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Evidence-based fertility treatment: what do we mean?
1Institute of Medical and Social Care Research, University of Wales Bangor, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2UW, UK.
Human Fertility (Cambridge, England)
|July 19, 2003
Summary
Evidence-based fertility treatment is crucial for effective UK infertility services. A proposed National Service Framework (NSF) requires rigorous evidence to ensure cost-effectiveness and quality care.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Health Services Research
- Evidence-Based Practice
Background:
- The UK's proposed National Service Framework (NSF) for Infertility Services aims to standardize care.
- Evidence-based health care principles are central to the NSF's development.
- The effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of infertility services are under scrutiny.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define 'evidence-based fertility treatment'.
- To review the relevance of evidence-based health care to the proposed NSF.
- To propose an agenda for NSF development, focusing on evidence synthesis.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature reviewing principles are summarized.
- A preliminary review of evidence underpinning proposed guidelines was conducted.
- The strengths and weaknesses of the NSF's evidence base were assessed.
Main Results:
- The NSF's strength lies in its National Evidence-Based Clinical Guidelines.
- A key weakness is the limited rigorous evidence supporting these guidelines.
- The NSF team must actively appraise, enhance, and synthesize existing reviews.
Conclusions:
- The proposed NSF is vital for the future effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of UK infertility services.
- Strengthening the evidence base for clinical guidelines is paramount.
- Failure to develop a robust NSF risks compromising infertility care in the UK.
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