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Human Reproduction, Vol. 10, No. 4, pp. 960-964, 1995
© 1995 European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology

research-article

Ethics and society: Review of the organized support network for infertility patients in licensed units in the UK

M. Hernon, C.P. Harris, M. Elstein, C.A. Russell and M.W. Seif1

Reproductive Medicine Unit, University Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Withington Hospital Manchester M20 2LR, UK

Correspondence: 1To whom correspondence should be addressed

In acknowledging that ‘counselling is generally recognized as beneficial’, the Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority (HFEA) Code of Practice requires that all infertility units provide counselling facilities to be available for patients. In this study, we intended to evaluate the support and counselling services made available by the licensed units in the UK. A questionnaire consisting of 30 questions was designed and sent to every licensed treatment unit in the UK. The data were coded on a nominal scale and, using a data entry program, loaded onto a computer. Using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences program, a non-parametric frequency analysis was performed. Associations were examined with cross-tabulations and x2 analysis. A total of 62 units (61.4%) responded to the questionnaire, from both the private and National Health Service sectors. Of these, 95% have their own counsellor, most of whom (84%) practised on the premises. One-third of these counsellors had a dual role, mainly as nurses, social workers or in administration; 98.6% were trained in counselling, with only 28% having either the Certificate or Diploma in Counselling. One-third (32.2%) of centres charged for counselling, with only 13 units indicating their charges. The majority of centres (78.8%) do not actively follow-up patients after counselling and one-quarter (25.5%) did not have a specific counselling room. Over two-thirds (68.4%) of centres described their support network as adequate. The results of this survey suggest that, although the requirements of the HFEA Code of Practice are being adhered to reasonably well, overall patient uptake of counselling is low. The potential benefits of counselling are well documented, and therefore workers in this field need to place additional emphasis on the possible advantages of counselling in an effort to improve uptake.

Key words: counselling/infertility/support network


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