To treat or not to treat: perceptions of the initial American Society for Reproductive Medicine COVID-19 recommendations among women's health providers.

Journal Article (Journal Article)

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the perception of the initial ASRM COVID-19 recommendations for infertility treatment held by women's health providers within varying subspecialties, as well as their attitudes toward pregnancy and fertility during this time. METHODS: An electronic survey was sent to all women's healthcare providers, including physicians, mid-level providers and nurses, in all subspecialties of obstetrics and gynaecology (Ob/Gyn) at a large tertiary care university-affiliated hospital. RESULTS: Of the 278 eligible providers, the survey response rate was 45% (n = 127). Participants represented 8 Ob/Gyn subspecialties and all professional levels. Participants age 18-30 years were significantly more likely to feel that women should have access to infertility treatment despite the burden level of COVID-19 in respective community/states (p = 0.0058). Participants within the subspecialties of general Ob/Gyn, maternal foetal medicine and gynecologic oncology were significantly more likely to disagree that all women should refrain from planned conception during the COVID-19 pandemic, in comparison to those in urogynecology and reproductive endocrinology and infertility (p = 0.0003). CONCLUSIONS: Considering the immediate and unknown long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on fertility care delivery, a better understanding of perceptions regarding infertility management during this time is important. Our study shows overall support for the initial ASRM recommendations, representing a wide spectrum of women's health providers.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Wiltshire, A; Jackson-Bey, T; Walker, Z; Chiang, JL; MacLennan, PA; Gunn, D; Hurd, WW

Published Date

  • March 2021

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 38 / 3

Start / End Page

  • 621 - 626

PubMed ID

  • 33447949

Pubmed Central ID

  • PMC7808700

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1573-7330

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1007/s10815-021-02064-w

Language

  • eng

Conference Location

  • Netherlands