Fertility patients demonstrate an unmet need for the provision of psychological information: A cross sectional study

Abstract

ObjectivesTo examine the provision of information by health care providers (HCPs) to fertility patients about accessing psychological resources. MethodsThis study utilized data from a cross-sectional survey of 659 male and female patients seeking fertility treatment at clinics in Toronto and Montreal. Regression analyses were used to assess if sociodemographic and treatment variables were associated with the receipt of information, the desire for information, the helpfulness of the information, and the likelihood that participants had sought counselling. ResultsThe majority of respondents (79.8%) said that their HCP had not given them information about accessing psychological resources. Of the patients who did not receive this information, most (60%) said that they wanted it. Regression analysis revealed that immigrants, women, and patients with higher perceived stress scores were significantly more likely to desire this information. Furthermore, having received this information was associated with increased odds of counselling seeking (odds ratio = 3.31, p = 0.013). ConclusionFertility patients demonstrated an unmet need for information about accessing psychological resources, and HCPs may play an integral role in bridging this information gap. Practice ImplicationsTo improve the patient-centeredness of fertility care, HCPs should be proactive in informing all patients about how to access psychological resources.