In vitro fertilisation: a study of clients waiting for pregnancy test results.
The aim of this study was to obtain a descriptive account of clients' perceptions of the delay between embryo transfer and pregnancy test. The clients' responses were collected using a structured interview. The study sample comprised 15 couples, and the interviews took place on day 28 (or 13 days after embryo transfer) of the in vitro fertilisation (IVF) cycle, before the outcome of treatment was known. The study identified the 'wait at home' interlude between embryo transfer and pregnancy test as the most stressful aspect of treatment. Clients' responses indicated that adequate provision of information, contact with the IVF team and a specified nurse responsible for their care, may have benefited some couples during this time. The conclusion was that although the sample size was small, it comprised a pilot study which could be replicated in several centres. The recommendations made on the basis of the results include an advice sheet pertinent to this waiting time, the adoption of primary nursing and the development of nursing intervention to provide emotional support. This may help to ameliorate the isolation felt by couples during this delay.
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D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011258:Pregnancy Tests; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D014850:Waiting Lists