The IFS is soon to publish the “IFS Consensus for infertility and ART practice”, a document reflecting the IFS membership accord regarding appropriate patient care practices based upon the available medical literature and international standards of good clinical practice. 

With no law governing the practice of IVF in Ireland and only the Medical Council “Guide to Professional Conduct and Ethics” and the European Tissues and Cells Directives (EUTCD) available to guide ART practitioners, there was a clear need for a practice consensus.

The large IFS membership including doctors, nurses, embryologists, counselors, GP’s, quality experts and administrators contributed generously to its development.  The aim was to ensure that all members had an input and that national expertise at the time of development was present. 

The practice consensus covers the investigation of couples at primary, secondary and tertiary level, consent to treatment and all aspects of assisted reproduction therapy including quality and research.  It is the first edition of a document that will be regularly reviewed in the light of changes occurring in this fast moving field of our specialty.

Edgar Mocanu