RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 P198 Adherence To Infertility Guidelines With Regard To Treatment Policy
JF BMJ Quality & Safety
JO BMJ Qual Saf
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd
SP A67
OP A67
DO 10.1136/bmjqs-2013-002293.202
VO 22
IS Suppl 1
A1 Kersten, F
A1 Nelen, W
A1 Goddijn, M
A1 Braat, D
A1 Mol, B
A1 Hermens, R
YR 2013
UL http://qualitysafety.bmj.com/content/22/Suppl_1/A67.2.abstract
AB Background Nowadays, prognostic models are increasingly being used in reproductive medicine. One of these models calculates the chances of conception for couples with unexplained infertility and subsequently indicates the right treatment policy. The Dutch national network guideline on infertility recommends the use of this prognostic model to prevent unnecessary treatment. This strategy is supported by international guidelines on the management of infertility (ESHRE and NICE). Objectives The aim of this study is to evaluate guideline adherence regarding treatment policy for couples with unexplained infertility in 25 Dutch clinics. Methods In this retrospective study, we assessed guideline adherence with regard to 1) the use of the prognostic model and 2) the right treatment decision. Data were collected from medical records. Results In this abstract we present the preliminary data of ten clinics. At the GIN conference we will have the results of all 25 participating clinics. So far we included 208 couples with unexplained infertility. In 54% of the couples the prognostic model was used. In 69% of the couples the right treatment decision was primarily made. However, ultimately, 41% of all couples received unnecessary treatment. Discussion This study shows that adherence to the guideline regarding treatment policy is not optimal. Despite the guideline recommendations, more than one third of couples are exposed to unnecessary treatment and risks. Implications for Guideline Developers/Users Implementation of the guideline is not optimal. To improve guideline implementation a multifaceted strategy has to be developed and evaluated.