The needs of women with fertility issues who undergo In Vitro Fertilization in Greece: health care context, contact and person-centered values. An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

ABSTRACT Infertility is often regarded a major tragedy in a couple’s life. Fertility treatment (In Vitro Fertilization) is often seen as a solution. The aim of this study was to explore what women who undergo fertility treatment in Greece need from medical and health-care personnel and whether these can be mapped onto Rogers’ Person-Centered theory of therapy and values. Seven women who have undertaken IVF in Greece were interviewed. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was used to analyze the transcripts. Three super-ordinate themes emerged, containing sub-ordinate themes: (i) Experiencing safety in relationships with the IVF team, (ii) Need for agency: acknowledging women as trusted equal partners, (iii) The need for personalized IVF care. In the context of the Greek fertility care culture, women’s needs were mapped onto Rogers’ person-centered values. It is suggested that a person-centered approach to treatment and communication can meet women’s needs during IVF procedures. The study concludes by outlining the need for person-centered training of IVF health-care professionals involved in pre-conception and birth care; this would support patient-centeredness in fertility and birth care, namely care respectful and responsive to patient values and needs. Quality, respect-based fertility and pregnancy care is important to promote future generations’ well-being.