“Three in One”: Why Counselling is Essential in Every Clinic

Abstract

In the ever-advancing world of Assisted Reproductive Technology, much of the focus is on the clinical and scientific realms of fertility treatment. However, if we are truly to deliver safe, ethical, and rigorous patient centred care we must include a third factor: the psychosocial implications of treatment. This presentation discusses the crucial inter-play of all three aspects in treatment-clinical, scientific, and psychosocial - and highlights the price we all pay when this is not recognised and put into practice. This session will demonstrate why it is essential for counselling to be integrated into every reproductive treatment clinic, not only for the benefit of patients, but the whole health care team involved. Integrating this trio of knowledge and expertise, is not only essential for patients, it is essential for the whole treating team. What’s more, it is smart for business too.