A cross-sectional survey on distribution of healthcare resources and service status of infertility in China
Abstract Background There are growing demand of infertility health services in China, while the relevant facilities are unlikely to meet the demands currently. This study is aimed at assessing the capacity of obstetrics and gynecology departments and other related departments in coping with the management of infertility couples in health care system. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted to assess the capacity of healthcare resources and service status of infertility in China. 689 staff working on infertility related field, including 70 reproductive endocrinologists, 468 gynecologists, 70 obstetricians, and 81 practitioners of other fertility related occupation, covering 3 different types of hospitals providing women’s health care. Results: We found the capacity of hospitals in providing infertility healthcare varied based on the further analysis of different tiers. The clinic set exclusive for infertility service were only available in 57.3% of interviewed hospitals, and 22.2% of hospitals was not able to provide male infertility counseling. In terms of perform the complete procedure of IUI and IVF-ET, the significant difference has been identified that general hospitals has lowest capacity comparing with the other two types. Conclusions: The background of interviewees in infertility service varied widely, and the capacity of hospitals in fertility were insufficient in meeting the demands both qualitatively and quantitively.