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Low E-visibility of embryologists on fertility clinic websites: a web-based cross-sectional study

  • Assisted Reproduction Technologies
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose

This study assessed the visibility of embryologists on fertility clinic websites among Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) and the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) member clinics.

Methods

During a 1-month interval (March 2022), all Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) and the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) member fertility clinic websites were evaluated. The professional representation of the primary care team was examined including specialties, the presence of headshots, and biographies.

Results

A total of 446 fertility clinic websites were scanned in the search. The embryology team has the least common professional identification by their names (53.58%) compared to gynecology clinicians (96.21%, p < 0.001) and nurses (55.58%, p < 0.001). This trend also applies to other types of professional identifiers, such as headshots and biographies. Professional headshots of embryologists (50.34%) were less prominent than those of gynecology clinicians (93.51%, p < 0.001). A similar trend was observed in the biographies of the embryology team (47.20%) compared to gynecology clinicians (95.08%, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The present study revealed that embryologists have low professional visibility on fertility clinic websites. Fertility clinics may prioritize enhancing the online visibility of their embryology laboratory team. This approach could potentially enhance the recognition of their team, foster transparency, and provide accessible information about the skills and expertise of healthcare professionals involved in the treatment process.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Middle East Fertility Society Embryology Special Interest Group, Beirut, Lebanon

    Fadi Choucair, Okan Atilan, Abdulla Almohammadi, Nagham Younis, Alia Al Hourani, Carol Lynn Curchoe & Georges Raad

  2. Reproductive Medicine Unit, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar

    Fadi Choucair, Okan Atilan & Abdulla Almohammadi

  3. Ovation Fertility, Grand Rapids, MI, USA

    Nagham Younis

  4. Department of IVF and Fertility, International Hospital, Al Salmiya, Kuwait

    Alia Al Hourani

  5. ART Compass, Newport Beach, CA, USA

    Carol Lynn Curchoe

  6. IVF Department, Al Hadi Laboratory and Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon

    Georges Raad

Authors
  1. Fadi Choucair
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  2. Okan Atilan
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  3. Abdulla Almohammadi
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  4. Nagham Younis
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  5. Alia Al Hourani
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  6. Carol Lynn Curchoe
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  7. Georges Raad
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Carol Lynn Curchoe.

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Choucair, F., Atilan, O., Almohammadi, A. et al. Low E-visibility of embryologists on fertility clinic websites: a web-based cross-sectional study. J Assist Reprod Genet 40, 2619–2626 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-023-02938-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-023-02938-1

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