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The role of infertility nurses in ovulation induction programmes
1Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust, Beckett Street, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK.
Human Fertility (Cambridge, England)
|October 10, 2001
Summary
Infertility nurses play a crucial role in assisted reproduction, managing tasks like ultrasounds and medication administration. Their expanding responsibilities in ovulation induction programs enhance patient care and streamline treatment processes.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Nursing Practice
Background:
- The demands on couples undergoing assisted reproduction are increasing.
- The role of infertility nurses is evolving to meet these demands.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the responsibilities of infertility nurses in current ovulation induction programs.
- To assess the extent of nursing involvement in various fertility clinic tasks.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire was distributed to fertility units listed in The Patients' Guide to DI and IVF Clinics.
- A 71% response rate was achieved, with data analyzed from specialist and other fertility units.
Main Results:
- Specialist units have more nurses involved in fertility programs than other staff.
- Nurses perform tasks including initial consultations, transvaginal ultrasounds, intrauterine inseminations, medication administration, sperm preparation, and pregnancy tests.
- Nurses are significantly involved in ovulation induction: 39% perform intrauterine inseminations, 23% decide on human chorionic gonadotrophin administration, and over 77% perform transvaginal scans.
Conclusions:
- Infertility nurses play a major role in ovulation induction programs.
- An expanded role for infertility nurse practitioners, with adequate training, can improve continuity of care and patient understanding.
- Increased nursing involvement leads to fewer individuals managing overall patient care.