Ending in-vitro fertilization: women's perception's of decision making

This study was undertaken to assess patient satisfaction with the decision making process as well as with the decision made at the end of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. Couples who had decided to end treatment after unsuccessful IVF at a single hospital within the last 24 months were invited to complete a questionnaire. Valid questionnaires were returned by 71 (51%) out of a total of 139 couples. Sixty-nine (97%) questionnaires were completed by the female partner. Most women (73%) felt that they were adequately informed about the issues important to the decision. Fifty-eight women (81%) were involved with the decision making process; 38 (58%) felt supported by the clinic doctor and 41 (62%) were satisfied with the decision made. In response to a number of questions about information provision, few women (18 - 24%, depending on the individual question) felt that they had received enough information from the IVF clinician about advantages and disadvantages of stopping treatment and options such as adoption and fostering. Women contemplating the end of IVF treatment appear to be satisfied with the clinician's attitude, the decision making process and the decision made. While information provided during the final consultation is felt to be adequate for decision making, discussion about certain important options such as adoption and fostering could be more detailed.