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Fertility
About
What is covered
This NICE Pathway covers assessing and treating people with fertility problems.
Updates
Updates to this NICE Pathway
5 September 2017 Recommendations in diagnosing and managing endometriosis replaced with link to NICE's recommendations on endometriosis.
16 August 2016 Recommendation in intrauterine insemination amended in line with the update of NICE guideline CG156 on fertility problems: assessment and treatment.
27 January 2015 Hysteroscopic metroplasty of a uterine septum for primary infertility (interventional procedures guidance 509) and hysteroscopic metroplasty of a uterine septum for recurrent miscarriage (interventional procedures guidance 510) added to tubal and uterine surgery.
22 October 2014 Fertility problems (NICE quality standard 73) added.
26 February 2014 Cancer services for children and young people (NICE quality standard 55) added.
Person-centred care
People have the right to be involved in discussions and make informed decisions about their care, as described in your care.
Making decisions using NICE guidelines explains how we use words to show the strength (or certainty) of our recommendations, and has information about prescribing medicines (including off label use), professional guidelines, standards and laws (including on consent and mental capacity), and safeguarding.
Your responsibility
Guidelines
The recommendations in this guideline represent the view of NICE, arrived at after careful consideration of the evidence available. When exercising their judgement, professionals and practitioners are expected to take this guideline fully into account, alongside the individual needs, preferences and values of their patients or the people using their service. It is not mandatory to apply the recommendations, and the guideline does not override the responsibility to make decisions appropriate to the circumstances of the individual, in consultation with them and their families and carers or guardian.
Local commissioners and providers of healthcare have a responsibility to enable the guideline to be applied when individual professionals and people using services wish to use it. They should do so in the context of local and national priorities for funding and developing services, and in light of their duties to have due regard to the need to eliminate unlawful discrimination, to advance equality of opportunity and to reduce health inequalities. Nothing in this guideline should be interpreted in a way that would be inconsistent with complying with those duties.
Commissioners and providers have a responsibility to promote an environmentally sustainable health and care system and should assess and reduce the environmental impact of implementing NICE recommendations wherever possible.
Technology appraisals
The recommendations in this interactive flowchart represent the view of NICE, arrived at after careful consideration of the evidence available. When exercising their judgement, health professionals are expected to take these recommendations fully into account, alongside the individual needs, preferences and values of their patients. The application of the recommendations in this interactive flowchart is at the discretion of health professionals and their individual patients and do not override the responsibility of healthcare professionals to make decisions appropriate to the circumstances of the individual patient, in consultation with the patient and/or their carer or guardian.
Commissioners and/or providers have a responsibility to provide the funding required to enable the recommendations to be applied when individual health professionals and their patients wish to use it, in accordance with the NHS Constitution. They should do so in light of their duties to have due regard to the need to eliminate unlawful discrimination, to advance equality of opportunity and to reduce health inequalities.
Commissioners and providers have a responsibility to promote an environmentally sustainable health and care system and should assess and reduce the environmental impact of implementing NICE recommendations wherever possible.
Medical technologies guidance, diagnostics guidance and interventional procedures guidance
The recommendations in this interactive flowchart represent the view of NICE, arrived at after careful consideration of the evidence available. When exercising their judgement, healthcare professionals are expected to take these recommendations fully into account. However, the interactive flowchart does not override the individual responsibility of healthcare professionals to make decisions appropriate to the circumstances of the individual patient, in consultation with the patient and/or guardian or carer.
Commissioners and/or providers have a responsibility to implement the recommendations, in their local context, in light of their duties to have due regard to the need to eliminate unlawful discrimination, advance equality of opportunity, and foster good relations. Nothing in this interactive flowchart should be interpreted in a way that would be inconsistent with compliance with those duties.
Commissioners and providers have a responsibility to promote an environmentally sustainable health and care system and should assess and reduce the environmental impact of implementing NICE recommendations wherever possible.
Short Text
What is covered
This NICE Pathway covers assessing and treating people with fertility problems.
Updates
Updates to this NICE Pathway
5 September 2017 Recommendations in diagnosing and managing endometriosis replaced with link to NICE's recommendations on endometriosis.
16 August 2016 Recommendation in intrauterine insemination amended in line with the update of NICE guideline CG156 on fertility problems: assessment and treatment.
27 January 2015 Hysteroscopic metroplasty of a uterine septum for primary infertility (interventional procedures guidance 509) and hysteroscopic metroplasty of a uterine septum for recurrent miscarriage (interventional procedures guidance 510) added to tubal and uterine surgery.
22 October 2014 Fertility problems (NICE quality standard 73) added.
26 February 2014 Cancer services for children and young people (NICE quality standard 55) added.
Sources
NICE guidance and other sources used to create this interactive flowchart.
Fertility problems: assessment and treatment (2013 updated 2017) NICE guideline CG156
Hysteroscopic metroplasty of a uterine septum for recurrent miscarriage (2015) NICE interventional procedures guidance 510
Hysteroscopic metroplasty of a uterine septum for primary infertility (2015) NICE interventional procedures guidance 509
Fallopian tube recanalisation by guidewire (2004) NICE interventional procedures guidance 71
Falloposcopy with coaxial catheter (2004) NICE interventional procedures guidance 62
Fertility problems (2014) NICE quality standard 73
Cancer services for children and young people (2014) NICE quality standard 55
Quality standards
Fertility problems
These quality statements are taken from the fertility problems quality standard. The quality standard defines clinical best practice for fertility problems and should be read in full.
Cancer services for children and young people
These quality statements are taken from the cancer services for children and young people quality standard. The quality standard defines clinical best practice in cancer services for children and young people and should be read in full.
Quality statements
Lifestyle advice
This quality statement is taken from the fertility problems quality standard. The quality standard defines clinical best practice in fertility problems and should be read in full.
Quality statement
People who are concerned that it is taking longer than expected to conceive are given advice on the impact that lifestyle can have on their chances of getting pregnant.
Rationale
Lifestyle factors, including body weight, smoking, alcohol and recreational drug use can have an impact on people’s chances of getting pregnant. People who are trying to have a baby and are concerned it is taking longer than expected, should be given written and verbal advice about changes that can be made to their lifestyle that can help. This information should be provided for both men and women. Positive outcomes from lifestyle change interventions may reduce the need for onward referrals.
Quality measures
Structure
Evidence of local arrangements to ensure that people who are concerned that it is taking longer than expected to conceive are given written and verbal advice on the impact that lifestyle (including body weight, smoking, alcohol and recreational drug use) can have on their chances of getting pregnant.
Data source: Local data collection.
Process
Proportion of people who are concerned that it is taking longer than expected to conceive who are given written and verbal advice on the impact that lifestyle (including body weight, smoking, alcohol and recreational drug use) can have on their chances of getting pregnant.
Numerator – the number in the denominator given written and verbal advice on the impact that lifestyle (including body weight, smoking, alcohol and recreational drug use) can have on their chances of getting pregnant.
Denominator – the number of people who are concerned that it is taking longer than expected to conceive.
