Abstract

Introduction: Serial vaginal sonographies to monitor ovarian stimulation for assisted reproductive technologies (ART) remain a drawback for patients and health care providers.

Aim of the study: We asked patients make their own vaginal sonographies with a view to developing a home-applied vaginal probe and have them sent over the internet for analysis followed by same-day dosing advice and instructions.

Twenty-five patients and their partners were questioned regarding the acceptability of this development. Reactions were unanimously positive. Using data from five attempts, we assessed concordance between clinical decisions taken on the basis of real-time sonography and those taken by a blinded assessor who interpreted the images later with nothing but standardized information regarding the patient. In all cases the same clinical decisions were taken. Twentyone patients were taught by midwives to record images themselves using an experimental set-up consisting of a small sonograph and a hospital intranet link to a stand-alone computer. Images were excellent and could be easily interpreted as if made in situ.

Results: Proof of concept was concluded from this initial experience. Specifications of the optimal instrument and operational algorithms fitting the needs of patients, health care providers and insurers, have to be developed. The advantages of such a patient-empowering and environment-friendly technology are explored in this paper.