presented as a logical response to involuntary childlessness, and as an entirely predictable, and linear, course of action. The market is well-developed and often patients' first experience of privatised health care in the NHS. Our couples were challenged by this, and while they felt expected to move on to IVF, some wished to explore other options. While IVF is ubiquitous, the discomfort and challenge around fertility treatments remain; experiences are prolonged and characterised by recursive narratives and expressions of disequilibrium, which are rarely acknowledged and reflected in ongoing clinic-patient interactions. Our findings develop understanding of the process of 'mazing' (Image - The Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 1989, 21, 220), the pursuit of parenthood, by showing that the routine and normative status of IVF, at least in the current health care context, is at odds with the lived experiences of individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ginny Mounce
- School of Nursing and MidwiferyOxford Brookes University/University of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Helen T Allan
- Department of Nursing, Midwifery and Child HealthMiddlesex UniversityMiddlesexUK
| | - Nicola Carey
- Department of Nursing and MidwiferyUniversity of the Highlands and IslandsInvernessUK
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8
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‘Focusing and Unfocusing’—Cognitive, Evaluative, and Emotional Dynamics in the Relationship with Human Embryos among ART Beneficiaries. SOCIETIES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/soc12010007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
This article uses data gathered from a study conducted in Portugal to examine the (plural and composite) conceptions that doctors, embryologists, and beneficiaries of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) have of the in vitro human embryo. Taking the sociology of engagements, developed by Thévenot, as its theoretical lens, the article draws on a total of 69 interviews with ART patients to analyse the plurality of fluid meanings produced about this biological entity, whose status is neither static nor universal. ART beneficiaries are likely to produce plural conceptions of the lab-generated embryo within the framework of different regimes of engagement, understood as cognitive and evaluative formats. These various pragmatic regimes, in turn, entail distinct emotional investments. When speaking about their relationship with embryos, beneficiaries therefore express plural emotional experiences, which are articulated using terms such as affection, love, detachment, loss, frustration, hope, mourning, and anguish. Using the theoretical framework of the sociology of engagements, we propose an approach that enables us to produce a detailed record of the connections between the cognitive, evaluative, and emotional dimensions in beneficiaries’ relationship with—and decision-making processes about—the embryos, accounting for the plasticity of emotional states linked to the (re)configuration of attributed meanings.
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9
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De Proost M, Hudson N, Provoost V. 'Nothing will stop me from giving the gift of life': a qualitative analysis of egg donor forum posts. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2021; 23:690-704. [PMID: 32212987 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2020.1722242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Online spaces are increasingly important for our collective consciousness and provide an opportunity to document changing ideas, subjectivities and experiences surrounding new reproductive technologies. This paper reports on the first study of egg donation and online discussion boards in UK-based forums. Using thematic analysis, we investigated how donors use online forums and explored how they present themselves as possible donors in online spaces. Three major themes were identified: 'using online forums to exchange knowledge and experiences', 'egg donation as a gift' and 'having a drive to donate'. Findings from the study reveal how donors enter online spaces looking for advice, presenting themselves as available and weaving themselves into an online community. There exist multiple ways in which donors construct and narrate their own participation in the process of egg donation. Presenting a donor identity in these online forums is not a straightforward matter of helping by giving but also involves a specific drive. While more research is needed on the range of possible motivations, this study gives a better understanding of the available online information and the co-construction of donor identities on discussions boards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michiel De Proost
- Gender, Diversity and Intersectionality Research Centre (RHEA), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Bioethics Institute Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Nicky Hudson
- Centre for Reproduction Research, De Montfort University, Leicester, United Kingdom
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10
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Purewal S, Chapman SCE, van den Akker OBA. Depression and state anxiety scores during assisted reproductive treatment are associated with outcome: a meta-analysis. Reprod Biomed Online 2018; 36:646-657. [PMID: 29622404 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2018.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Revised: 03/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/08/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
This meta-analysis investigated whether state anxiety and depression scores during assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment and changes in state anxiety and depression scores between baseline and during ART treatment are associated with treatment outcome. PubMed, PsycInfo, Embase, ScienceDirect, Web of Science and Scopus were searched and meta-analytic data analysed using random effects models to estimate standardized mean differences. Eleven studies (2202 patients) were included. Women who achieved pregnancy had significantly lower depression scores during treatment than women who did not become pregnant (-0.302; 95% CI: -0.551 to -0.054, z = -2.387, P = 0.017; I2 = 77.142%, P = 0.001). State anxiety scores were also lower in women who became pregnant (-0.335; 95% CI: -0.582 to -0.087, z = -2.649, P = 0.008; I2 = 81.339%, P = 0.001). However, changes in state anxiety (d = -0.056; 95% CI: -0.195 to 0.082, z = -0.794; I2 = 0.00%) and depression scores (d = -0.106; 95% CI: -0.296 to 0.085, z = -1.088; I2 = 0.00%) from baseline to treatment were not associated with ART outcome. Clinics should aim to promote better psychosocial care to help patients manage the psychological and physical demands of ART treatment, giving realistic expectations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satvinder Purewal
- Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Education, Health and Wellbeing, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, WV1 1AD, UK.
