Learning from Online Video Education (LOVE) improves confidence in fertility treatments: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF) or oocyte cryopreservation (OC) require the daily use of injectable gonadotropins and has been associated with treatment burden and attrition from fertility treatment. We conducted a randomized clinical trial to determine (1) whether educational videos about fertility medications improved infertility self-efficacy scale (ISES), fertility quality of life treatment (FertiQoL-T), and Perceived stress scale (PSS) scores and (2) if such videos improved confidence and reduced medication errors during a first ovarian stimulation cycle. Participants were given access to an online portal with randomized access to either placebo control videos focused on an orientation to IVF or experimental videos that reviewed the preparation and administration of medications used during ovarian stimulation in addition to the placebo videos. Participants completed pre and post-treatment questionnaires. 368 patients enrolled and 257 participants completed the study. There were no differences in ISES, FertiQoL-T or PSS scores between the two groups in an intention-to-treat (p = 0.18, 0.72, and 0.92, respectively) or per-protocol analysis (p = 0.11, 0.38, and 0.37, respectively). In the per protocol analysis, participants who watched experimental videos were four-fold more likely to report confidence administering medications OR 4.70 (95% CI: 2.10, 11.1; p < 0.01) and were 63% less likely to make medication errors OR 0.37 (95% CI: 0.14, 0.90; p = 0.03). Participants had similar likelihoods of rating videos as helpful and recommending videos to others (p = 0.06 and 0.3, respectively). Educational videos about fertility medications may not influence psychological well-being but might improve confidence in medication administration and reduce medication errors. Trial registration number: NCT02979990.

The effect of e-health interventions on meeting the needs of individuals with infertility: a narrative review

“…Most studies regarding on e-health interventions have primarily been conducted in the USA (5 studies) and the Netherlands (4 studies), with additional studies in Iran, Switzerland, England, and Canada (1 study each). Of the 13 studies, 4 utilized mobile health interventions [ 12 - 14 ], and 9 employed Internet-based interventions [ 15 - 23 ].…”

“…The current interventions cater to the needs of infertile patients by providing training on the proper use of medication [ 23 ], promoting modifications in nutrition and lifestyle [ 13 ], encouraging changes in periconceptional behaviors [ 12 ], managing drug use [ 18 ], offering IVF-related training [ 16 , 20 , 22 , 24 ], addressing psychological distress [ 16 , 17 , 19 , 21 ], and promoting positive sexual self-concept [ 14 ]. Out of the 13 reviewed studies, 10 targeted infertile women [ 12 , 14 - 16 , 18 , 19 , 21 - 24 ], while only three included couples with infertility [ 13 , 17 , 20 ].…”

“…By doing so, patients become more aware and confident in administering their medication, resulting in a fourfold increase in medication administration confidence and a decrease in medication errors. Our findings suggest that incorporating educational videos into patient care can play a crucial role in improving patient outcomes [ 23 ].…”