30 years of data: impact of the United States in vitro fertilization data registry on advancing fertility care.

OBJECTIVE: To summarize and assess the impact of key research generated through the Society of Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART)-initiated United States IVF registry and annual reporting system.

DESIGN: Review.

SETTING: Eligible studies included those that analyzed data generated by the National IVF data collection program (through SART or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

PATIENT(S): Not applicable.

INTERVENTION(S): Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Summarize and report outcomes of research using National IVF registry data.

RESULT(S): The Society of Assisted Reproductive Technology was founded in 1985 and published the first annual US IVF data report 30 years ago in 1988 in Fertility and Sterility. In 1995, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention subsequently began collecting data from IVF programs and published their first report in 1997. This annual National IVF data collection and reporting is a significant responsibility and effort for IVF programs. Using these data sources, 199 articles have been published by clinicians and researchers from across the country. This research has guided the development of evidence-based assisted reproductive technology (ART) practice guidelines during the past 30 years, which have ultimately led to improved quality and patient care.

CONCLUSION(S): Since the first SART National IVF data report publication 30 years ago, SART has achieved its original goals of creating a national IVF registry that successfully assesses clinical effectiveness, quality of care, and safety.