Bringing an evidence-based approach to Fertility Coaching

After founding a fertility coaching clinic at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Assisted Conception Unit in 2023, it was important to gather feedback on how people experienced fertility coaching, what was most useful and whether there were any aspects that could be better. As a reflective coaching practitioner this was also an essential part of my coaching practice to make sure I continue to learn and improve. 

Offering fertility coaching within an IVF clinic is completely new, and this is the first time anyone has sought patients views on this type of support. I was invited to present my findings at the annual Joint Fertility Conference in Liverpool, and was thrilled to share my experience with other fertility professionals.  

With the support of my wonderful colleague, Orestis Tsonis, we reviewed the findings of an anonymous questionnaire in which patients described how they had experienced coaching. Patients came to online coaching sessions individually and together as couples, and consistently reported positive experiences which could be divided into the following main themes:

• Informational clarity
• Empowerment
• Emotional support

It is mandatory for IVF patients to be offered fertility counselling to support them through treatment, but in this study patients described how coaching with an expert in the fertility process had increased their confidence and empowered them to understand their treatment better. Coaching is very much forward facing, but the study showed that although the main intention is not as a therapy, patients felt emotionally supported through the confidential and non-judgemental nature of coaching sessions. 

The online format of sessions was received well, as it meant patients did not have to attend the clinic, which can trigger anxiety, and where both partners were attending, they did not have to be in the same place to receive coaching together. Some patients revealed that they were initially skeptical about how coaching might help them, but this soon translated into appreciation when they gained insights into treatment and felt that they were being offered individualised care, which can sometimes be lost in a large NHS clinic.

It has been a real privilege to gain these insights into patients’ experiences of IVF treatment, and to use my knowledge and skills to make that experience more positive. Thank you to all those patients who took the time to give their feedback, which has started a body of evidence demonstrating how we as fertility professionals can offer outstanding patient support.