RTAC Accreditation Of IVF Centres
Steven Fleming PhD
Assisted reproduction technology (ART) is now commonplace throughout the world, with an estimated five million babies having been born as a result IVF. Despite IVF having been practised for over three decades, considerable variation persists in the quality of care provided both between different countries and between different centres within the same country. The quality of care may be defined in many different ways but typically includes important key performance indicators (KPIs) such as the incidence of ovarian hyper-stimulation syndrome, fertilisation rate, embryo utilisation rate, cryosurvival rate, implantation rate, multiple pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, live-birth rate and neonatal outcomes. Therefore, it is clear that monitoring of KPIs is imperative for determining the standard of care that each centre is able to provide for its patients. Unfortunately, an inherent resistance to certification and accreditation can occur, perhaps because it is sometimes viewed as unnecessary, onerous or expensive. So, as health professionals in reproductive medicine, what are the reasons why we should embrace certification of our abilities and accreditation of our standard of care? It is undeniable that patients have a right to expect appropriate expertise in those providing their care. Development of a nationally accepted standard of expertise enables the ability and experience of each practitioner to be recognised and certified. Accreditation recognises ongoing competence through monitoring KPIs and encourages implementation of a quality management system that includes continuing professional development. In this respect, the Reproductive Technology Accreditation Committee (RTAC) has implemented a scheme to set and maintain minimum standards for clinics offering assisted reproduction, and encourage continuous improvement in the quality of care offered in Australia and New Zealand. This scheme details the requirements and procedures required for certification of ART organisations, according to the Code of Practice for Assisted Reproductive Technology Units (http://www.fertilitysociety.com.au/rtac/). In summary, accreditation of health professionals in reproductive medicine protects the welfare of our patients and ensures they receive the best quality of care.
