Evaluating research information on practitioner websites describing the use of acupuncture as an adjunct to IVF

Introduction: Despite the advances in assisted reproductive technologies the live birth rate remains low. In response to the high rates of unsuccessful treatment, and stress arising from repeated IVF cycles, women seek out other forms of treatment, such as acupuncture, to optimise their chance of achieving a successful pregnancy, live birth and to manage their infertility related stress. Method: An Internet search for Acupuncture and IVF websites from Sydney, New South Wales was undertaken and websites meeting the inclusion criteria were appraised using a modified assessment tool. The website was then evaluated. Results: 137 sites were identified with forty-seven websites eligible for appraisal. The majority of acupuncture websites did not present accurate and quality information. Some acupuncture websites made unsubstantiated claims about the effectiveness of acupuncture resulting in the potential to mislead consumers about the benefits of acupuncture. This occurred in a number of ways such as not reporting full research findings or providing details on the clinical population, presenting incomplete data, omitting important data and claims of benefit with little research evidence or low levels of research evidence. Conclusion: Our analysis of websites promoting acupuncture use for IVF showed that the information used on websites contains many inaccuracies. Improving the quality of IVF acupuncture websites to protect the consumer is needed, and this study highlights a continuing need to improve research literacy among acupuncturists.