Accepted for/Published in: Journal of Medical Internet Research
Date Submitted: Oct 30, 2020
Date Accepted: Apr 25, 2021
Online guidance through assisted reproductive technology: patient-centred development and qualitative evaluation of myFertiCare, a multi-faceted online application
ABSTRACT
Background:
Providing patient-centred fertility care is known to improve quality of life and can reduce anxiety and depression. In a previous study we established the need for an online application providing personalized information and interactive functionalities among couples undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with surgically retrieved sperm.
Objective:
To design, develop, and qualitatively evaluate a multi-faceted online application for infertile couples undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection with surgically retrieved sperm during their treatment trajectory.
Methods:
The online application was developed in three phases: (1) we established a patient-centred functional design, (2) we developed the application in collaboration with medical and technical professionals, and (3) we qualitatively evaluated the application, by couples using a think aloud method.
Results:
The basis of the application is the couple’s visualized treatment trajectory. The application provides personalized and interactive functionalities, for example, customized information and communication options. During qualitative evaluation, myFertiCare was highly appreciated with a median score of 8 out of 10. The main improvements made after the think-aloud sessions were related to faster login and easier navigation through the application.
Conclusions:
A patient-centred online application aimed at guiding couples through their fertility treatment was systematically designed, developed, and positively evaluated by patients and medical and technical professionals. Clinical Trial: not applicable.
Citation
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Copyright
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