Integrated reproductive healthcare: An object relational model for treatment and collaboration

A chief recommendation in the infertility literature calls for the provision of mental health services concurrent with the medical treatment of infertility. This writer has responded to this call for action by developing a model for Integrated Reproductive Healthcare (IRH), which is sensitive to the needs of individuals and couples at various stages of medical care. "The group-as-a-whole-object relations model of group psychotherapy" developed by Rosen, Stukenberg, and Saeks (2001) is the article that inspired this project. Rosen et al. offer a valuable approach to healing which is highly applicable to the crisis of infertility. This dissertation will illustrate how the "the group-as-a-whole-object" approach can be utilized on the individual, group and systems levels to create a responsive IRH system. This paradigm will be useful to both existing and new infertility treatment centers that aim to more fully meet the needs of their patients and staff. It is anticipated that the infertility centers that adopt the IRH model of practice will enjoy higher compliance with treatment, better treatment outcomes, an improved work environment and less compassion-fatigue amongst providers.; The IRH framework is a psychodynamically oriented model for the delivery of integrated medical and psychological reproductive healthcare services. This model was specifically designed to address the needs of patients who are seeking treatment for infertility. The IRH model is grounded in object-relations theory, behavioral medicine, and industrial/organizational thinking. The first chapter of this dissertation will address the crisis of infertility and its impact on psychological well-being. Subsequent chapters will introduce the reader to existing models of medical and mental health collaboration. Chapter 4 will provide a case illustration of a hypothetical IRH infertility clinic. A detailed description of the clinic's counseling center and group therapy programs will follow in chapters 5 and 6. The dissertation will conclude with a discussion of program evaluation methods and recommendations for future research.