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The ultimate goal of in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) therapy is the live birth of a single, healthy child. However, issues of treatment failure, complications and multiple births (twins or triplets) continue to persist and have a major impact on patient quality of life. Pioneering research at the University of Glasgow has driven the concept of personalised IVF therapy and outcome prediction, reforming clinical guidelines and defining criteria for access to funded IVF therapy. This research has stimulated revision of UK regulatory policy on the number of embryos transferred during IVF. These strategies underpin the recommended practice for the 48,000 women undergoing IVF in the UK each year. In addition, the Glasgow team's online, personalised `IVFpredict' calculator, which women can use to predict their success of a live birth, has been completed by more than 5 million users worldwide.
Middlesex University's Applied Health Psychology research on Medically Assisted Reproduction (MAR) has impacted in three areas. First, all Parental Order Reporters and accredited Infertility Counsellors in the UK are exposed to the research through standard professional training and practice materials. Secondly, research has informed Human Fertility and Embryology Authority (HFEA) policy on surrogacy and gamete donation. Thirdly, HFEA-commissioned research on elective Single Embryo Transfer (eSET) and stakeholder group membership has contributed to national guidelines, resulting in decreased numbers of embryos transferred in UK clinical practice, dramatically reducing multiple births and associated maternal and infant morbidity and mortality.
Multiple births following in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment leads to serious health risks in the mother and offspring. It is caused by replacing multiple embryos within the uterus. Concerns about reduced success rates have deterred patients and practitioners from transplanting a single embryo. A programme of research led from the University of Aberdeen established that a policy of replacing one embryo at a time minimises the risk of twins without compromising livebirth rates. This work has received international media coverage, influenced clinical guidance and resulted in an increased uptake of single embryo transfer in the United Kingdom and beyond.
The claimed impact, as defined by REF guidance, is therefore on public policy and services; practitioners and professional services and health and welfare.
Professor Andrew Webster's sociological research on developments in biomedical science has been impactful in shaping regulatory practice and influencing policy in relation to biobanking, stem cell research and regenerative medicine. In particular, his research has been used to: change donation procedures to the UK Biobank; influence regulatory decisions made by the UK Stem Cell Bank Steering Committee (UKSCBSC); contribute to regulatory practices associated with clinical trial design and adoption, and inform the UK government's investment strategy in regenerative medicine.