Analysing adherence to guidelines for time-lapse imaging information on UK fertility clinic websites

Perrotta, Manuela; Zampino, Letizia; Geampana, Alina; Bhide, Priya

Abstract

This study aims to systematically analyze the provision of information on Time-lapse Imaging (TLI) by UK fertility clinic websites. We conducted an analysis of 106 clinic websites that offer fertility treatment to self-funded patients. The analysis aimed to examine whether these clinics offer TLI, the associated cost for patients, and the clarity and quality of the provided information. Out of the 106 websites analysed, 71 (67%) claimed to offer TLI. Among these websites, 25 (35.2%) mentioned charging patients between £300 and £850, 25 (35.8%) claimed not to charge patients, and 21 (29.6%) did not provide any cost information for TLI. Furthermore, 64 (90.1%) websites made claims or implied that TLI leads to improved clinical outcomes by enhancing embryo selection. Notably, 34 (47.9%) websites did not mention or provide any links to the HFEA rating system. It is crucial to provide patients with clear and accurate information to enable them to make fully informed decisions about TLI, particularly when they are responsible for the associated costs. The findings of this study raise concerns about the reliability and accuracy of the information available on fertility clinic websites, which are typically the primary source of information for patients.

Citation

Perrotta, M., Zampino, L., Geampana, A., & Bhide, P. (2024). Analysing adherence to guidelines for time-lapse imaging information on UK fertility clinic websites. Human Fertility, 27(1), Article 2346595. https://doi.org/10.1080/14647273.2024.2346595

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Apr 12, 2024
• Online Publication Date: May 20, 2024
• Publication Date: Dec 31, 2024
• Deposit Date: May 22, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: May 22, 2024
• Journal: Human Fertility
• Print ISSN: 1464-7273
• Electronic ISSN: 1742-8149
• Publisher: British Fertility Society
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 27
• Issue: 1
• Article Number: 2346595
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/14647273.2024.2346595
• Keywords: evidence, quality of information, Time-lapse imaging, fertility care, fertility clinics websites
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/2455915