Continuous quality improvement and assisted reproductive technology multiple gestations: some progress, some answers, more questions.
The past decade has seen a fall in the number of embryos transferred accompanied by a reduction in the rate of higher order multiple pregnancies occurring from U.S. assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles, which is temporally related to voluntary adherence to embryo transfer guidelines. The twin rate has remained relatively constant. The ability to continue the reduction in multiple pregnancies while maintaining advocacy positions for both patient couples and offspring will best occur with attention to scientific, sociologic, economic, and provider issues.
Gibbons
William
W
Birmingham, AL, USA. wgibbons@crmbr.com <wgibbons@crmbr.com>
Grainger
David
D
Cedars
Marcelle
M
Jain
Tarun
T
Klein
Nancy
N
Stern
Judy
J
D000847:Annual Reports as Topic; D046149:Embryo Culture Techniques / Q000639:trends; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D019458:Insurance Coverage / Q000639:trends; D007348:Insurance, Health / Q000639:trends; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000639:trends; D011247:Pregnancy; D011272:Pregnancy, Multiple; D016730:Program Development; D011787:Quality of Health Care / Q000191:economics / Q000639:trends*; D027724:Reproductive Techniques, Assisted / Q000191:economics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends*; D012955:Societies, Medical; D014481:United States