Fertility patients' experiences of cross-border reproductive care.

OBJECTIVE

To obtain pertinent information from individuals who have either experienced cross-border reproductive care, or have considered doing so.

DESIGN

International online survey of patients in collaboration with patient support groups in Australia and Canada.

RESULT(S): Analysis of data is based on 95 usable responses, of which 28 were from individuals who indicated that they had previously participated in cross-border reproductive care. Key areas investigated in the survey included the reasons for undertaking or considering cross-border reproductive care, the specific reproductive services sought, countries in which reproductive care is sought, and participants' experiences of cross-border reproductive services. This study identified the availability of counseling services and other factors affecting patient experiences as important issues that participants considered should be taken into account by potential users of cross-border reproductive care. The internet and other media were shown to be significant sources of information about reproductive services in other countries.

CONCLUSION(S): This study highlights an essential need for accessible, accurate, and reliable information to help ensure safe and high quality care, as well as emphasizing the role that clinics in patients' home countries, feedback from other patients, governments, regulatory agencies, and Internet-based services might play in making this information more readily available.