#FertilityInMind We are with you for the journey – Dr Thanos Papathanasiou to speak at FSG 6th November
31 Oct 2024
#FertilityInMind is the theme for Fertility Week this year and it will start with the launch of findings from a major new survey commissioned by Fertility Network UK looking at experiences of trauma among fertility patients, and what can be done to improve support.
The national survey of nearly 900 patients is in collaboration with the British Infertility Counselling Association (BICA) and researchers at Cardiff University, Cardiff Metropolitan University and Queen’s University Belfast it highlights the emotional impact of infertility.
Improving emotional wellbeing is close to the heart of Dr Thanos Papathanasiou, CEO and Medical Director at Bourn Hall Clinic. He will be talking about developments in treatment and ways to improve the experience of patients at the Fertility Support Group meeting on 6th November 2024.
“All of us working in fertility medicine, aim to give our patients the best chance of having a baby,” says Dr Thanos. “Over the years we have done this by personalising the treatment for the individual through optimising the medication and procedures.
“Although this has shown an increase in success rates, it is only one aspect of care.”
Rollercoaster of emotions
“We know that feelings such as hope and despair can create a rollercoaster of emotion for those going through treatment, recognising this, and providing support at crucial times can significantly improve the journey.
“Sadly, we need to bear in mind that not everyone receiving treatment will ultimately be successful and support for resolution should be more readily available, to enable these individuals to move on with their lives.”
“So, improving the whole experience is important and the non-medical aspects – communications, counselling – should also be tailored to the needs of the individual or couple. I believe this has the potential to be transformative for the patient experience and I am looking forward to discussing this at the meeting.”
Personalising treatment
A number of medical treatments can be tailored to the individual these include:
- Choice of treatment for stimulating the eggs – long/short, agonist/antagonist are all options
- Personalised progesterone supplements to support implantation of embryo – recent research is revealing the benefits of this.
- Adjusting the dose of medication according to AMH levels to reduce risk of overstimulation
- Offering adjuvants – these are optional treatments that may have benefits in certain circumstances
- Freeze-all cycles to give the woman’s body time to recover ahead of embryo transfer
Non-medical options that Bourn Hall is using to improve the journey
- Offering flexible appointments – online or in person to reduce pressures at work
- Timely communications so next steps and treatment options are clear
- Nutritional and life-style advice to improve the health, resilience and emotional wellbeing
- Managing expectations and personalising success rates according to the individual
- Providing finance options, including refund if not ultimately successful
- Increasing access to counselling, and also creating awareness that this available after treatment has finished
- Signposting to support groups and other resources to provide self-help
Dr Thanos will be talking about the patient journey and answering questions that are of general interest to the group.
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