Effect of a web-based fertility preservation training program for medical professionals in Japan

BackgroundOur web-based training program called Educating Medical Professionals about Reproductive Issues in Cancer Healthcare aims to help healthcare professionals communicate promptly with patients and survivors who are adolescents and young adults, with information pertinent to reproductive health issues such as the risk of infertility and fertility preservation.MethodsThe study participants were professional healthcare providers, including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, midwives, psychologists, laboratory technicians, genetic counselors, and dieticians. Pre- and post- and 3-month follow-up tests consisting of 41 questions were administered to measure changes in knowledge and confidence. The participants also received a follow-up survey that covered confidence, communication techniques, and practice habits. A total of 820 healthcare providers participated in this program.ResultsThe mean total score from the pre-test to the post-test grew significantly (p < 0.01), and participants' self-confidence increased. In addition, there was a change in the behavior of healthcare providers, who began asking about patients' marital status and parity.ConclusionOur web-based fertility preservation training program improved knowledge and self-confidence regarding fertility preservation issues among healthcare providers caring for adolescents and young adult cancer patients and survivors.

Automated summary

Our web-based training program aimed to improve healthcare professionals' knowledge and self-confidence regarding reproductive health issues in adolescent and young adult cancer patients and survivors. The study showed significant improvements in participants' knowledge and self-confidence, leading to changes in their behavior towards patients.