The Focus Group Interview on Infertility Experts for the Development of Infertility Counseling System

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to propose an effective model for the development of an infertility counseling system.Methods: We reviewed the infertility counseling system in Japan, Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Additionally, we conducted a Focus Group Interview (FGI) with infertility experts and gathered their opinions about a potential counseling system tailored to the needs of infertile women and suitable for Korean context.Results: Based on the literature review and FGI, the proposed infertility counseling system aimed to promote the infertility treatment process; to build a user-friendly system, including financial support for infertility counseling; to incorporate the integrated model of providing medical information and psychological support for infertile women; and to develop a stepped care system. Additionally, the present findings revealed that, to promote infertility counseling, it is necessary to establish a central infertility counseling center that would be responsible for comprehensive planning, implementation, evaluation, research, and supervision of each counseling organization.Conclusion: The results of this study can be used as a basis for proposing a preliminary model for the development of an infertility counseling system in Korea.