Data source: Local data collection. NICE clinical audit tool for fertility: people concerned about delays in conception: audit standard 1b.
Outcome
People who are concerned that it is taking longer than expected to conceive feel informed about the impact that lifestyle can have on their chances of getting pregnant.
Data source: Local data collection.
What the quality statement means for service providers, healthcare professionals and public health practitioners, and commissioners
Service providers (such as primary care, fertility, pre-conception advice and gynaecology services) ensure that written information about the impact of lifestyle on fertility is available to share with people who are concerned that it is taking longer than expected to conceive.
Healthcare professionals and public health practitioners give written and verbal information about the impact of lifestyle on fertility to people who are concerned that it is taking longer than expected to conceive.
Commissioners (clinical commissioning groups and NHS England area teams) ensure that primary, secondary, community and specialist fertility care providers give written and verbal information about the impact of lifestyle on fertility to people who are concerned that it is taking longer than expected to conceive.
What the quality statement means for patients
People who are concerned that it is taking them longer than expected to become pregnant are given advice (both spoken and in writing) on how their lifestyle can affect their chances of getting pregnant, especially if they smoke, drink alcohol, use recreational drugs or are over or underweight.
Source guidance
- Fertility (2013) NICE guideline CG156, recommendations 1.2.3.1–3, 1.2.4.1–4, 1.2.6.1–4 and 1.2.10.1.
Equality and diversity considerations
Information given about fertility problems should be culturally appropriate. It should also be accessible to people with additional needs such as physical, sensory or learning disabilities, and to people who do not speak or read English. People with fertility problems should have access to an interpreter or advocate if needed.
Referral for specialist consultation
This quality statement is taken from the fertility problems quality standard. The quality standard defines clinical best practice in fertility problems and should be read in full.
Quality statement
People are referred for specialist consultation if the woman has not conceived after 1 year of intercourse or after 6 cycles of artificial insemination, or earlier in certain circumstances.
Rationale
Over 80% of women aged under 40 years will conceive within 1 year if they have regular unprotected vaginal intercourse at and around the time of ovulation. If they do not conceive after 1 year, or after 6 cycles of artificial insemination, they should be referred to specialist services to decide if more support is needed. Women aged 36 years or over and people with a known clinical cause or history of predisposing infertility factors should be offered an earlier referral (before 1 year) because of the impact of these factors on fertility. Delays in referral to specialist services can have a negative impact on patient care and treatment outcomes.
Quality measures
Structure
Evidence of local arrangements to ensure that referral pathways are in place for specialist consultation when women have not conceived after 1 year of intercourse or after 6 cycles of artificial insemination, or earlier in certain circumstances.
Data source: Local data collection.
Process
a) Proportion of people (women aged 35 years or under and men) who are referred for specialist consultation if the woman has not conceived after 1 year of intercourse or after 6 cycles of artificial insemination, when there is no known clinical cause or history of predisposing factors for infertility in the woman or man.
Numerator – the number in the denominator who are referred for specialist consultation.
Denominator – the number of people (women aged 35 years or under and men) who have not conceived after 1 year of intercourse or after 6 cycles of artificial insemination and there is no known clinical cause or history of predisposing factors for infertility in the woman or man.
Data source: Local data collection. Data can be collected using the NICE clinical audit tool for fertility: people concerned about delays in conception: audit standard 3.
b) Proportion of people who are referred for specialist consultation within 1 year of identification of fertility problems when there is a known clinical cause in the woman or man, a history of predisposing factors for infertility or the woman is aged 36 years or older.
Numerator – the number in the denominator who are referred for specialist consultation within 1 year of identification of fertility problems.
Denominator – the number of people who have not conceived and have a known clinical cause, a history of predisposing factors for infertility or the woman is aged 36 years or older.
Data source: Local data collection. Data can be collected using the NICE clinical audit tool for fertility: people concerned about delays in conception: audit standard 4.
What the quality statement means for service providers, healthcare professionals and commissioners
Service providers (primary care, secondary care and specialist fertility services) ensure that referral pathways are in place so that people who have not conceived are referred for specialist consultation after 1 year of intercourse or 6 cycles of artificial insemination, or earlier depending on the presence of known infertility factors and the age of the woman.
Healthcare professionals refer people for specialist consultation if they have not conceived after 1 year of intercourse or 6 cycles of artificial insemination, or earlier depending on the presence of known infertility factors and the age of the woman.
Commissioners (clinical commissioning groups and NHS England area teams) ensure that there is sufficient capacity within specialist services and that agreed pathways and referral criteria are in place for people who have not conceived to be referred for specialist consultation after 1 year of intercourse or 6 cycles of artificial insemination, or earlier depending on the presence of known infertility factors and the age of the woman.
What the quality statement means for patients
People finding it difficult to get pregnant are referred for specialist advice and tests if they have been trying for a year or longer or have had 6 cycles of artificial insemination (which is the direct insertion of sperm into a woman's womb or the neck of the womb). If they have a known problem that might affect their fertility or the woman is aged 36 years or older, they should be referred earlier.
Source guidance
- Fertility (2013) NICE guideline CG156, recommendations 1.2.13.5, 1.2.13.6 and 1.2.13.7 (key priorities for implementation).
Definitions of terms used in this quality statement
Circumstances for earlier referral
An earlier referral should be offered if there is a known clinical cause of infertility in the woman or man, a history of predisposing factors for infertility (such as amenorrhoea, oligomenorrhoea, pelvic inflammatory disease or undescended testes) or the woman is aged 36 years or over. [Fertility (NICE guideline CG156), recommendation 1.2.13.7]
Specialist consultation
Assessment, investigation or treatment in secondary or tertiary care services (for example, urology departments, gynaecology departments or fertility clinics). [Expert opinion]
Counselling
This quality statement is taken from the fertility problems quality standard. The quality standard defines clinical best practice in fertility problems and should be read in full.
Quality statement
People who are having problems conceiving are offered counselling before, during and after investigation and treatment for their fertility problems.
Rationale
People experiencing fertility problems should be offered counselling because fertility problems themselves, and the investigation and treatment for fertility problems, can cause emotional stress.
Quality measures
Structure
Evidence of local arrangements to ensure that people who are having problems conceiving are offered counselling before, during and after investigation and treatment for their fertility problems in secondary or tertiary care.
Data source: Local data collection.
Process
a) Proportion of people who are having problems conceiving and who are having investigations for fertility problems in secondary or tertiary care who receive counselling.
Numerator – the number in the denominator who receive counselling.
Denominator – the number of people who are having problems conceiving and who are having investigations for their fertility problems in secondary or tertiary care.
Data source: Local data collection.
b) Proportion of people who are having problems conceiving and who are having treatment for fertility problems in secondary or tertiary care who receive counselling.
Numerator – the number in the denominator who receive counselling.
Denominator – the number of people who are having problems conceiving and who are having treatment for their fertility problems in secondary or tertiary care.
Data source: Local data collection.
c) Proportion of people who are having problems conceiving and who have received treatment for fertility problems in secondary and tertiary care who receive counselling.
