Bringing the IVF laboratory into the digital age.

The complexity and time requirements for contemporary ART laboratory activities has increased compared with traditional cycle requirements from 9 personnel hours, to 20 hours for completion [1]. Concurrently, the emergence of machines for data capturing and API integrations have appeared yet the two are rarely utilized in combination. Instead, labs are encouraged to consider admin support to complete important, time-consuming tasks which do not require specific training. This is labour intensive often with double data entry, prone to human error and costly. An alternative is to implement the promise of this digital ecosystem utilizing API's and automatic data capture. The study involved six fertility centres in the UK, Australia, and the US, utilizing Embie's clinic management software integrated with Cooper's RI Witness, Vitrolife's Embryoscope, and Fairtility's CHLOE EQ. a comprehensive analysis of current procedures in fertility centers across three continents was conducted. Manual data entry vs machines and API data points available in the market was modeled. This involved interviews with embryologists, data mapping, exploring API endpoints and gathering feedback for a user interface meant to improve the process as well as an analysis of time saved per cycle when comparing manual vs automatic data entry/capture. The siloed data systems showed a moderate improvement, averaging 209 manual entry points. However, the disconnected nature of these systems still posed challenges in data consistency and effective communication between different platforms, leading to duplicate data entry. A fully integrated process, demonstrated a drastic reduction, with an average of just 18 manual data entry points which was performed in real time e.g. the number of eggs collected was inputted into the RI witness system at the end of the procedure and pushed into the EMR. This minimized the potential for human error, streamlined workflow, improved overall efficiency and accuracy. This study highlights the transformative potential of digital integration in ART laboratories, suggesting significant improvements in efficiency and accuracy. It emphasizes the need for centers to transition from traditional methods like pen-and-paper, Excel sheets, or outdated electronic medical records systems to adopting newer, more advanced technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]