The Potential of “Lay-Expertise” in Assisted Reproductive Medicine:

Knowledge, Collection, and Consultation Strategy of Patients Aiming at Pregnancy

Abstract

Since patients who use assisted reproductive medicine can easily acquire much scientific information, they are greatly influenced by professional scientific knowledge available from the media. It is this knowledge that causes the barrier between experts and laypersons to crumble. This paper discusses the influence of an increase in scientific knowledge and popular media on patients currently undergoing assisted reproductive medicine. According to interview data from 11 informants, these patients gathered scientific knowledge in distinct stages. At the beginning of their treatment, the patients collected basic information from medical professionals, acquaintances, books, magazines, and websites. By the time of high-degree therapy, they had acquired sufficient knowledge required by an individual to understand the procedure of assisted reproductive medicine. Moreover, the informants created a standardized protocol for the treatment course while increasing their scientific comprehension. However, during protracted treatment the informants' ceased gathering further information, and assumed the role of “lay-patients” in front of the doctor. While patients continue to increase their scientific knowledge, they begin to experience uncertainty about assisted reproductive medicine. As a result, patients come to understand experientially that a grasp of technicalities is not necessary for achieving pregnancy. Thus, despite of having relevant information, they behave as if no previous scientific knowledge was available, and they assess the behavior of the doctor under this pretext. Patients aiming at pregnancy use such unique expertise acquired from various media and their experiences.