Queen Mary University of London study reveals a lack of compliance with consumer law guidance on fertility clinic websites

Time-lapse imaging in IVF captures continuous embryo development without disturbance, aiding in the selection of high-quality embryos for implantation based on key developmental criteria.

Published in the esteemed journal Human Fertility, the study led by Dr Manuela Perrotta of Queen Mary University of London's School of Business and Management scrutinised 106 fertility clinic websites to evaluate the clarity, accuracy, and quality of information pertaining to TLI.

The findings reveal significant discrepancies:

• Misrepresentation of Costs: While 67% of the clinics claimed to offer TLI, the study found disparities in cost disclosure. Approximately 29.6% of websites omitted pricing entirely, while others ranged from £300 to £850, with 35.8% disclosing costs.
• Questionable Claims: Despite current evidence assessments showing no difference, a staggering 90.1% of the websites made claims or implied TLI's superiority in improving clinical outcomes through enhanced embryo selection.
• Lack of Regulatory Information: Alarmingly, almost half (47.9%) of the websites failed to mention or provide links to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) rating system, vital for patients' decision-making process.

Dr Manuela Perrotta emphasised the critical importance of providing patients with clear, accurate, and transparent information. "In a sector where patients bear significant financial responsibilities, ensuring they can make fully informed decisions about fertility treatment is imperative," she stated.

In the era of rapidly advancing fertility treatments, ensuring patients receive accurate and transparent information is paramount. The study underscores the pressing need for greater transparency and accountability within the fertility industry. As fertility clinic websites serve as the primary source of information for patients, the findings raise concerns about the reliability and accuracy of the information presented.

Read the newly published study ‘Analysing Adherence to Guidelines for Time-Lapse Imaging Information on UK Fertility Clinic Websites’ https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14647273.2024.2346595