The call-up from women to healthcare professionals: The experiences and expectations during self-injection in fertility treatment

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the patient experiences and expectations related to self-injection during in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment, and determine the recommendations of women for improving the quality of self-injection process. The data were obtained from 18 women who were in fertility treatment process at an IVF clinic between March 2020–March 2022 through in-depth and semi-structured interviews. The results were categorized into the following six themes: self-injection preparedness journey, I am afraid I cannot do it, Yes, I can do it, What if I'm not at home?, What If I do something wrong?, Do me a favor! As can be understood from the themes, women experienced fear, concern, and anxiety about self-injection. During this process, it was seen health care professionals were facilitating factors. It is thought that it is very valuable that women's suggestions such as printed material, online patient portal, alternative-colored brochures on the internet are included in the guides to be created by health professionals to facilitate self-injection practice and facilitate understanding.