Models for future delivery of care in infertility: the role of the private sector.
An estimated 85% of infertility treatment at the tertiary level in the UK currently is funded by the infertile couples themselves. Of the 15% of couples who receive NHS funding for assisted reproductive technology (ART), a sizeable proportion is provided by private clinics. If the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) decides that the National Health Service (NHS) should provide funding for an increased number of treatments, then it is unlikely that wholly NHS ART clinics will be able to provide the extra number of cycles required. Those private clinics in the UK that bid to provide treatment funded by the NHS through primary care trusts (PCT) generally provide a cost-effective service in a 'patient friendly' environment. The case is made in this article that ART clinics in the private sector that wish to bid for PCT contracts, should be allowed to compete on an equal basis with NHS or NHS-private combined clinics. PCTs awarding contracts should be wholly driven by good evidence of clinical effectiveness, cost effectiveness and the provision of a quality service to patients.
Brinsden
Peter R
PR
Bourn Hall Clinic, Cambridge CB3 7TR, UK.
D000328:Adult; D019090:Case Management / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards* / Q000639:trends; D003164:Competitive Bidding; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000191:economics / Q000639:trends*; D005260:Female; D006269:Health Facilities, Proprietary / Q000191:economics / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D007246:Infertility / Q000191:economics / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D017149:Private Sector / Q000191:economics / Q000639:trends*; D055818:Public-Private Sector Partnerships; D034121:Reproductive Health Services / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards*; D027724:Reproductive Techniques, Assisted; D013222:State Medicine / Q000191:economics / Q000639:trends*; D006113:United Kingdom; D014850:Waiting Lists