Empathetic application of machine learning may address appropriate utilisation of assisted reproductive technologies.

Abstract The value of artificial intelligence (AI) to benefit infertile patients is a subject of debate. This paper presents the experience of one aspect of AI, machine learning (ML), coupled with patient empathy to improve utilisation of assisted reproduction technologies (ART), which is an important aspect of care that is under recognised. Although ART provides very effective options for infertile patients to build families, commonly patients discontinue ART while further treatment is likely to be beneficial and most of these patients do not achieve pregnancy without medical aid. Utilisation of ART is only in part dependent on financial considerations, and stress and other factors play a major role as evidenced by high discontinuation rates despite reimbursement. In this commentary, we discuss challenges and strategies to providing personalized ART prognostics based on machine learning (ML), and present a case study where appropriate use of such prognostics in ART centres is associated with a trend towards increased ART utilisation.