@article{cd6bd8bd6a90471e8103ca819a3de70b,
title = "Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Patient Fertility Care",
abstract = "The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the healthcare system have been widespread, with many institutions in the United States pausing elective procedures to redirect resources to critical care. Fertility care and assisted reproductive procedures were classified as elective procedures and similarly paused. We conducted qualitative interviews with patients and/or their partners (n = 25 female patients; n = 3 male partners) receiving care at a fertility clinic in the Midwest to understand patient appraisal of COVID-19 risk on the resumption of care following a month-long closure of an infertility clinic, and patient agreement with the clinic closure. Interview transcripts were thematically analyzed from a grounded theory approach. Study participants reported an increased sense of urgency due to the delay in fertility procedures. This urgency often superseded concerns of potential COVID-19 infection, motivating patients to continue fertility treatment during a pandemic. In hindsight, some participants did not agree with the clinic's closure and treatment cessation, feeling that these steps negatively interrupted time-sensitive reproductive goals. Patient responses highlight the need for additional resources to support decision-making during times of crisis. Triaging patients based on time-sensitivity of treatment instead of a total shutdown respects patient autonomy for continuing treatment amidst uncertain COVID-19-impact.",
keywords = "COVID-19, bioethics, patient perspectives/narratives, qualitative methods, women{\textquoteright}s health",
author = "DSouza, {Karen N.} and Minerva Orellana and Ainsworth, {Alessandra J.} and Gabrielle Cummings and Riggan, {Kirsten A.} and Shenoy, {Chandra C.} and Allyse, {Megan A.}",
note = "Funding Information: The authors would like to thank all study participants for sharing their experiences. Ms. Riggan (KR), Dr Ainsworth (AA), Dr Shenoy (CS), and Dr Allyse (MA) are funded by the Mayo Clinic Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr Allyse is additionally funded by NHGRI grant K01 HG009642. Ms. DSouza (KD) and Ms. Orellana (MAO) are supported by CTSA Grant Number TL1 TR002380 from the National Center for Advancing Translational Science (NCATS). The publication's contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the NIH. The authors KD, MAO, AA, Gabrielle Cummings (GC), KR, CS, and MA report no conflicts of interest. Funding Information: The authors would like to thank all study participants for sharing their experiences. Ms. Riggan (KR), Dr Ainsworth (AA), Dr Shenoy (CS), and Dr Allyse (MA) are funded by the Mayo Clinic Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr Allyse is additionally funded by NHGRI grant K01 HG009642. Ms. DSouza (KD) and Ms. Orellana (MAO) are supported by CTSA Grant Number TL1 TR002380 from the National Center for Advancing Translational Science (NCATS). The publication's contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the NIH. The authors KD, MAO, AA, Gabrielle Cummings (GC), KR, CS, and MA report no conflicts of interest. Publisher Copyright: {\textcopyright} The Author(s) 2022.",
year = "2022",
doi = "10.1177/23743735221098255",
language = "English (US)",
volume = "9",
journal = "Journal of Patient Experience",
issn = "2374-3735",
publisher = "SAGE Publications Inc.",
}