Numerator – the number in the denominator who receive counselling.
Denominator – the number of people who are having problems conceiving and who have received treatment for fertility problems in secondary or tertiary care.
Data source: Local data collection.
Outcome
People who are having problems conceiving feel supported throughout and after investigation and treatment for their fertility problems.
Data source: Local data collection.
What the quality statement means for service providers, healthcare professionals and commissioners
Service providers (secondary and tertiary care services) ensure that counselling services are available for people who are having problems conceiving before, during and after investigation and treatment for their fertility problems.
Healthcare professionals refer people who are having problems conceiving for counselling before, during and after investigations and treatment for their fertility problems.
Commissioners (clinical commissioning groups and NHS England area teams) ensure that counselling services are available before, during and after investigation and treatment for people with fertility problems, and that pathways and referral criteria are in place.
What the quality statement means for patients
People finding it difficult to get pregnant have the opportunity to see a counsellor before, during and after any tests or treatment for fertility problems.
Source guidance
- Fertility (2013) NICE guideline CG156, recommendation 1.1.2.4.
Equality and diversity considerations
Good communication between healthcare professionals and people with fertility problems is essential. Care and support, and the information given about it, should be culturally appropriate. It should also be accessible to people with additional needs such as physical, sensory or learning disabilities, and to people who do not speak or read English. People with fertility problems should have access to an interpreter or advocate if needed.
Semen analysis
This quality statement is taken from the fertility problems quality standard. The quality standard defines clinical best practice in fertility problems and should be read in full.
Quality statement
Services analysing semen samples use methods and reference values in accordance with the most recent World Health Organization laboratory manual.
Rationale
Semen analysis is the primary assessment tool for male fertility potential. The accuracy of the result is dependent on following accredited methods of analysis that are regularly audited and subject to quality control. Variations in laboratory techniques significantly influence the reliability of the results of semen analysis. This may lead to a longer process for investigating male infertility, and possibly to inappropriate treatment.
Quality measures
Structure
Evidence of a quality assurance programme to ensure that services analysing semen samples use methods and reference values in accordance with the most recent World Health Organization laboratory manual.
Data source: Local data collection.
What the quality statement means for service providers, healthcare professionals and commissioners
Service providers (laboratory services) ensure that there is a quality assurance programme in place so that services analysing semen samples use methods and reference values in accordance with the most recent World Health Organization laboratory manual.
Healthcare professionals (such as scientists and laboratory technicians) analysing semen samples use methods and reference values in accordance with the most recent World Health Organization laboratory manual.
Commissioners (clinical commissioning groups) ensure that the laboratory services they use comply with the most recent World Health Organization laboratory manual.
What the quality statement means for patients
Men having their semen checked to measure the quantity and quality of their sperm have it tested by a laboratory that uses recommended methods to provide an accurate result.
Source guidance
- Fertility (2013) NICE guideline CG156, recommendation 1.3.1.1.
Definitions of terms used in this quality statement
Reference values
The results of the semen analysis conducted as part of an initial assessment should be compared with the following World Health Organization reference values:
- semen volume: 1.5 ml or more
- pH: 7.2 or more
- sperm concentration: 15 million spermatozoa per ml or more
- total sperm number: 39 million spermatozoa per ejaculate or more
- total motility (percentage of progressive motility and non-progressive motility): 40% or more motile or 32% or more with progressive motility
- vitality: 58% or more live spermatozoa
- sperm morphology (percentage of normal forms): 4% or more.
The reference ranges are only valid for the semen analysis tests outlined by the World Health Organization.
[Fertility (NICE guideline CG156), recommendation 1.3.1.1]
IVF for women under 40 years
This quality statement is taken from the fertility problems quality standard. The quality standard defines clinical best practice in fertility problems and should be read in full.
Quality statement
Women aged under 40 years who meet the criteria for in vitro fertilisation (IVF) are offered 3 full cycles of IVF.
Rationale
Access to the appropriate number of full cycles of IVF for women who meet the criteria for IVF will increase the likelihood of those women becoming pregnant. IVF should be considered as an option only if expectant management and first-line treatments for women have not led to a pregnancy. This staged approach to treatment supports the efficient and equitable use of healthcare resources.
Quality measures
Structure
Evidence of local arrangements to provide 3 full cycles of IVF for women aged under 40 years who meet the criteria for IVF.
Data source: Local data collection. National data on provision of IVF are available from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority.
Process
Proportion of women aged under 40 years who meet the criteria for IVF who are offered 3 full cycles of IVF.
Numerator – the number in the denominator who receive 3 full cycles of IVF.
Denominator – the number of women aged under 40 years who meet the criteria for IVF.
Data source: Local data collection.
What the quality statement means for service providers, healthcare professionals and commissioners
Service providers (specialist fertility services) ensure that policies are in place on provision of 3 full cycles of IVF for women aged under 40 years who meet the criteria for IVF.
Healthcare professionals (in specialist fertility services) adhere to policies on provision of 3 full cycles of IVF for women aged under 40 years who meet the criteria for IVF.
Commissioners (clinical commissioning groups) should commission sufficient capacity within specialist fertility services to provide 3 full cycles of IVF for women aged under 40 years who meet the criteria for IVF.
What the quality statement means for patients
Women under 40 finding it difficult to get pregnant who have been trying for 2 years or longer or have had 12 cycles of artificial insemination (which is the direct insertion of sperm into a woman's womb or the neck of the womb) are offered 3 full cycles of IVF. A full cycle of IVF involves collecting eggs and sperm, fertilising the eggs outside the woman's body, and placing 1 or 2 fertilised eggs (embryos) into the womb to start a pregnancy.
Source guidance
- Fertility (2013) NICE guideline CG156, recommendation 1.11.1.3 (key priority for implementation).
Definitions of terms used in this quality statement
Criteria for IVF for women aged under 40 years
Women aged under 40 years should be offered 3 full cycles of IVF if they have not conceived after 2 years of regular unprotected vaginal intercourse or 12 cycles of artificial insemination (including 6 or more by intrauterine insemination). The use of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) should not preclude the provision of the appropriate number of IVF cycles. [Fertility (NICE guideline CG156), recommendation 1.11.1.3]
Full cycle of IVF
A full cycle should include 1 episode of ovarian stimulation and the transfer of any resultant fresh and frozen embryo(s). [Fertility (NICE guideline CG156)]
Any previous full cycle, whether self- or NHS-funded, should count towards the total of 3 full cycles offered by the NHS. [Fertility (NICE guideline CG156)], recommendation 1.11.1.6]
Equality and diversity considerations
The existence of living children should not be a factor that precludes the provision of fertility treatment.
The statements include reference to specific age groups. This is to promote effective care because age was found to be the only robust factor in determining IVF success.
The statement focuses on people who have a possible pathological problem to explain their infertility. It includes women in same-sex relationships and women with or without a partner having artificial insemination.
IVF for women aged 40–42 years
This quality statement is taken from the fertility problems quality standard. The quality standard defines clinical best practice in fertility problems and should be read in full.