| | - Sarah C E Chapman
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Bath, Claverton Down Road, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK
| | - Olga B A van den Akker
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Middlesex University, London, NW4 4BT, UK
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11
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Romeiro J, Caldeira S, Brady V, Timmins F, Hall J. Spiritual aspects of living with infertility: A synthesis of qualitative studies. J Clin Nurs 2017; 26:3917-3935. [DOI: 10.1111/jocn.13813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joana Romeiro
- Institute of Health Sciences; Universidade Católica Portuguesa; Lisbon Portugal
| | - Sílvia Caldeira
- Institute of Health Sciences; Universidade Católica Portuguesa; Lisbon Portugal
| | - Vivienne Brady
- School of Nursing and Midwifery; Trinity College Dublin; Dublin Ireland
| | - Fiona Timmins
- School of Nursing and Midwifery; Trinity College Dublin; Dublin Ireland
| | - Jenny Hall
- Centre of Midwifery, Maternal and Perinatal Health; Faculty of Health and Social Sciences; Bournemouth University; Poole UK
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12
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The Spiritual Journey of Infertile Couples: Discussing the Opportunity for Spiritual Care. RELIGIONS 2017. [DOI: 10.3390/rel8040076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Minian N, Noormohamed A, Dragonetti R, Maher J, Lessels C, Selby P. Blogging to Quit Smoking: Sharing Stories from Women of Childbearing Years in Ontario. SUBSTANCE ABUSE-RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2016; 10:21-6. [PMID: 27199562 PMCID: PMC4866799 DOI: 10.4137/sart.s34551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2015] [Revised: 03/06/2016] [Accepted: 03/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
This study examined the degree to which the pregnant or postpartum women, in the process of quitting smoking, felt that writing in a blog about their smoking cessation journeys helped them in their efforts to become or remain smoke free. Five women who blogged for Prevention of Gestational and Neonatal Exposure to Tobacco Smoke (a website designed to help pregnant and postpartum women quit smoking) were interviewed about their experiences as bloggers. Participants were asked to complete an online survey, which had closed-ended questions regarding their sociodemographic and smoking characteristics. Once they completed the survey, semistructured qualitative interviews were conducted over the phone. Findings suggest that blogging might combine several evidence-based behavioral strategies for tobacco cessation, such as journaling and getting support from others who use tobacco. Being part of a blogging community of women who have experienced or are experiencing similar challenges can be therapeutic and help women gain confidence in their ability to quit smoking. In conclusion, blogging may help pregnant and postpartum women quit smoking by increasing their social support and promoting self-reflection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Peter Selby
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health; Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto; Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto; Ontario Tobacco Research Unit
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14
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Paradox of Modern Pregnancy: A Phenomenological Study of Women's Lived Experiences from Assisted Pregnancy. J Pregnancy 2015; 2015:543210. [PMID: 26064687 PMCID: PMC4433712 DOI: 10.1155/2015/543210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2015] [Accepted: 04/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of our study was describing the meaning of pregnancy through Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs). A qualitative design with hermeneutic phenomenology approach was selected to carry out the research. Semistructured in-depth interviews were conducted with 12 women who experienced assisted pregnancy. Three themes emerged from women's experience including finding peace in life, paradoxical feelings, and struggling to realize a dream. We concluded that pregnancy is the beginning of a new and hard struggle for women with fertility problems. The findings of our study resulted in helpful implications for the health care professionals managing assisted pregnancies.
