Attaining self-care in infertility treatment

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Nursing Science
• Qualitative Health Research

Background:

• Infertility affects numerous couples globally, necessitating effective patient support strategies.
• Current approaches to infertility treatment often overlook the patient's evolving role in self-care.
• Understanding patient perceptions is crucial for developing patient-centered care models.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore couples' perceptions during infertility assessment and treatment.
• To develop a substantive theory of self-care attainment for individuals undergoing infertility treatment.
• To identify key phases in the transition from passive to active patient roles.

Main Methods:

• Grounded theory methodology was employed.
• Constant comparative analysis guided theory development.
• Data were collected from 25 couples undergoing infertility assessment and treatment.

Main Results:

• A four-phase sequential model of self-care attainment was developed.
• Phase 1: Perceiving physicians lack a complete picture.
• Phase 2: Actively acquiring knowledge.
• Phase 3: Taking control of treatment.
• Phase 4: Being satisfied with treatment outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Infertile patients progress through distinct phases toward active self-care.
• A self-care model can empower patients in long-term, high-technology treatments.
• Nurses can utilize this model to enhance care for infertile patients and those with similar treatment needs.