Quality statement
Women aged 40–42 years who meet the criteria for in vitro fertilisation (IVF) are offered 1 full cycle of IVF.
Rationale
The overall chance of having a live birth after IVF treatment falls with rising female age and also decreases as the number of unsuccessful cycles increases. Access to the appropriate number of full cycles of IVF for women who meet the criteria for IVF will increase the likelihood of those women becoming pregnant. IVF should be considered as an option only if expectant management and first-line treatments for women have not led to a pregnancy. This staged approach to treatment supports the efficient and equitable use of healthcare resources.
Quality measures
Structure
Evidence of a locally agreed policy on provision of 1 full cycle of IVF for women aged 40–42 years who meet the criteria for IVF.
Data source: Local data collection. National data on provision of IVF and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) are available from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority.
Process
Proportion of women aged 40–42 years who meet the criteria for IVF who are offered 1 full cycle of IVF.
Numerator – the number in the denominator who receive 1 full cycle of IVF.
Denominator – the number of women aged 40–42 years who meet the criteria for IVF.
Data source: Local data collection.
What the quality statement means for service providers, healthcare professionals and commissioners
Service providers (specialist fertility services) ensure that policies are in place on provision of 1 full cycle of IVF for women aged 40–42 years who meet the criteria for IVF.
Healthcare professionals (in specialist fertility services) adhere to policies on provision of 1 full cycle of IVF for women aged 40–42 years who meet the criteria for IVF.
Commissioners (clinical commissioning groups) should commission sufficient capacity within specialist fertility services to provide 1 full cycle of IVF for women aged 40–42 years who meet the criteria for IVF.
What the quality statement means for patients
Women aged 40 to 42 finding it difficult to get pregnant who have been trying for 2 years or longer or they have had 12 cycles of artificial insemination (which is the direct insertion of sperm into a woman's womb or the neck of the womb) are offered 1 full cycle of IVF if all of the following apply:
- they have never had IVF before
- tests show that their ovaries would respond normally to fertility drugs
- they have discussed the risks of IVF and becoming pregnant at this age with their doctor.
A full cycle of IVF involves collecting eggs and sperm, fertilising the eggs outside the woman's body, and placing 1 or 2 fertilised eggs (embryos) into the womb to start a pregnancy.
Source guidance
- Fertility (2013) NICE guideline CG156, recommendation 1.11.1.4 (key priority for implementation).
Definitions of terms used in this quality statement
Criteria for IVF for women aged 40–42 years
Women aged 40–42 years should be offered 1 full cycle of IVF if they have not conceived after 2 years of regular unprotected vaginal intercourse or 12 cycles of artificial insemination (including 6 or more by intrauterine insemination) and have never had IVF treatment before, have no evidence of low ovarian reserve (when a women doesn't have many eggs left) and have had a discussion of the additional implications of IVF and pregnancy at this age. The use of ICSI should not preclude the provision of the appropriate number of IVF cycles. [Fertility (NICE guideline CG156), recommendation 1.11.1.4].
Full cycle of IVF
A full cycle should include 1 episode of ovarian stimulation and the transfer of any resultant fresh and frozen embryo(s). [Fertility (NICE guideline CG156)]
Equality and diversity considerations
The existence of living children should not be a factor that precludes the provision of fertility treatment.
The statements include reference to specific age groups. This is to promote effective care because age was found to be the only robust factor in determining IVF success.
The statement focuses on people who have a possible pathological problem to explain their infertility. It includes women in same-sex relationships and single women having artificial insemination.
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection
This quality statement is taken from the fertility problems quality standard. The quality standard defines clinical best practice in fertility problems and should be read in full.
Quality statement
Women having in vitro fertilisation (IVF) are offered intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) only if there are severe deficits in semen quality, obstructive azoospermia, non-obstructive azoospermia or if previous IVF treatment resulted in failed or very poor fertilisation.
Rationale
ICSI is a technique in which a single sperm is injected into an egg to achieve fertilisation. It is sometimes used in addition to IVF and improves the chances of conception. However, given the added resources involved, its use should be determined by clinical need.
Quality measures
Structure
Evidence of local arrangements to ensure that ICSI is offered only if there are severe deficits in semen quality, obstructive azoospermia, non-obstructive azoospermia or if previous IVF treatment resulted in failed or very poor fertilisation.
Data source: Local data collection.
Process
Proportion of women having IVF with ICSI because of severe deficits in semen quality, obstructive azoospermia, non-obstructive azoospermia or because previous IVF treatment resulted in failed or very poor fertilisation.
Numerator – the number in the denominator having ICSI because of severe deficits in semen quality, obstructive azoospermia, non-obstructive azoospermia or because previous IVF treatment resulted in failed or very poor fertilisation.
Denominator – the number of women having IVF with ICSI.
Data source: Local data collection.
What the quality statement means for service providers, healthcare professionals and commissioners
Service providers (specialist fertility services) ensure that policies are in place to offer ICSI to women having IVF only if there are severe deficits in semen quality, obstructive azoospermia, non-obstructive azoospermia or if previous IVF treatment resulted in failed or very poor fertilisation.
Healthcare professionals (in specialist fertility services) offer ICSI to women having IVF only if there are severe deficits in semen quality, obstructive azoospermia, non-obstructive azoospermia or if previous IVF treatment resulted in failed or very poor fertilisation.
Commissioners (clinical commissioning groups) monitor the use of ICSI for women having IVF in the services they commission.
What the quality statement means for patients
Women having IVF are offered an additional procedure to improve their chances of getting pregnant only if problems with the sperm mean that it is unlikely to fertilise the egg without it, or if there was poor or no fertilisation with IVF in the past. The procedure involves injecting a sperm directly into the egg and is called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI for short).
Source guidance
- Fertility (2013) NICE guideline CG156, recommendation 1.13.1.1.
Definitions of terms used in this quality statement
Severe deficits in semen quality
Low quality sperm identified through comparison of sperm analysis results to the reference values in the World Health Organization laboratory manual. [Expert opinion]
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)
A procedure sometimes used in addition to IVF, which involves injecting a single sperm into the inner cellular structure of an egg. [Fertility (NICE guideline CG156)]
Non-obstructive azoospermia
No sperm in the ejaculate due to testicular failure. [Adapted from Fertility (NICE guideline CG156)]
Obstructive azoospermia
The testes produce sperm as normal but a blockage prevents entry to the ejaculate. [Adapted from Fertility (NICE guideline CG156)]
Number of embryos transferred
This quality statement is taken from the fertility problems quality standard. The quality standard defines clinical best practice in fertility problems and should be read in full.
Quality statement
Women having in vitro fertilisation (IVF) have 1 or 2 embryos transferred according to the woman's or donor's age, the cycle number and the quality of the embryos.
Rationale
An effective embryo transfer strategy minimises the chance of multiple pregnancies following IVF and improves the outcome of IVF with the birth of more single, healthy babies. Multiple pregnancies represent a significant health risk to mothers and babies.
Quality measures
Structure
Evidence of local arrangements to implement an agreed embryo transfer strategy in which 1 or 2 embryos are transferred according to the woman's or donor's age, the cycle number and the quality of the embryos.