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15
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Aarts JWM, Vennik F, Nelen WLDM, van der Eijk M, Bloem BR, Faber MJ, Kremer JAM. Personal health communities: a phenomenological study of a new health-care concept. Health Expect 2014; 18:2091-106. [PMID: 24646089 DOI: 10.1111/hex.12177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Fragmentation of care, complexity of diseases and the need to involve patients actively in their individual health care led to the development of the personal health community (PHC). In a PHC, patients can -regardless of the nature of their condition- invite all professionals that are involved in their health care process. Once gathered, the patient and health care team can exchange information about the patient's health and communicate through several functionalities, in a secured environment. OBJECTIVES Exploring the use, first experiences and potential consequences of using PHCs in health care. DESIGN Qualitative phenomenological study. PARTICIPANTS Eighteen respondents, consisting of women experiencing infertility (n = 5), persons with Parkinson's disease (n = 6), a gynaecologist, a fertility doctor, a fertility nurse, three Parkinson's specialist nurses and a neurologist. RESULTS First experiences with PHCs showed that patients use their PHC differently, dependending on their condition and people involved. Various (potential) advantages for future health care were mentioned relating to both organizational aspects of care (e.g. continuity of care) and the human side of care (e.g. personal care). Patient involvement in care was facilitated. Disadvantages were the amount of work that it took and technological issues. CONCLUSIONS Using PHCs leads to promising improvements in both the organization of care and care experience, according to the participants in this study. They indicate that patients with different diseases and in different circumstances can benefit from these improvements. The PHC seem to be an online tool that can be applied in a personalized way. When (technically) well facilitated, it could stimulate active involvement of patients in their own health and health care. It warrants further research to study its effect on concrete health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Femke Vennik
- Institute of Health Policy & Management (iBMG), Erasmus University Rotterdam, DR Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Willianne L D M Nelen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Martijn van der Eijk
- Department of Neurology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Bastiaan R Bloem
- Department of Neurology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Marjan J Faber
- Scientific Institute for Quality of Healthcare, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Jan A M Kremer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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16
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Reflections of Dutch patients on IVF treatment in Belgium: a qualitative analysis of internet forums. Hum Reprod 2013; 28:1013-22. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/des461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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17
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Barnes M, Roiko A, Reed R, Williams C, Willcocks K. Outcomes for women and infants following assisted conception: implications for perinatal education, care, and support. J Perinat Educ 2013; 21:18-23. [PMID: 23277727 DOI: 10.1891/1058-1243.21.1.18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Assisted conception is becoming an increasingly more common treatment option for women and couples who experience fertility problems. Links have been made in the literature between assisted conception and a greater incidence of pregnancy or birth complications, low birth weight or premature babies, and babies with congenital abnormalities. In addition, evidence suggests that the experience of assisted conception may influence the development of early mothering relationships and impact parenting adjustment. Although this commentary article does not strategically review all available literature, it provides an overview of the health issues that women and families undergoing assisted conception have experienced or may experience. Through raising awareness and promoting discussion of these issues, practitioners will be better equipped to provide informed education and support.
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18
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BEHBOODI-MOGHADAM Z, SALSALI M, EFTEKHAR-ARDABILY H, VAISMORADI M, RAMEZANZADEH F. Experiences of infertility through the lens of Iranian infertile women: A qualitative study. Jpn J Nurs Sci 2012; 10:41-6. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-7924.2012.00208.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Aarts JWM, van den Haak P, Nelen WLDM, Tuil WS, Faber MJ, Kremer JAM. Patient-focused internet interventions in reproductive medicine: a scoping review. Hum Reprod Update 2011; 18:211-27. [PMID: 22108381 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmr045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Internet has revolutionized fertility care since it became a popular source of information and support for infertile patients in the last decade. The aim of this scoping review is to map (i) the main categories of patient-focused Internet interventions within fertility care, (ii) the detailed composition of the interventions and (iii) how these interventions were evaluated. METHODS A literature search used various 'Internet' and 'Infertility' search terms to identify relevant studies published up to 1 September 2011. The selected studies had to include patients facing infertility and using an infertility-related Internet intervention. We charted data regarding categories of interventions, components of interventions and evaluation methodology. We categorized the stages of research using the UK's Medical Research Council framework for evaluating complex interventions. RESULTS We included 20 studies and identified 3 educational interventions, 2 self-help interventions, 1 human-supported therapeutic intervention, 9 online support groups and 2 counselling services. Information provision, support and mental health promotion were common aims. Few interactive online components were present in the online programmes. Three studies were in the pilot phase and 17 were in the evaluation phase. CONCLUSIONS Several categories of patient-focused Internet-based interventions in fertility care are primarily applied to provide support and education and promote mental health. The interventions could be improved by using more interactive and dynamic elements as their key components. Finally, more emphasis on methodological standards for complex interventions is needed to produce more rigorous evaluations. This review shows where further development or research into patient-focused Internet interventions in fertility-care practice may be warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- J W M Aarts
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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