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. 2011 Nov;28(11):1129-33.
doi: 10.1007/s10815-011-9639-0. Epub 2011 Sep 23.

Reducing inter-observer variability in embryo evaluation by means of training courses

Rafael Ruiz de Assin  1 , Ana Clavero, Maria Carmen Gonzalvo, Antonio Rosales, Sandra Zamora, Luis Martinez, Juan Mozas, Jose Antonio Castilla
Affiliations

Reducing inter-observer variability in embryo evaluation by means of training courses

Rafael Ruiz de Assin et al. J Assist Reprod Genet. 2011 Nov.

Abstract

Purpose: To study the utility of a training session offered to junior embryologists, comparing the results obtained with those reported by a group of senior embryologists.

Methods: The 62 junior embryologists participanting were asked to decide on the quality of the embryos and theg clinical decision to be taken.

Results: The junior embryologists' success rate following the training course was significantly higher than before for embryo classification (48.4% ± 20.4 vs. 59.7% ±16.7) (p < 0.05) and for clinical decision (54.7% ± 19.6 vs. 68.7% ± 17.6) (p < 0.005). Comparison of the degree of agreement between the categories assigned by the junior embryologists and those assigned by consensus among the group of senior embryologists revealed kappa values of k = 0.32 before the course and of k = 0.54 after it. The comparison between pre- and post-training junior and senior embryologists also reflected an improvement in the kappa index for clinical decision, from k = 0.54 to k = 0.68.

Conclusions: Training courses are shown to be an effective tool for increasing the degree of agreement between junior and senior embryologists.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Percentage of embryos agreed upon by all of the junior embryologists in the training course. a Embryo classification; b Clinical decision
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