Consulting patients and providers of assisted reproductive technologies to inform the development of a group psychological intervention for women with infertility

Objective: To consult providers and women patients of Assisted Reproductive Technologies regarding their preferences for the format, duration and content in the development of a group psychological intervention.

Methods: Providers and current and past women patients of Assisted Reproductive Technologies completed an online cross-sectional survey comprising items about session content, number, frequency, timing, format, delivery mode and inclusion of experiential practice of psychological strategies to promote well-being.

Results: Eight providers, 51 current women patients and 51 women who previously underwent Assisted Reproductive Technologies participated. Sixty-two percent of participants indicated a group psychological program would be helpful; and 34% thought it may be helpful. Face-to-face was the preferred delivery mode (42%). Seventy-one percent preferred 60-min sessions held fortnightly (64%), with six sessions most acceptable (24%). Most respondents (74%) felt group participants would likely complete at-home practice. Detailed thematic content from participants highlighted a complex range of consumer challenges. Relevant behaviour change techniques were verified, with those to be included identified as: feedback and monitoring, regulation, self belief, reward and threat, natural consequences, identity, support, shaping knowledge, and comparison of outcomes.

Conclusion: Providers and patients were supportive of the development of a group psychological intervention to provide support for women undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technologies.

Innovation: The results of this study provide insight informing the co-design of a group psychological program for women with infertility.