Data source: Local data collection.
Process
a) Proportion of IVF cycles in which embryo transfers are carried out in line with Fertility (NICE guideline CG156) (see also the definitions section below).
Numerator – the number in the denominator carried out in line with Fertility (NICE guideline CG156).
Denominator – the number of embryo transfers in IVF cycles.
Data source: Local data collection. Data can be collected using the NICE clinical audit tool for fertility: embryo transfer strategies: audit standards 4–7.
Outcome
a) Proportion of embryo transfers that are elective single embryo transfers.
Data source: Local data collection. National data on elective single embryo transfers are available from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority.
b) Number of IVF treatments resulting in multiple pregnancy.
Data source: Local data collection. National data on multiple pregnancy rates following IVF treatment are available from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority.
What the quality statement means for service providers, healthcare professionals and commissioners
Service providers (specialist fertility services) ensure that systems are in place to monitor the number of embryos transferred during IVF cycles.
Healthcare professionals (in specialist fertility services) transfer the appropriate number of embryos during IVF, taking into account the woman's or donor's age, the cycle number and the quality of the embryos.
Commissioners (clinical commissioning groups) ensure that the services they commission have policies in place on embryo transfer strategies that take into account the woman's or donor's age, the cycle number and the quality of the embryos.
What the quality statement means for patients
Women having IVF have 1 or 2 embryos transferred into their womb, depending on the woman's age (or the donor's age), the number of IVF treatments she has had and the quality of the embryos.
Source guidance
- Fertility (2013) NICE guideline CG156, recommendations 1.12.6.5, 1.12.6.8 (key priorities for implementation), 1.12.6.6 and 1.12.6.7.
Definitions of terms used in this quality statement
Embryo transfer according to age, cycle number and quality of embryos
The number of embryos transferred should be determined by the age of the woman, cycle number and quality of embryos as follows.
Age | Cycle | Quality of embryos 1 | Number of embryos to transfer |
|---|---|---|---|
Under 37 | 1st | N/A | 1 |
Under 37 | 2nd | 1 or more top-quality embryos available | 1 |
Under 37 | 2nd | If no top-quality embryos are available | No more than 2 |
Under 37 | 3rd | N/A | No more than 2 |
37–39 | 1st or 2nd | 1 or more top-quality embryos available | 1 |
37–39 | 1st or 2nd | If no top-quality embryos are available | No more than 2 |
37–39 | 3rd | N/A | No more than 2 |
40–42 | N/A | N/A | No more than 2 |
N/A | N/A | Top-quality blastocyst available | 1 |
1 Embryo quality is evaluated at both cleavage and blastocyst stages, according to the Association of Clinical Embryologists (ACE) and UK National External Quality Assessment Service (UK NEQAS) for Reproductive Science Embryo and Blastocyst Grading schematic. | |||
[Adapted from Fertility (NICE guideline CG156)]
Equality and diversity considerations
The existence of living children should not be a factor that precludes the provision of fertility treatment.
Cryopreservation before cancer treatment
This quality statement is taken from the fertility problems quality standard. The quality standard defines clinical best practice in fertility problems and should be read in full.
Quality statement
People preparing to have treatment for cancer that is likely to result in fertility problems are offered cryopreservation.
Rationale
Some treatments for cancer can cause fertility problems. Cryopreservation of men's sperm or women's oocytes or embryos may give people with cancer the option of having children in the future.
Structure
Evidence of local arrangements to ensure that people preparing to have treatment for cancer that is likely to result in fertility problems are offered cryopreservation.
Data source: Local data collection.
Process
a) Proportion of males having treatment for cancer that is likely to result in fertility problems who receive sperm cryopreservation.
Numerator – the number in the denominator who receive sperm cryopreservation.
Denominator – the number of males having treatment for cancer that is likely to result in fertility problems.
Data source: Local data collection.
b) Proportion of females having treatment for cancer that is likely to result in fertility problems who receive oocyte or embryo cryopreservation.
Numerator – the number in the denominator who receive oocyte or embryo cryopreservation.
Denominator – the number of females having treatment for cancer that is likely to result in fertility problems and:
- who are well enough to undergo ovarian stimulation and egg collection
- whose condition will not worsen with cryopreservation
- who have enough time before the start of their cancer treatment.
Data source: Local data collection.
What the quality statement means for service providers, healthcare professionals and commissioners
Service providers (specialist fertility services) ensure that agreed referral pathways are in place to provide cryopreservation to people who are preparing to have treatment for cancer that is likely to result in fertility problems.
Healthcare professionals (in specialist fertility services) offer cryopreservation to people preparing to have treatment for cancer that is likely to result in fertility problems.
Commissioners (clinical commissioning groups) ensure there is sufficient capacity within fertility services to provide cryopreservation for people preparing to have cancer treatment that is likely to result in fertility problems, with agreed referral pathways in place.
What the quality statement means for patients
People preparing to have treatment for cancer that is likely to result in fertility problems are given the option to preserve (freeze and store) their eggs or sperm for possible use in the future.
Source guidance
- Fertility (2013) NICE guideline CG156, recommendations 1.16.1.8 and 1.16.1.10.
Equality and diversity considerations
The existence of living children should not be a factor that precludes the provision of fertility treatment.
There should not be a lower age limit for cryopreservation for fertility preservation in people diagnosed with cancer.
Multidisciplinary teams for young people
This quality statement is taken from the children and young people with cancer quality standard. The quality standard defines clinical best practice in cancer services for children and young people and should be read in full.
Quality statement
Young people (aged 16–24 years) with cancer have their diagnosis, treatment and support agreed and delivered by a cancer-site-specific multidisciplinary team and a teenage and young adult multidisciplinary team.
Rationale
Children’s services have well-established models of care to ensure that children with cancer are seen by a children’s cancer multidisciplinary team. However, there is variation in access to age-appropriate care for young people. In addition to cancers more commonly found in their own age group, young people can also experience cancers more common to children or adults. It is therefore important for them to be seen by both a cancer-site-specific multidisciplinary team and a teenage and young adult multidisciplinary team, to ensure that they have a correct diagnosis and receive the most effective treatment.
Quality measures
Structure
Evidence of local arrangements for all young people (aged 16–24 years) with cancer to have their diagnosis, treatment and support agreed and delivered by a cancer-site-specific multidisciplinary team and a teenage and young adult multidisciplinary team.
Data source: Local data collection.
Process
a) The proportion of young people (aged 16–24 years) diagnosed with cancer who have their diagnosis, treatment and support agreed by a cancer-site-specific multidisciplinary team and a teenage and young adult multidisciplinary team.
Numerator – the number of people in the denominator who have their diagnosis, treatment and support agreed by a cancer-site-specific multidisciplinary team and a teenage and young adult multidisciplinary team.
Denominator – the number of young people (aged 16–24 years) diagnosed with cancer.
Data source: Local data collection.
b) The proportion of young people (aged 16–24 years) with cancer who have their treatment and support delivered by a cancer-site-specific multidisciplinary team and a teenage and young adult multidisciplinary team.
