Observational cohort study exploring MediEmo smartphone application use, live birth, and in vitro fertilization treatment return rates

Objective

To explore the associations between the use of the MediEmo smartphone application and in vitro fertilization (IVF) live birth and treatment return rates.

Design

A 3-year observational cohort study

Subjects

Patients undergoing IVF were classified as users if they used the medication or emotion features of the MediEmo. Patients who did not use the two key features or declined to use the application were classified as nonusers.

Exposure

The use of the MediEmo smartphone application.

Main outcome measures

Outcomes of interest were the rate of live birth per fresh index cycle, live birth per complete cycle, and treatment return for a stimulated cycle of treatment within 12 months of the unsuccessful stimulated index cycle.

Results

A total of 1,081 patients were eligible to use the MediEmo application, 863 were categorized as users and 218 as nonusers. MediEmo use was associated with a higher live birth rate per index cycle than nonusers (27.81% [n = 240/863] vs. 19.26% [n = 42/218], respectively, OR, 1.248; 95% CI, 1.041–1.509) and treatment return rate compared with nonusers (46.00% [n = 169/363] vs. 31.37% [n = 32/102], respectively, OR, 1.339; 95% CI, 1.092–1.656). It was not associated with the live birth rate per complete cycle.

Conclusion

The observed positive association between MediEmo use and live birth and treatment return rates suggests benefits to patients and clinics. Further research and replication using a randomized controlled trial design are warranted, as is investment in the development of digital tools for use during IVF treatment.