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The IVF league tables: time for a reality check
Khaldoun Sharif1, Masoud Afnan
1Assisted Conception Unit, Birmingham Women's Hospital, Birmingham B15 2TG, UK. khaldoun.sherif@bham-womens.thenhs.com
Human Reproduction (Oxford, England)
|March 5, 2003
Summary
Published IVF clinic results can be misleading due to factors like patient selection. This study discusses how to ensure valid and equal comparisons of in vitro fertilization (IVF) clinic success rates for better patient guidance.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Health Services Research
Background:
- National regulatory bodies publish In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) clinic results, often presented as comparative
- league tables
- which appear authoritative.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate the validity of published IVF clinic results.
- To identify factors influencing reported IVF outcomes.
- To propose methods for equitable and accurate IVF clinic comparisons.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of factors influencing IVF data reporting.
- Discussion of potential biases in patient selection and management.
- Review of current regulatory practices for IVF outcome publication.
Main Results:
- Reported IVF success rates can be inflated by clinic-controlled variables.
- Existing "IVF league tables" may mislead patients rather than guide them.
- Lack of standardized reporting criteria hinders valid comparisons.
Conclusions:
- The IVF community requires a revised approach to clinic performance assessment.
- Standardized criteria and transparent reporting are essential for valid IVF comparisons.
- Developing equitable methods is crucial for informed patient decision-making.
Keywords:
Genetics and Reproduction