Numerator – the number of people in the denominator who have their treatment and support delivered by a cancer-site-specific multidisciplinary team and a teenage and young adult multidisciplinary team.
Denominator – the number of young people (aged 16–24 years) with cancer.
Data source: Local data collection.
What the quality statement means for service providers, health and social care practitioners, and commissioners
Service providers ensure that cancer-site-specific multidisciplinary teams and a teenage and young adult multidisciplinary team are in place to agree and deliver the diagnosis, treatment and support for young people (aged 16–24 years) with cancer.
Health and social care practitioners work collaboratively across cancer-site-specific and teenage and young adult multidisciplinary teams to agree and deliver the diagnosis, treatment and support for young people (aged 16–24 years) with cancer.
Commissioners ensure that they commission cancer services for young people (aged 16–24 years) that include provision of cancer-site-specific multidisciplinary teams and a teenage and young adult multidisciplinary team for young people with cancer.
What the quality statement means for patients, service users and carers
Young people with cancer (aged 16–24 years) have their diagnosis, treatment and support agreed and delivered by a team of experts in the specific type of cancer that they have and a team of experts in treating and supporting young people with cancer.
Source guidance
- Children and young people with cancer: improving outcomes in children and young people with cancer. NICE cancer service guidance (2005), Multidisciplinary teams: page 93, paragraph 1; page 94, paragraphs 1 and 4; and Principal treatment centres: page 104, paragraph 2.
Definitions of terms used in this quality statement
Teenage and young adult multidisciplinary team
A dedicated multidisciplinary team with expertise in cancer-related issues for teenagers and young adults, and their families and carers. The composition of the multidisciplinary team varies depending on the stage in the care pathway, but may include a:
- lead oncologist/haematologist with experience in teenage and young adult cancer
- principal treatment centre lead nurse
- specialist nurse
- psychologist or level 3 psychology support
- young people’s social worker
- youth worker or activity coordinator
- teenage and young adult key worker.
[Adapted from Children and young people with cancer: improving outcomes in children and young people with cancer, Multidisciplinary teams: page 92, table 4; and National Cancer Peer Review Programme Manual for cancer services: teenage and young adults cancer measures 11-7D-201 Lead clinician and core team membership]
Cancer-site-specific multidisciplinary team
A dedicated multidisciplinary team with specialist expertise in treating cancer in specific sites. [Adapted from Children and young people with cancer: improving outcomes in children and young people with cancer, Multidisciplinary teams, page 94, paragraph 1]
Access to clinical trials
This quality statement is taken from the children and young people with cancer quality standard. The quality standard defines clinical best practice in cancer services for children and young people and should be read in full.
Quality statement
Children and young people (aged 0–24 years) with cancer should be offered the opportunity to take part in clinical trials if they are eligible.
Rationale
Involvement of children and young people with cancer in clinical trials has made an important contribution to improved childhood cancer survival rates. Multidisciplinary teams should identify suitable trials for children and young people, and key workers should provide support to the patient and their family in deciding whether to participate. The decision to participate should be an informed choice.
Quality measures
Structure
Evidence of local arrangements to ensure that children and young people (aged 0–24 years) are assessed for eligibility for relevant clinical trials and offered the opportunity to take part.
Data source: Local data collection.
Process
a) The proportion of children and young people (aged 0–24 years) with cancer and eligible for a clinical trial who are offered the opportunity to take part.
Numerator – the number of people in the denominator offered the opportunity to take part.
Denominator – children and young people (aged 0–24 years) with cancer and eligible for a clinical trial.
Data source: Local data collection.
b) The proportion of children and young people (aged 0–24 years) with cancer who are recruited into a clinical trial for which they are eligible.
Numerator – the number of people in the denominator recruited into the clinical trial.
Denominator – the number of children and young people (aged 0–24 years) with cancer and eligible for a clinical trial.
Data source: Local data collection.
What the quality statement means for service providers, healthcare professionals and commissioners
Service providers ensure that multidisciplinary teams discuss the eligibility of children and young people (aged 0–24 years) with cancer for relevant clinical trials and promote participation in research and development.
Healthcare professionals from the multidisciplinary teams identify relevant clinical trials for children and young people (aged 0–24 years) with cancer, assess eligibility and offer opportunities to take part.
Commissioners ensure that the cancer services they commission for children and young people (aged 0–24 years) identify relevant clinical trials and support participation.
What the quality statement means for patients, service users and carers
Children and young people with cancer are offered the opportunity to take part in clinical trials (which carry out research into new treatments) that have been identified as suitable for them and are supported to participate in these trials if they want to.
Source guidance
- Children and young people with cancer: improving outcomes in children and young people with cancer. NICE cancer service guidance (2005), Research: page 124, paragraph 2.
Equality and diversity considerations
When providing support for children and young people to access clinical trials any potential difficulties in participation, which may include distance, disability and financial barriers, should be taken into account.
Electronic prescribing of chemotherapy
This quality statement is taken from the children and young people with cancer quality standard. The quality standard defines clinical best practice in cancer services for children and young people and should be read in full.
Quality statement
Children and young people (aged 0–24 years) receiving chemotherapy have it prescribed using an electronic prescribing system.
Rationale
There are a number of risks associated with prescribing and administering chemotherapy. Electronic prescribing of chemotherapy should be used in all settings to help reduce the risks. However, at present it is widely used in adult cancer care but not available in all children’s chemotherapy services. Chemotherapy regimens for children and young people are varied and often very complex, and there is a high risk of error in calculating the correct doses, fluid volumes and scheduling. Drug dose and fluid volume calculations are based on weight and body surface area. Electronic prescribing systems perform the calculations and support safer prescribing.
Quality measures
Structure
Evidence of local arrangements to ensure that all children and young people (aged 0–24 years) receiving chemotherapy have it prescribed using an electronic prescribing system.
Data source: Local data collection. National Cancer Peer Review Programme Manual for cancer services: children’s cancer measures: 11-7B-161 Computer generated prescriptions.
Outcome
The number of patient safety incidents in children and young people (aged 0–24 years) related to chemotherapy prescriptions.
Data source: Local data collection.
What the quality statement means for service providers, healthcare professionals and commissioners
Service providers ensure that an electronic prescribing system is in place for children and young people (aged 0–24 years) receiving chemotherapy.
Healthcare professionals use electronic prescribing systems for prescribing chemotherapy regimens for children and young people (aged 0–24 years).
Commissioners work with service providers to ensure that children and young people (aged 0–24 years) receiving chemotherapy have it prescribed using an electronic prescribing system.
What the quality statement means for patients, service users and carers
Children and young people with cancer receiving chemotherapy have the correct amount of drugs and fluids, and when to have them, calculated by a computer-based prescribing system.
Source guidance
- Children and young people with cancer: improving outcomes in children and young people with cancer. NICE cancer service guidance (2005), Chemotherapy: page 39, paragraph 4.
