The effect of a multifaceted empowerment strategy on decision making about the number of embryos transferred in in vitro fertilisation: randomised controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effects of a multifaceted empowerment strategy on the actual use of single embryo transfer after in vitro fertilisation.


METHODS
Randomised controlled trial.


METHODS
Five in vitro fertilisation clinics in the Netherlands.


METHODS
308 couples (women aged <40) on the waiting list for a first in vitro fertilisation cycle.


METHODS
The multifaceted strategy aimed to empower couples in deciding how many embryos should be transferred. The strategy consisted of a decision aid, support of a nurse specialising in in vitro fertilisation, and the offer of reimbursement by way of an extra treatment cycle. The control group received standard care for in vitro fertilisation.


METHODS
Use of single embryo transfer in the first and second treatment cycles as well as decision making variables and costs of the empowerment strategy.


RESULTS
After the first treatment cycle, single embryo transfer was used by 43% (65/152) of couples in the intervention group and 32% (50/156) in the control group (difference 11%, 95% confidence interval 0% to 22%; P=0.05). After the second treatment cycle, single embryo transfer was used by 26% (14/154) of couples in the intervention group compared with 16% (8/51) in the control group (difference 10%, -6% to 26%; P=0.20). Compared with couples receiving standard care, those receiving the empowerment strategy had significantly higher empowerment and knowledge levels but no differences in anxiety levels. Mean total savings per couple in the intervention group were calculated to be €169.75 (£146.77; $219.12).


CONCLUSIONS
A multifaceted empowerment strategy encouraged use of single embryo transfer, increased patients' knowledge, reduced costs, and had no effect on levels of anxiety or depression. This strategy could therefore be an important tool to reduce the twin pregnancy rate after in vitro fertilisation. This trial did not, however, demonstrate the anticipated 25% difference in use of single embryo transfer of the power calculation.


BACKGROUND
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00315029.
van Peperstraten
Arno
A
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, Netherlands. A.vanpeperstraten@obgyn.umcn.nl
Nelen
Willianne
W
Grol
Richard
R
Zielhuis
Gerhard
G
Adang
Eddy
E
Stalmeier
Peep
P
Hermens
Rosella
R
Kremer
Jan
J
D000328:Adult; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D003657:Decision Making; D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D004624:Embryo Transfer / Q000191:economics / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000191:economics / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009426:Netherlands; D011209:Power, Psychological; D016742:Preconception Care / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D016896:Treatment Outcome