Pmn-17: Support from Health Care Providers for Infertile Couples

Undergoing treatment with assisted reproductive technology may be a traumatic experience that will contribute to a variety of psychological difficulties. This is chiefly important because the numbers of women looking for infertility services are increasing. Therefore the emotional and psychological support offered in their nursing care is dominant. The degree of emotional distress can be very high and it is necessary that this be known. Here we review the existing literature on this group of women, which are placed in one of three stages: A. Planning/Hoping stage: a couple are optimistic about conception practices and plans B. Doubting/Wondering stage: a couple may express feelings of decreased self-esteem C. Worrying/Despairing stage: in this stage the signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression are more severe. Hopelessness and blaming of self or the partner, makes it difficult for couples to relate to each other and make future decisions. It is hypothesized that greater perceived support from health care providers is related to lower stress, depression, and anxiety for both infertile men and women. The focus of intervention for stage A is educative, for stage B is both educative and supportive and for stage C, based on the severity of symptoms, is referring to mental health professional. The aim of the proposed interventions is to stop progression to the next level of psychosocial symptoms. Verbal and written education about essentials of male and female anatomy and physiology, how the drugs act on their body and probable side effects is one of the primary roles of the care provider. Providing videos/DVDs and referring to specific support groups such as the Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Association can be educational components of treatment which encourage couples to become active participants. Published evidence suggests that women who receive counseling and are in a support group are more likely to conceive than those who do not participate in active support. A follow-up visit should be planned based upon the amount of support the couple feels they need. These interventions, along with passage of time, typically improve common worries. Finally, since advanced nursing roles in fertility generate continuous communication between nurses and patients that may conclude to intimacy, managing the nurse-patient relationship and maintaining a safe bounded relationship which both nurses and patients are comfortable, are suggested.