Definitions of terms used in this quality statement
Electronic prescribing system
A computer package that calculates the correct chemotherapy doses, fluids and scheduling for each child and young person based on previously entered and verified data. The system should be suitable for use with paediatric chemotherapy regimens. [Expert opinion]
Neuro-rehabilitation
This quality statement is taken from the children and young people with cancer quality standard. The quality standard defines clinical best practice in cancer services for children and young people and should be read in full.
Quality statement
Children and young people (aged 0–24 years) who have had a central nervous system malignancy receive a specialist neuro-rehabilitation care package.
Rationale
All children and young people who have had cancer are likely to need some form of rehabilitation. Many children and young people who have had cancer affecting their central nervous system (such as brain tumours) are likely to need complex rehabilitation over a long period of time (for the rest of their lives for some people). Access to skilled neuro-rehabilitation can make a significant difference, enabling children and young people to become independent adults and reducing the need for ongoing complex care packages.
Quality measures
Structure
Evidence of local arrangements to ensure that all children and young people (aged 0–24 years) who have had a central nervous system malignancy receive a specialist neuro-rehabilitation care package.
Data source: Local data collection.
Process
The proportion of children and young people (aged 0–24 years) who have had treatment for a central nervous system malignancy who receive a specialist neuro-rehabilitation care package.
Numerator – the number of people in the denominator receiving a specialist neuro-rehabilitation care package.
Denominator – the number of children and young people (aged 0–24 years) who have had treatment for a central nervous system malignancy.
Data source: Local data collection.
What the quality statement means for service providers, healthcare professionals and commissioners
Service providers ensure that specialist neuro-rehabilitation care packages are available for children and young people (aged 0–24 years) who have had a central nervous system malignancy.
Healthcare professionals ensure that children and young people (aged 0–24 years) who have had a central nervous system malignancy receive a specialist neuro-rehabilitation care package.
Commissioners ensure that they commission services that provide specialist neuro-rehabilitation care packages for children and young people (aged 0–24 years) who have had central nervous system malignancy.
What the quality statement means for patients, service users and carers
Children and young people who have had cancer of the central nervous system (such as a brain tumour) are supported by a team of specialists to help them recover as fully as possible (called neuro-rehabilitation).
Source guidance
- Children and young people with cancer: improving outcomes in children and young people with cancer. NICE cancer service guidance (2005), Rehabilitation: page 69, paragraph 2.
Definitions of terms used in this quality statement
Specialist neuro-rehabilitation care package
A package of support that takes into account the effects of the cancer and treatment on neurological, physical, psychological and academic function, recognising that these effects can become more evident over time. The specialist team should cover but not be limited to: speech and language therapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, neurology and psychology (including neuropsychology). The rehabilitation programme should continue for as long as it is needed and can make a difference. [Adapted from Children and young people with cancer: improving outcomes in children and young people with cancer. Rehabilitation: page 68, paragraph 6]
Equality and diversity considerations
When providing neuro-rehabilitation services for children and young people with cancer, any potential difficulties in accessing services, which may include distance, disability and financial barriers, should be taken into account.
Follow-up and monitoring of late effects
This quality statement is taken from the children and young people with cancer quality standard. The quality standard defines clinical best practice in cancer services for children and young people and should be read in full.
Quality statement
Children and young people (aged 0–24 years) who have been treated for cancer have an end-of-treatment summary and care plan that includes agreed follow-up and monitoring arrangements.
Rationale
Children and young people who have had cancer are at risk of long-term adverse effects from the cancer and its treatment. At the end of their treatment they should be provided with verbal and written information about the long-term risks of their cancer and treatment, and the arrangements for monitoring and identifying potential problems and treating them as quickly as possible.
Quality measures
Structure
Evidence of local arrangements to ensure that children and young people (aged 0–24 years) who have been treated for cancer have an end-of-treatment summary and care plan that includes agreed follow-up and monitoring arrangements.
Data source: Local data collection.
Process
a) The proportion of children and young people (aged 0–24 years) completing treatment for cancer who have an end-of-treatment summary and care plan.
Numerator – the number of people in the denominator who have an end-of-treatment summary and care plan.
Denominator – the number of children and young people (aged 0–24 years) completing treatment for cancer.
b) The proportion of children and young people (aged 0–24 years) treated for cancer who have their end-of-treatment summary and care plan reviewed 5 years after the end of their initial treatment.
Numerator – the number of people in the denominator who have their end-of-treatment summary and care plan reviewed 5 years after the end of their initial treatment.
Denominator – the number of children and young people (aged 0–24 years) treated for cancer with an end-of-treatment summary and care plan.
Data source: a), b) Local data collection and National Cancer Peer Review Programme Manual for cancer services: children’s cancer measures: 11-7B-211 Follow up and care planning decision, and 1-7B-212 Late effects MDT follow up and long term sequelae protocol.
What the quality statement means for service providers, healthcare professionals and commissioners
Service providers ensure that services and systems are in place for children and young people (aged 0–24 years) who have been treated for cancer to have an end-of-treatment summary and care plan that includes agreed follow-up and monitoring arrangements.
Healthcare professionals ensure that children and young people (aged 0–24 years) who have been treated for cancer have an end-of-treatment summary and care plan that includes agreed follow-up and monitoring arrangements, and ensure that the plan is reviewed 5 years after the end of initial treatment.
Commissioners ensure that they commission services that provide children and young people (aged 0–24 years) who have been treated for cancer with an end-of-treatment summary and care plan that includes agreed follow-up and monitoring arrangements. This should include commissioning services with long-term follow-up clinics to deliver the agreed care plan.
What the quality statement means for patients, service users and carers
Children and young people who have had treatment for cancer should have a care plan developed at the end of their treatment. This plan should include the treatment they have received, possible problems that they may experience, details of future appointments that have been agreed, how checks for possible problems should be carried out and who to contact if they have any concerns after their treatment.
Source guidance
- Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) (2013) Long term follow up of survivors of childhood cancer (SIGN clinical guideline 132), sections 3.6 (page 11, paragraph 5), 11.2 (page 35, paragraph 4) and 11.3 (page 35, paragraph 6).
Definitions of terms used in this quality statement
End-of-treatment summary and care plan
A plan that should include details of:
- treatment, including chemotherapeutic agents and their cumulative doses, radiotherapy and surgery
- existing or potential late effects associated with the cancer or treatment
- agreed follow-up, including where and with whom
- monitoring for:
- relapse or recurrence
- immediate and late effects of treatment
- risk of second malignancy.
As a minimum, the care plan should be available and revised at:
- the end of treatment
- entry into long-term follow-up (usually 5 years after completing therapy) and
- discharge from formal follow-up by the oncologist or the long-term follow-up clinic.
The care plan should also be used by key workers to support transition from children’s services to young people’s services and from young people’s services to adult services. [Expert opinion]
Fertility support
This quality statement is taken from the children and young people with cancer quality standard. The quality standard defines clinical best practice in cancer services for children and young people and should be read in full.
Quality statement
Children and young people (aged 0–24 years) with cancer are assessed for potential future fertility problems and advised about their options for fertility preservation before treatment is started.
