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. 2023 Jun;40(6):1479-1494.
doi: 10.1007/s10815-023-02792-1. Epub 2023 Apr 24.

Clinical and laboratory key performance indicators in IVF: A consensus between the Italian Society of Fertility and Sterility and Reproductive Medicine (SIFES-MR) and the Italian Society of Embryology, Reproduction and Research (SIERR)

Alberto Vaiarelli #  1 , Carlotta Zacà #  2 , Valentina Spadoni  2 , Danilo Cimadomo  3 , Alessandro Conforti  4 , Carlo Alviggi  5 , Roberto Palermo  6 , Carlo Bulletti  7   8 , Lucia De Santis  9 , Valerio Pisaturo  10 , Vincenzo Vigiliano  11 , Giulia Scaravelli  11 , Filippo Maria Ubaldi  3 , Andrea Borini  2
Affiliations

Clinical and laboratory key performance indicators in IVF: A consensus between the Italian Society of Fertility and Sterility and Reproductive Medicine (SIFES-MR) and the Italian Society of Embryology, Reproduction and Research (SIERR)

Alberto Vaiarelli et al. J Assist Reprod Genet. 2023 Jun.

Abstract

Purpose: Infertility is increasing worldwide, and many couples seek IVF. Clinical management and laboratory work are fundamental in the IVF journey. Therefore, the definition of reliable key performance indicators (KPIs) based on clinical and laboratory parameters, is essential for internal quality control (IQC). Laboratory performance indicators have been identified and a first attempt to also determine clinical ones has been recently published. However, more detailed indicators are required.

Methods: An Italian group of experts in Reproductive Medicine from both public and private clinics on behalf of SIFES-MR and SIERR was established to define IVF indicators to monitor clinical performance.

Results: The working group built a consensus on a list of KPIs, performance indicators (PIs) and recommendation indicators (RIs). When deemed necessary, the reference population was stratified by woman age, response to ovarian stimulation and adoption of preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies (PGT-A). Each indicator was scored with a value from 1 to 5 and a weighted average formula - considering all the suggested parameters-was defined. This formula generates a center performance score, indicating low, average, good, or excellent performance.

Conclusion: This study is intended to provide KPIs, PIs and RIs that encompass several essential aspects of a modern IVF clinic, including quality control and constant monitoring of clinical and embryological features. These indicators could be used to assess the quality of each center with the aim of improving efficacy and efficiency in IVF.

Keywords: Assisted reproductive technology; Consensus meeting; Key performance indicators; Performance indicators; Quality improvement; Recommendations.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest related with the content of this manuscript.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Overview of the workflow adopted to build the SIFES-MR and SIERR Consensus on the performance indicators for IVF clinical practice
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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