A New Website for Australian IVF Patients: 'Evidence-based IVF'

Last updated: June 10, 2025
Sponsor: University of Melbourne
Overall Status: Completed

Phase

N/A

Condition

In Vitro Fertilization

Treatment

Control

Evidence-based IVF website content

Clinical Study ID

NCT06885151
2025-31333
  • Ages > 18
  • All Genders

Study Summary

IVF 'add-ons' are extra procedures, techniques, or medicines offered alongside standard IVF treatments, often marketed to improve success rates. Examples include EmbryoGlue, endometrial scratching, and acupuncture. However, most lack clear evidence of effectiveness or safety. Despite this, over 80% of Australian IVF patients use add-ons, sometimes paying thousands of dollars.

Patients often rely on clinic websites and online forums for information, but these sources frequently exaggerate benefits while omitting information about costs and risks. There is no independent, evidence-based resource in Australia to guide decision-making, a gap recognized by both patients and government reports.

To address this, the investigators developed "Evidence-Based IVF (EBI)," a new website informed by patient decision aid standards, expertise in digital health and risk communication, and co-design sessions with IVF patients and professionals. The investigators now plan to evaluate how well it helps patients understand the evidence base for IVF add-ons.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Live in Australia

  • Undergone IVF/embryo transfer in the last 2 years or planning IVF/embryo transfer inthe next six months. IVF refers to any IVF/ICSI/embryo transfer cycle in which theparticipant or their partner is planning to get pregnant.

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  • People who underwent IVF process for egg-freezing or embryo freezing and notintending to conceive, or who received an embryo transfer as a surrogate.

Study Design

Total Participants: 1217
Treatment Group(s): 2
Primary Treatment: Control
Phase:
Study Start date:
March 19, 2025
Estimated Completion Date:
April 06, 2025

Study Description

In response to widespread calls for evidence-based resources about IVF options and add-ons in Australia, the investigators assembled a multidisciplinary team to co-design a novel website prototype referred to as 'Evidence-based IVF (EBI)'. Informed by patient decision aids standards, the MAGIC App, and applying the investigators' expertise in digital and risk communication and evidence-informed health decisions, the investigators undertook interviews with Australian IVF patients and professionals to test and iteratively modify a new resource. This trial will evaluate how this website performs in terms of gist knowledge and acceptability.

Connect with a study center

  • MDHS

    Melbourne, Victoria 3052
    Australia

    Site Not Available

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