Critical appraisal:Carlson CA, Kolon TF, Mattei P, Hobbie W, Gracia CR, Ogle S, et al 2017

Critical Appraisal

Article being appraised

Carlson CA, Kolon TF, Mattei P, Hobbie W, Gracia CR, Ogle S, et al. Developing a Hospital-Wide Fertility Preservation Service for Pediatric and Young Adult Patients. J Adolesc Health 2017 Nov;61(5):571-576 Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28917444.

Applicable clinical question

What is the effect of providing onco-fertility services or referral pathways on the referral of cancer patients to fertility specialists?

Key Facts

Study Design

case series

Study aims:

To describe the development of a multi-disciplinary hospital wide fertility preservation service, and to assess the impact of the service with pre- and post- referral pattern analysis.

Number of Patients:

254

Patients from the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Reported outcome(s):

Change in referrals to fertility team.
Description of the fertility program.

Results of outcome(s):

Post-implementation the total number of referrals to the Fertility Team increased by 70%. Referrals from outside of oncology more than doubled.
The initiative also provided opportunities for fertility related research. The fertility team gave guidance to researchers in urology, endocrine, and genetics for incorporating the use of mail-in semen analysis kits into their longitudinal studies, partnerships with haematology created opportunities for fertility preservation services as part of ongoing gene therapy.

Comments on results:

Advantages of mutlidisciplinary approach extend further than access to FP for patients, to research and collaboration.

Includes an economic evaluation

no