Department of People and Organisation, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.
Department of Social Sciences and Economics, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy.
Hum Fertil (Camb). 2024 Dec;27(1):2346595. doi: 10.1080/14647273.2024.2346595. Epub 2024 May 20.
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.
本研究旨在系统分析英国生育诊所网站提供的延时成像（TLI）信息。我们对 106 家向自费患者提供生育治疗的诊所网站进行了分析。该分析旨在检查这些诊所是否提供 TLI、患者的相关费用，以及提供信息的清晰度和质量。在分析的 106 个网站中，有 71 个（67%）声称提供 TLI。在这些网站中，有 25 个（35.2%）提到向患者收取 300 英镑至 850 英镑之间的费用，有 25 个（35.8%）声称不向患者收取费用，有 21 个（29.6%）没有提供 TLI 的任何费用信息。此外，有 64 个（90.1%）网站声称或暗示 TLI 通过增强胚胎选择来改善临床结果。值得注意的是，有 34 个（47.9%）网站没有提到或提供任何与 HFEA 评级系统相关的链接。向患者提供清晰准确的信息至关重要，以使他们能够充分了解 TLI 的情况，特别是当他们需要承担相关费用时。本研究的结果引发了对生育诊所网站上信息的可靠性和准确性的关注，这些网站通常是患者获取信息的主要来源。
