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. 2023 Aug 30:3:100206.
doi: 10.1016/j.pecinn.2023.100206. eCollection 2023 Dec 15.

Consulting patients and providers of assisted reproductive technologies to inform the development of a group psychological intervention for women with infertility

Emma Warne  1 , Melissa Oxlad  1 , Talitha Best  2
Affiliations

Consulting patients and providers of assisted reproductive technologies to inform the development of a group psychological intervention for women with infertility

Emma Warne et al. PEC Innov. .

Abstract

Objective: To consult providers and women patients of Assisted Reproductive Technologies regarding their preferences for the format, duration and content in the development of a group psychological intervention.

Methods: Providers and current and past women patients of Assisted Reproductive Technologies completed an online cross-sectional survey comprising items about session content, number, frequency, timing, format, delivery mode and inclusion of experiential practice of psychological strategies to promote well-being.

Results: Eight providers, 51 current women patients and 51 women who previously underwent Assisted Reproductive Technologies participated. Sixty-two percent of participants indicated a group psychological program would be helpful; and 34% thought it may be helpful. Face-to-face was the preferred delivery mode (42%). Seventy-one percent preferred 60-min sessions held fortnightly (64%), with six sessions most acceptable (24%). Most respondents (74%) felt group participants would likely complete at-home practice. Detailed thematic content from participants highlighted a complex range of consumer challenges. Relevant behaviour change techniques were verified, with those to be included identified as: feedback and monitoring, regulation, self belief, reward and threat, natural consequences, identity, support, shaping knowledge, and comparison of outcomes.

Conclusion: Providers and patients were supportive of the development of a group psychological intervention to provide support for women undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technologies.

Innovation: The results of this study provide insight informing the co-design of a group psychological program for women with infertility.

Keywords: Assisted reproductive technologies; Behaviour change techniques; Group psychological intervention; Infertility; Women.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: Emma Warne reports financial support was provided by South Australia Society of Hypnosis to support the development of the group psychological intervention program.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Preferences Regarding Duration of Sessions.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Preferences Regarding Number of Sessions. Note. Other # continuous; open ended; indeterminant; with ongoing check ins; depends on the individual; 12; 4–6; before, during and after; not specified.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Logic Model for Group Psychological Intervention.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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