Title: An information handbook on infertility services.

POPLINE Document Number: 018225

Corporate Author(s):

United States. Public Health Service. Bureau of Community Health Services

Source citation:

[Washington, D.C.], BCHS, [1983]. 23 p.

Abstract:

The guide, based on information culled from several sources, helps Title 10 grantees assess the needs of their clients, the resources in their communities, and their own capabilities to provide infertility services. Such careful assessment is needed if Title 10 grantees are to plan an effective infertility service within their current family planning program. The guide is designed to do the following: acquiant Title 10 family planning grantees with the issues they must consider in planning effective infertility services; present a workable model of infertility service delivery which can be implemented in an area where need, resources, and expertise may all be limited; and assist family planning grantees in assessing the infertility service network that they plan and develop. The guide deals with the following: an overview of infertility; a comparison of infertility and contraceptive services; developing support networks in the community; analyzing needs and resources; infertility service delivery; referral and linkages with level 2 and level 3 providers; staff development and training; financial management of infertility programs; management information systems for infertility programs; developing an infertility service plan; and community education and marketing. Needs and resources for an infertility program should estimate the amount and kinds of service required by the community and the resources available, both within and outside the family planning program. The resources assessment will establish the degree to which new services are required and whether adequate service can be provided by better linking services that are already available. Leading factors of infertility in both men and women are general health related, psychogenic, endocrine, and environmental or occupational. Coordination between agencies offering services in the area will ensure that clients desiring services have access to the best possible care. Establishing appropriate linkages, referral networks, and contractual arrangements is 1 of the most important issues in program development. Once staff have developed an awareness of the problem and receptivity to providing a new service, they must acquire specific clinical and counseling skills. The operational plan for a comprehensive infertility service should focus on the system of service delivery, rather than on the details of clinical care. Most likely these will be responsibility of the infertility specialists.

Keywords:

United States
North America
Infertility
Treatment
Clinic Activities
Program Activities
Organization and Administration
Financing, Government
Teaching Materials
Family Planning Personnel
Training Activities
Marketing
Health Education
Community Participation
Developed Countries
Americas
Reproduction
Programs
Financial Activities
Economic Factors
Family Planning Programs
Family Planning
Training Programs
Education