Fertility patients’ use and perceptions of online fertility educational material

Abstract

Background: Online educational information is highly sought out by patients with infertility. This study aims to assess patient-reported usage and helpfulness of fertility educational material on a clinic website and social media accounts. Methods: Educational material was created on common fertility topics in text and video format and posted on the clinic website and social media accounts. At the first consultation for infertility, patients were provided with a postcard directing them to material online. At the first follow-up appointment, patients were invited to fill out a survey assessing whether patients viewed the online educational material and if they found the information helpful. Results: 98.4% (251/255) of patients completed the survey, of which 42.6% (106/249) looked at the online material. Of those who viewed the online information, 99.1% (115/116) found the information helpful or somewhat helpful and 67.6% (73/108) found reading the material online better prepared them for making fertility decisions at their doctor's appointment Conclusion: Patients found online fertility information on the clinic website and social media accounts useful for making fertility treatment decisions. Providing online educational material has the potential to improve patient care by empowering patients with the knowledge to make more informed treatment decisions, and improving the quality of the time spent with the physician.

Exploring the Digital Landscape: A Comprehensive Analysis of Infertility Narratives on Instagram

“…Patients often shared personal journeys and sought support from others undergoing similar experiences. This observation is in line with Jones et al (2020)’s research, which highlighted the importance of online fertility educational materials and the perceived benefits by fertility patients (16). The emotional resonance and shared experiences provide a unique form of support that is not readily available in traditional healthcare settings.…”

Effectiveness and feasibility of online fertility preservation decision aids for young female patients with cancer: a systematic review protocol

“… 21 However, the dissemination and accessibility of paper-based PtDAs are limited, and more than two-thirds of patients believe that providing online information support prior to fertility preservation decisions helps them prepare for decisions and improves the quality of decisions made with their doctors. 22 Therefore, the internet has become a practical diffusion channel, and online PtDAs have been developed. Several online PtDAs for fertility preservation decisions among young female patients with cancer have been developed.…”

“…Multiple PtDAs for fertility preservation have been developed with positive original application outcomes, significantly boosting patient understanding of fertility preservation, decreasing decision conflicts and achieving high patient satisfaction overall 21. However, the dissemination and accessibility of paper-based PtDAs are limited, and more than two-thirds of patients believe that providing online information support prior to fertility preservation decisions helps them prepare for decisions and improves the quality of decisions made with their doctors 22. Therefore, the internet has become a practical diffusion channel, and online PtDAs have been developed.…”

A mixed methods study investigating sources of fertility and reproductive health information in the UK

“…A systematic review [3] highlighted that people used the internet to seek (in)fertility formation in order to feel better informed, meet their emotional, social and psychological support, and to aid decision-making. While online educational material via websites and some social media can empower and improve patient care, [4], some of the negative impact of using the internet includes, risk of misinformation or misunderstanding of the data provided, and needs not being met [5].…”