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Guideline-based development of quality indicators for subfertility care
S M Mourad1, R P M G Hermens, W L D M Nelen
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Human Reproduction (Oxford, England)
|August 1, 2007
Summary
This study developed 39 quality indicators for subfertility care to assess adherence to clinical guidelines. These indicators will help improve the quality of care for patients experiencing infertility.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Healthcare Quality Improvement
- Clinical Guideline Development
Background:
- Clinical guidelines for subfertility care exist internationally.
- Implementing these guidelines requires insight into daily practice and valid quality indicators.
- Existing subfertility guideline programs lack satisfactory quality indicators.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a set of valid guideline-based quality indicators for subfertility care.
- To establish measurable indicators for assessing adherence to clinical guidelines in infertility treatment.
Main Methods:
- A systematic RAND-modified Delphi method was employed.
- Recommendations were based on 10 Dutch subfertility guidelines, international literature, and existing indicators.
- Expert opinions appraised recommendations on efficacy, health gain, applicability, and care improvement potential.
Main Results:
- 39 key recommendations were selected from 303 initial ones.
- The recommendations included 2 structural and 37 procedural aspects.
- Procedural aspects covered indications for treatment, diagnostic procedures, treatment procedures, and patient information.
Conclusions:
- A systematic method was used to develop 39 process and structure indicators.
- These indicators can monitor the quality of subfertility care.
- The developed indicators aim to improve guideline adherence and patient outcomes in infertility treatment.
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