Patient Care at Fertility Clinics – What Should You Expect?
Visiting a fertility clinic for treatment in Sandton, Johannesburg in South Africa, or anywhere else in the world, can seem daunting, especially if you are not certain of what can you expect when it comes to the level of patient care provided.
Fortunately, world-class fertility clinics here in Sandton, Johannesburg, and around the world, implement the modern standards set by the European Fertility Society (EFS), recognising both the importance of good patient care in the outcome of medical treatments and the unique healthcare challenges faced by fertility patients, which requires a modern approach called patient-centred care.
Patient care refers to health services, care, and support provided in a medical setting, such as a fertility clinic.
What is most interesting about patient care is the growing appreciation among medical professionals and their patients of the importance of patient care in the outcome of medical treatments.
Another interesting fact about patient care is the modern trend towards patient-centred care, which recognises the importance of placing the patient in the centre of individualised treatment.
Is patient care really important?
Evidence shows that patient care not only ensures that patient’s success rates are better, but also that they are more likely to return to the clinic, and more likely to leave happier.
When patients feel more supported, they go through their treatment with more confidence, while also learning how to cope with their medical condition in day-to-day life and how to improve their relationships. A higher level of patient care also reduces patient drop-out and creates a safe and comfortable environment for better outcomes.
The unique challenges faced by today’s patients
Today’s patients need a different kind of care, and this is particularly true for fertility patients.
In these modern times, patients have 24/7 access to vast amounts of information that is easily accessible. This means that many patients are no longer just passive recipients of information, simply accepting whatever doctors say. Instead, today’s patients are actively engaged in their treatments, and fertility patients are no exception.
These days, fertility patients arrive at a fertility clinic for a consultation with much more knowledge about treatments and the fertility process. They have often compared clinics and fertility success rates, and researched different treatment options and, given the costs involved and the tough emotional journey that infertility treatment can be, they expect to have a positive experience.
The shift to patient-centred care
One way a fertility clinic can create a positive experience is by providing what is called ‘patient-centred care’.
Patient-centred care – in practice – means that patients feel welcome in the fertility clinic because they are not simply treated as just numbers, coming in and out the clinic without anyone knowing their names.
Patient-centred care refers to a warm empathy towards patients evident among all clinic staff members, from the security staff and receptionist to the fertility specialists and lab technicians.
Patient-centred care also refers to an approach to treatment that ensures the best interest of the patient is at the centre of every decision.
What does patient-centred care involve?
Perhaps one of the most important components of patient-centred care is providing quality information to patients.
Easily accessible online today, there is great deal of information available about infertility, the various causes and treatment options, and the processes involved, and this information can vary from one clinic to another, while some sources may not be professional, accurate or scientific.
To contribute to more awareness about fertility and to counter misinformation, it is important that clinics provide comprehensive, user-friendly and evidence-based information about important fertility issues, highlighting the impact of lifestyle factors on fertility and treatment success rates, and also bringing male partners into fertility decisions. Given adequate information, patients are empowered to be active participants in their fertility treatment plan.
Certain information must also be provided to patients in an honest and open manner before any treatment decisions are finalised, for example, patients must be explicitly informed of possible success rates, of the likely need to repeat treatments, and the legal status of the treatments.
Another crucial component of patient-centred care in fertility clinics is the care and compassion offered to patients by all staff members, beyond providing access to a psychological counsellor, which is also crucial.
Patients should be encouraged to access appropriate support structures and should feel supported by all clinic staff at every point of contact. Just some of the suggestions from the EFS Guide to achieve this include support services through a single point of contact such as a fertility coordinator, building relationships with each patient, recognising the differing needs of international patients and patients opting for donor conception, offering a patient mentor programme, creating exit strategies for those considering ceasing treatment, and implementing support and training for staff.
For example, at Medfem Fertility Clinic, we have a team of highly trained and experienced fertility coordinators. Each one of our patient couples has their own dedicated fertility coordinators, who walk the entire journey with the couple.
The benefits of a patient-centred approach in fertility clinics
Around the world, there is a welcome shift towards this type of care, particularly in fertility clinics.
It is not surprising, as scientific evidence shows that a patient-centred approach in fertility care settings can:
In light of this, it is very important that patients are cared for and supported from entry to the clinic, if not before, and all the way through their fertility journey.
Finding patient-centred fertility clinic near you
You can download a pocket version of the Fertility Patients Care Guidance from www.europeanfertilitysociety.com to make sure you choose a fertility clinic that not only implements this world-class guidance, but also actively contributes to the development of patient-centred care.
Certainly, as technology continues to evolve, it will become ever-more important to choose a clinic that offers patient-centred care.
At our world-class Medfem Fertility Clinic, we not only adhere to the European Fertility Society’s Fertility Patients Care Guidance, we are also active supporters of the modern approach of patient-centred care in fertility. We are very proud that our very own Dr Mandy Rodrigues – resident clinical psychologist at Medfem Fertility Clinic – was one of the 18 experts who created this important Guide that will benefit fertility patients globally and drive person-centred care at fertility clinics across the world.
This is because our team at Medfem Fertility Clinic believes in making world-class fertility treatments available for everyone. It is our joy and commitment to give you a positive outcome to your fertility journey, so you will have a fond memory of feeling empathy, caring and being part of the Medfem Fertility Clinic family.
At Medfem, we believe in helping you reach your family dream through:
If you would like to meet one of our fertility specialists at Medfem Fertility Clinic, simply click here to book an initial consultation or contact us telephonically on +27 (11) 463 2244.
Our Fertility Specialists can also meet with You During a Virtual Consultation Via Zoom or Skype. Click here to book a virtual consultation now.
We look forward to meeting you!