Informational needs of couples undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection with surgical sperm retrieval: A qualitative study

Abstract

Objective: Infertile couples consider patient information a very important dimension of patient-centred care. Although testicular sperm extraction (TESE) followed by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) has long been offered to infertile couples, little is known about couples' informational needs. The aim of this study was to identify the informational needs of couples undergoing TESE and ICSI, including information content and the channels providing the information as a first step to improve patient-centred care.

Study design: We conducted a qualitative study consisting of semi-structured interviews with 11 couples. The topic guide was based on a literature review and interviews with an expert panel. The number of interviews was determined with data saturation. The data were analysed using a constant comparative method.

Results: The couples needed information about many topics. They considered information about the success rates of the treatment, an explanation of the treatment procedure, and other patient experiences the most important. Regarding information channels, the couples preferred face-to-face information, but they also valued a leaflet, website, or an online application, especially when it is personalized or providing interactive functionalities.

Conclusion: We obtained in-depth insight into the information needs of couples undergoing TESE and ICSI. The results of this study give fertility clinics an opportunity to develop patient information that meets the needs of their patients and thus improve patient-centred fertility care.

Keywords: Male infertility; Patient information as topic; Patient-centred care; Quality of health care; Testicular sperm retrieval.