Welcome to the webpage for the British Academy Innovation Fellowship 2022/23 awarded to Dr. Manuela Perrotta for the project “Building Bridges Between Fertility Patients, Clinics, and Regulators: A Collaborative Approach”.
The proliferation and popularity of additional treatments in fertility care, commonly known as add-ons, have sparked extensive debate within the field. Surprisingly, despite the lack of scientific evidence supporting their efficacy, safety, and substantial costs, it is estimated that over 70% of the 50,000 patients undergoing fertility care annually in the UK utilize one or more of these treatments.
In partnership with the Progress Educational Trust (PET), a well-established charity dedicated to fostering public debate on new developments in fertility, this Fellowship aims to contribute to building bridges between fertility patients, clinics, and regulators. Drawing on previous research, this project will address the ongoing challenges of effectively including, learning from, and integrating the experiences of fertility patients and professionals, while also engaging with and supporting the work of policymakers.
To facilitate knowledge exchange among various stakeholder groups, the project has three primary objectives. Firstly, to identify the key needs, priorities, and challenges faced by different groups involved in fertility care. Secondly, to develop potential approaches to address the identified challenges. And finally, to produce a set of feasible proposals that aim to tackle the key challenges identified.
The main contribution of this project lies in fostering collaborative relationships among academics, fertility patients, professionals, and policymakers. Through a series of workshops and critical discussions on proposed solutions, the project seeks to create an environment that encourages knowledge sharing and meaningful dialogue. By establishing these collaborative connections, we aim to drive advancements in fertility care practices and inform policy decisions.
This website serves as a central hub for information, updates, and resources related to the project. We invite you to explore our research findings, stay informed about upcoming workshops and events, and actively participate in shaping the future of fertility care. Together, we can build bridges that enhance the experiences of fertility patients, foster collaboration between clinics and regulators, and pave the way for more informed and effective decision-making in the field.