Expensive IVF add-ons 'not evidence based'

Conclusion  The researchers rightly say "people seeking fertility treatment need good-quality evidence to make informed choices". As the system currently stands, people seek treatment from a variety of private UK fertility clinics. In their desire for a baby, many couples are in a vulnerable situation and rely heavily on the guidance of health professionals. But clinics may offer treatments that aren't sufficiently backed by the evidence. The researchers highlight several problems. The standard first-step recommendation is for people to ask their GP for advice. But GPs are unlikely to have the specialist knowledge around the evidence on the safety and effectiveness of various fertility treatments. Evidence-based and up-to-date online sources for further information are also lacking. The researchers suggest that the two regulators, NICE and HFEA, could work together to provide clear guidance for patients and professionals on the services available and the evidence behind them. They say advice should focus particularly on live birth rates rather than pregnancy rates, which don't give a good indication of success. Various experts have also commented. Dr Yakoub Khalaf, from King's College London, succinctly points out that "what does not add value to treatment should not add to the bill". And a fitting conclusion is provided by Professor Adam Balen, chair of the British Fertility Society, who said: "It is important that patients receive full infor...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Pregnancy/child QA articles Source Type: news