Transforming Fertility Care: How Digital Solutions Can Address Key Challenges from the 2024 HFEA Patient Survey
The recently published Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority National Patient Survey 2024 provides crucial insights into patient experiences across UK fertility clinics. The survey showcased key challenges around patient satisfaction, administrative efficiency, transparency in communication, and emotional support, areas where digital transformation can offer substantial improvements. Salve, a leading digital health platform dedicated to fertility care, is uniquely positioned to address these specific concerns.
Enhancing Patient Satisfaction Through Communication and Transparency
According to the HFEA report, 73% of fertility patients were satisfied with their most recent treatment, yet significant disparities exist among ethnic minorities and older patients, with satisfaction as low as 50%. Dissatisfaction often stems from insufficient communication, unclear pricing, and administrative inefficiencies.
Salve’s digital platform directly tackles these pain points through clear and consistent patient communication. Our platform provides personalised treatment plans and real-time updates, ensuring patients feel informed at every step. Transparent, itemised billing integrated into the Salve platform also addresses concerns highlighted by 40% of private patients who experienced unexpected costs.
Reducing Administrative Burdens and Improving Coordination
The survey indicated high levels of dissatisfaction (18%) regarding clinic coordination and administration. Patients described challenges with scheduling errors, miscommunications, and fragmented information flows, significantly impacting their experience.
Salve streamlines administrative processes through integrated appointment scheduling, medication reminders, and secure messaging, proven to reduce administrative calls by up to 80% at partner clinics. Automated reminders and alerts minimise missed appointments and medication errors, freeing staff to focus on patient care rather than paperwork.
Supporting Emotional and Mental Health Needs
An important yet frequently overlooked aspect highlighted by the survey was emotional support. Only 69% were satisfied with available counselling and support services, with many patients describing difficulties accessing mental health support, particularly after negative outcomes.
Salve addresses this critical area by integrating educational resources, personalised support pathways, and direct access to counsellors through telehealth services. Our platform ensures continuous patient support, empowering individuals and couples with timely mental health resources precisely when needed.
Promoting Clarity and Confidence in Add-on Treatments
Nearly three-quarters of patients (73%) used additional treatments or emerging technologies during their fertility journeys. However, many expressed uncertainty about their effectiveness or risks involved, with only 37% reporting clear explanations from their clinics.
Salve’s digital approach includes robust educational modules that clearly outline the evidence, benefits, and risks associated with each add-on treatment. By empowering patients with clear, evidence-based information, Salve ensures they can make informed decisions in collaboration with their clinicians, improving both confidence and trust in their care.
Streamlined Donor Gamete Management and Transparency
Approximately 27% of survey respondents used donor eggs, sperm, or embryos, yet many faced issues with clarity regarding donor information, family limits, and availability. Salve simplifies donor management with transparent donor profiles, clearly communicated legal limitations, and comprehensive patient education, addressing the confusion around international donor regulations reported by 34% of patients.
Driving Change Through Digital Leadership
The HFEA survey underscores that digital tools are no longer optional; they are essential for modern fertility care delivery. Clinics leveraging Salve’s technology report higher patient engagement, significantly reduced administrative workloads, and increased patient satisfaction, aligning directly with HFEA’s findings and recommendations.
Salve’s platform transforms the patient experience, addressing each critical pain point identified by the HFEA. By bridging communication gaps, easing administrative burdens, and supporting emotional wellbeing, Salve positions fertility clinics to meet and exceed patient expectations.
As clinics navigate increasing patient demands and regulatory expectations, embracing a comprehensive digital platform like Salve represents a critical step toward improving fertility treatment outcomes, enhancing patient satisfaction, and setting a new benchmark for fertility care excellence.
