Bringing imaging technology directly to our patients

Medical imaging technologies have long been used to assist clinicians in treating their patients. It has only been in the past couple of decades that patients have been given direct access to these images to help describe diagnosis, treatment and results. This allows for patients to feel more connected and involved in their treatment. The newest medical imaging technology, Grow by Genea^® now connects the patient to their embryo images directly through their smartphone.

At Genea we are fertility pioneers and have built a reputation by being global leaders in fertility science. In fact, Genea’s science and technology were recognised at the AFR Top 50 Most Innovative Companies Awards last month; we were ranked number 25 and were also the top healthcare company on the list. In our constant search for innovations it was natural for us to look at ways to better support our patients using imaging and mobile technology. This led to the development of our Grow by Genea^® app.

Grow means that, for the first time in Australia, our IVF patients have been able to see photos and videos of their embryos as they develop in the laboratory. This connection with our patients gives them a deeper understanding of our work and a true insight into what the embryologists are seeing in the labs.

For the past three months, I have been involved in testing and implementing the Grow app as well as obtaining feedback from patients on the system and I was honoured to present my findings today in front of our industry leaders at the Fertility Society of Australia conference.

So what did our patients think?

Pleasingly, our patients agreed that the app was easy to use and enhanced their experience at Genea.^* Our patients told us that Grow enabled their partner to feel more involved in their fertility treatment. Patients also loved that Grow gave them something that those who have conceived naturally don’t get - the photos of their embryo.

"Getting to see the videos of our embryos was the most magical experience. It personalised a process that can feel quite medical and helped us and our family to understand what exactly was going on each step of the way. I felt so much more connected and aware having the videos to watch – what a beautiful service to offer."
 
"Grow allows you to feel more connected with the IVF process and the embryos. We were really excited and intrigued watching the embryos grow and develop. It’s another amazing touch point that Genea have created so you are more informed and involved."

For me, as an embryologist it has been very rewarding to show patients images of their embryos developing in the lab. After being highly involved in the early part of an IVF cycle with blood tests and ultrasounds, patients can feel a little detached once their eggs and sperm are collected and developing as embryos for five days in the lab. Giving them access to photos and videos of their developing embryos through the Grow app helps them feel more connected and involved in the process.

If you’d like to find out more about Grow and fertility treatment at Genea you can contact our Fertility Advisor on 1300 361 795 or chat here.

^*Grow survey notes
- We sent out a survey a week after patients embryos were cultured in our lab
- The survey focussed on the usability and experience surrounding Grow
- 45% of surveys were returned - well above industry average


Disclaimer: Please note that this is a Genea Group blog and as such information may not be relevant for all clinics. We advise that you consult clinics directly for further information.