Infertility counselling – an internet-based survey

Abstract

Seventy-three per cent of all couples were offered, or obliged, to receive counselling compared to 91% of those patients treated in the UK. Of the patients who took part in the survey, only 30% received counselling; over half of those patients found it either 'very helpful' or 'helpful'. No differences were observed in the perceived usefulness of counselling, comparing those patients who were offered, and chose to receive, counselling versus those who received mandatory counselling. In patients who did not receive counselling, the main reasons cited were: 'felt I can cope on my own' (37%), 'counselling was not offered' (21%), and 'did not think it would be beneficial' (15%).

Do nurses and midwives have a role in promoting the well-being of patients during their fertility journey? a review of the literature

“…However, such services are separate from the focus of this paper which is concerned with the day-to-day ongoing relationships that can build up specifi cally between patients and nurses/midwives during prolonged treatments and the possibility these situations present to improve the patient ' s well-being. Indeed, uptake of counselling varies, with those who do participate fi nding it generally helpful (Marcus et al, 2007), whilst those couples undergoing greater stress levels were more likely to participate (Wischmann et al, 2009). However, not all patients feel the need support from others, and may also use online sites, or both.…”

A hierarchy of needs? Embryo donation, in vitro fertilisation and the provision of infertility counselling

“…The issue of ‘offering’ counselling, rather than making it mandatory, was discussed during the amendments to the Act, with key stakeholders from patient groups, the counselling profession and academia, highlighting the difficulties that can arise with it e.g. the interpretation of the ‘offer’ of counselling varying between clinics [13].…”

Selective lithium ion recognition in self-assembled columnar liquid crystals based on a lithium receptor

“… 74 Additionally 12- to 14-membered CE rings (cavity size: 1.2–1.8 Å) are most selective to Li + , having an ionic diameter of about 1.4 Å. 15 , 73 , 74 Hence, DB14C4 (1.8 Å) is chosen as a selective ligand because of its well matched geometry towards lithium coordination. 75 – 80 The DB14C4 macrocycle could provide a rigid coordination conformation for ideal Li + complexation.…”

“… 8 – 13 However, lithium cations are still difficult targets for selective recognition and purification because of their large hydration energy and the coexistence of other similar alkali metal cations. 14 , 15 The design of new functional receptor systems may contribute to the development of efficient selective lithium recognition.…”