Rationale
The late effects of cancer treatment are well-recognised and involve most organ systems. Approximately 15% of patients have a high risk of future fertility problems because of their cancer treatment. Children and young people with cancer and their parents or carers should have the risks discussed with them and be advised about their options for fertility preservation before cancer treatment starts.
Quality measures
Structure
Evidence of local arrangements to ensure that children and young people (0–24 years) with cancer are assessed for potential future fertility problems and advised about their options for fertility preservation before treatment is started.
Data source: Local data collection.
Process
The proportion of children and young people (aged 0–24 years) with cancer who are assessed for potential future fertility problems and advised about their options for fertility preservation before treatment is started.
Numerator – the number of people in the denominator who are assessed for potential future fertility problems before treatment and are advised about their options for fertility preservation.
Denominator – the number of children and young people (aged 0–24 years) diagnosed with cancer.
Data source: Local data collection.
What the quality statement means for service providers, healthcare professionals and commissioners
Service providers ensure that processes are in place for children and young people (aged 0–24 years) with cancer to be assessed for potential future fertility problems and advised about their options for fertility preservation before treatment for cancer is started.
Healthcare professionals ensure that children and young people (aged 0–24 years) with cancer are assessed for potential future fertility problems before treatment for cancer is started and are advised about their options for fertility preservation.
Commissioners ensure they commission services that assess children and young people (aged 0–24 years) with cancer for potential future fertility problems before they start cancer treatment and advise them about their options for fertility preservation.
What the quality statement means for patients, service users and carers
Children and young people with cancer have the risk of future fertility problems caused by their cancer or its treatment assessed before their treatment is started, and are given advice about their options for freezing some sperm, eggs or embryos for use at a later date (called cryopreservation).
Source guidance
- Children and young people with cancer: improving outcomes in children and young people with cancer. NICE cancer service guidance (2005), Long-term sequelae: page 78, paragraph 8.
- Fertility (NICE clinical guideline 156), recommendation 1.16.1.2.
Effective interventions library
Effective interventions library
Successful effective interventions library details
Implementation
NICE has produced resources to help implement its guidance on:
Information for the public
NICE has written information for the public on each of the following topics.
Pathway information
Person-centred care
People have the right to be involved in discussions and make informed decisions about their care, as described in your care.
Making decisions using NICE guidelines explains how we use words to show the strength (or certainty) of our recommendations, and has information about prescribing medicines (including off label use), professional guidelines, standards and laws (including on consent and mental capacity), and safeguarding.
Your responsibility
Guidelines
The recommendations in this guideline represent the view of NICE, arrived at after careful consideration of the evidence available. When exercising their judgement, professionals and practitioners are expected to take this guideline fully into account, alongside the individual needs, preferences and values of their patients or the people using their service. It is not mandatory to apply the recommendations, and the guideline does not override the responsibility to make decisions appropriate to the circumstances of the individual, in consultation with them and their families and carers or guardian.
Local commissioners and providers of healthcare have a responsibility to enable the guideline to be applied when individual professionals and people using services wish to use it. They should do so in the context of local and national priorities for funding and developing services, and in light of their duties to have due regard to the need to eliminate unlawful discrimination, to advance equality of opportunity and to reduce health inequalities. Nothing in this guideline should be interpreted in a way that would be inconsistent with complying with those duties.
Commissioners and providers have a responsibility to promote an environmentally sustainable health and care system and should assess and reduce the environmental impact of implementing NICE recommendations wherever possible.
Technology appraisals
The recommendations in this interactive flowchart represent the view of NICE, arrived at after careful consideration of the evidence available. When exercising their judgement, health professionals are expected to take these recommendations fully into account, alongside the individual needs, preferences and values of their patients. The application of the recommendations in this interactive flowchart is at the discretion of health professionals and their individual patients and do not override the responsibility of healthcare professionals to make decisions appropriate to the circumstances of the individual patient, in consultation with the patient and/or their carer or guardian.
Commissioners and/or providers have a responsibility to provide the funding required to enable the recommendations to be applied when individual health professionals and their patients wish to use it, in accordance with the NHS Constitution. They should do so in light of their duties to have due regard to the need to eliminate unlawful discrimination, to advance equality of opportunity and to reduce health inequalities.
Commissioners and providers have a responsibility to promote an environmentally sustainable health and care system and should assess and reduce the environmental impact of implementing NICE recommendations wherever possible.
Medical technologies guidance, diagnostics guidance and interventional procedures guidance
The recommendations in this interactive flowchart represent the view of NICE, arrived at after careful consideration of the evidence available. When exercising their judgement, healthcare professionals are expected to take these recommendations fully into account. However, the interactive flowchart does not override the individual responsibility of healthcare professionals to make decisions appropriate to the circumstances of the individual patient, in consultation with the patient and/or guardian or carer.
Commissioners and/or providers have a responsibility to implement the recommendations, in their local context, in light of their duties to have due regard to the need to eliminate unlawful discrimination, advance equality of opportunity, and foster good relations. Nothing in this interactive flowchart should be interpreted in a way that would be inconsistent with compliance with those duties.
Commissioners and providers have a responsibility to promote an environmentally sustainable health and care system and should assess and reduce the environmental impact of implementing NICE recommendations wherever possible.
Supporting information
Glossary
A formal approach that encourages conception through unprotected vaginal intercourse. It involves supportively offering an individual or couple information and advice about the regularity and timing of intercourse and any lifestyle changes which might improve their chances of conceiving. It does not involve active clinical or therapeutic interventions.
a full cycle of IVF treatment, with or without ICSI comprises 1 episode of ovarian stimulation and the transfer of any resultant fresh and frozen embryo(s)
highly active antiretroviral therapy
hysterosalpingography
intracervical insemination
intracytoplasmic sperm injection
intrauterine insemination
in vitro fertilisation
Defined for the purposes of these recommendations as meaning when 2 or more semen analyses have 1 or more variables below the 5th centile (as defined by the WHO, 2010). The effect on the chance of pregnancy occurring naturally through vaginal intercourse within 2 years would then be similar to people with unexplained infertility or mild endometriosis.
an IVF procedure in which one or more oocytes are collected from the ovaries during a spontaneous menstrual cycle without the use of drugs
World Health Organization group I ovulation disorders are classified as hypothalamic pituitary failure (hypothalamic amenorrhoea or hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism)
World Health Organization group II ovulation disorders are classified as hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian dysfunction (predominately polycystic ovary syndrome)
World Health Organization
Paths in this pathway
- Initial advice to people concerned about delays in conception
- Investigation of fertility problems and management strategies
- Testing for infection and cervical screening before fertility treatment
- Assessing and managing ovulation disorders
- Assisted reproduction for people with fertility problems
- In vitro fertilisation treatment for people with fertility problems
- Embryo transfer strategies during in vitro fertilisation treatment
- Donor insemination for people with fertility problems
- Intracytoplasmic sperm injection for people with fertility problems
- Cryopreservation to preserve fertility in people diagnosed with cancer
Pathway created: February 2013 Last updated: November 2020
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