Objective: To investigate patient interaction with information sources while undergoing assisted reproductive treatment. Methods: Semi-structured interviews with fifteen individuals were conducted between August and October 2022. Interview participants underwent assisted reproductive treatment including embryo transfer between January 2017 and April 2022 within a large urban healthcare system. Thematic analysis of the interview transcripts was performed. Results: Participants reported that they engaged in informed decision-making with their provider. Three main themes were identified. Participants 1) utilized clinic-provided information and then turned to outside sources to fill knowledge gaps; 2) struggled to learn about costs and insurance; 3) had difficulty identifying mental health resources to support care. Conclusion: Patients prefer clinic-provided resources and then utilize academic sources, the internet, and social media when they have unfulfilled information needs. Knowledge gaps related to cost, insurance, and mental health support were identified. Practice Implications: ART clinics should consider providing more information about cost, insurance, and mental health support to patients.

The authors have declared no competing interest.

This project is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The contents are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CDC/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

I confirm all relevant ethical guidelines have been followed, and any necessary IRB and/or ethics committee approvals have been obtained.

Yes

The details of the IRB/oversight body that provided approval or exemption for the research described are given below:

IRB of Massachusetts General Hospital gave ethical approval for this work

I confirm that all necessary patient/participant consent has been obtained and the appropriate institutional forms have been archived, and that any patient/participant/sample identifiers included were not known to anyone (e.g., hospital staff, patients or participants themselves) outside the research group so cannot be used to identify individuals.

Yes

I understand that all clinical trials and any other prospective interventional studies must be registered with an ICMJE-approved registry, such as ClinicalTrials.gov. I confirm that any such study reported in the manuscript has been registered and the trial registration ID is provided (note: if posting a prospective study registered retrospectively, please provide a statement in the trial ID field explaining why the study was not registered in advance).

Yes

I have followed all appropriate research reporting guidelines, such as any relevant EQUATOR Network research reporting checklist(s) and other pertinent material, if applicable.

Yes

De-identified data can possibly be made available upon reasonable request.