Data of the Polish Gynecological Society reveal that approx. 1.5 million of Polish couples are struggling with infertility. The project comes as a response to lack of comprehensive, verified information about the quality of services offered by fertility clinics and absence of statutory and social supervision of their operations.
The goal of the project was to put public and non-public fertility clinics under civic scrutiny, enable patients to voice their concerns and reinforce their empowerment.
Following wide-reaching public consultations, nationwide patient-centered infertility treatment standards approved by 35 in vitro clinics were developed in reference to Polish and world recommendations. In addition, a publicly available database of fertility clinics was put in place to enable users to compare the range of available services and view comments of patients benefiting from their care.
As consultations continued, 722 patients provided their feedback that highlighted their expectations from fertility centers. Each of 35 monitored clinics was covered by a report that highlights findings from direct observations as well as statements of medical professionals, midwives, managers, reception staff, and patients. An analysis of legal documents signed by clinic patients was also conducted. Each clinic participating in the project was provided with outcomes of individual monitoring and recommendations which were later published on the Association’s website to support individuals struggling with infertility in making conscious decisions about the therapy and enable them to share their experiences. As many as 27 clinics presented the scope of numerous modifications which were put in place during project rollout. The final report provides an insight into the status of patients who benefit from services of fertility clinics. It was announced to patients and the public on 25 September 2015 during a public hearing at the Polish Parliament, which was extensively covered by the media.