Can an educational DVD improve the acceptability of elective single embryo transfer? A randomized controlled study

Objective

To assess whether provision of an educational DVD was more effective in increasing the uptake of elective single embryo transfers (eSET) than an educational brochure in an IVF population.

Design

Randomized controlled trial.

Setting

Private IVF clinic.

Patient(s)

One hundred thirty-one couples starting their first cycle of IVF were randomized to receive either an educational DVD or brochure.

Intervention(s)

Sixty-four couples received the DVD and 67 couples received the brochure. Both provided identical factual information on outcomes and risks of twin pregnancies. The DVD also included two short interviews with mothers of twins.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Preference for eSET after the intervention.

Result(s)

There were no significant differences in fertility history or demographics. After the interventions, both groups demonstrated significantly improved knowledge. Patients in the DVD group were significantly more likely to prefer eSET compared with patients who read the brochure (82.6% vs. 66.7%).

Conclusion(s)

Patients exposed to the educational DVD were significantly more likely to prefer eSET. Provision of an educational DVD, such as the one used in the present study, may provide an affordable and more effective means of delivering health risk information.

Key Words: IVF, patient information, provision of information, randomized controlled trial, single embryo transfer