Stress in assisted reproductive technology: implications for nursing practice

In a follow-up study about women's experience of assisted reproductive technology (ART) some events were identified as particularly stressful, including making the decision to try ART, starting treatment, waiting for results after a scan, having oocyte collection, the 2 week wait after embryo transfer and finding out that the treatment was unsuccessful. On the basis of these findings, a review of the literature and extensive clinical practice as a nurse co-ordinator in an ART programme, implications for nursing practice are discussed and strategies to use that may help reduce stress and improve the well-being of ART participants are suggested.