The patient speaks : a retrospective analysis of the in-vitro fertilization procedures in a provincial hospital

Abstract

This exploratory study tracks the experience of nine infertile couples on the In Vitro Fertilization-Embryo Transfer (IVF-ET) programme at a provincial hospital. Various theoretical perspectives are explored vis a vis the role of women in society in relation to their infertility status. Quantitative data was obtained from questionnaires completed; and qualitative data was obtained through the use of in-depth interviews. The study supports the notion that infertility has both a medical and a psychological component, the latter being unaddressed by the infertility team. Infertility is a couple issue and needs to be addressed as such. The study provides guidelines for future service delivery and therapeutic interventive strategies, and concludes that for effective service delivery, a holistic interventive approach with the inclusion of a clinical social worker is imperative.