Web-Based Guidance Through Assisted Reproductive Technology (myFertiCare): Patient-Centered App Development and Qualitative Evaluation.

Ellen Marie Sparidaens,Rosella P M Hermens,Kathrin Fleischer,Didi D M Braat,Willianne L D M Nelen

doi:10.2196/25389

Abstract

BackgroundProviding patient-centered fertility care is known to improve quality of life and can reduce anxiety and depression. In a previous study, we established the need for a web-based app providing personalized information and interactive functionalities among couples undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection with surgically retrieved sperm.ObjectiveThis study aimed to design, develop, and qualitatively evaluate a multifaceted web-based app for infertile couples undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection with surgically retrieved sperm during their treatment trajectory.MethodsThe web-based app was developed in three phases: (1) we established a patient-centered functional design, (2) developed the app in collaboration with medical and technical professionals, and (3) qualitatively evaluated the app among couples using a think-aloud method.ResultsThe basis of the app is the couple’s visualized treatment trajectory. The app provides personalized and interactive functionalities; for example, customized information and communication options. During qualitative evaluation, myFertiCare was highly appreciated and received a median score of 8 out of 10. The main improvements made upon conclusion of the think-aloud sessions were related to faster login and easier app navigation.ConclusionsA patient-centered web-based app aimed at guiding couples through their fertility treatment course was systematically designed, developed, and positively evaluated by patients and medical and technical professionals.

Highlights

According to the Institute of Medicine, health care should be safe, effective, timely, efficient, equitable, and patient-centered [1]
Based on the results of phase 1 [14], myFertiCare was developed as a web-based app available on the Radboud University Medical Center (RUMC) website, Google Play Store, and Apple App Store for couples undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with surgical sperm retrieval at the RUMC
Patients log in using their digital identity (DigiD), which is provided by the government of the Netherlands to assure safe access to all https://www.jmir.org/2021/8/e25389

Summary

Introduction

Patient-centeredness is described as “providing care respectful of and responsive to individual patient preferences, needs and values, and ensuring that patient values guide all clinical decisions” [1]. Providing patient-centered fertility care can improve quality of life and can reduce anxiety and depression [2]. It has been reported that patient-centeredness in fertility care needs improvement [3,4]. The internet is known to be an important source of information and support for infertile couples [9,10,11]. Providing patient-centered fertility care is known to improve quality of life and can reduce anxiety and depression. We established the need for a web-based app providing personalized information and interactive functionalities among couples undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection with surgically retrieved sperm

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion