In a recent interview, we had the pleasure of speaking with Lis Goulder Williams, Senior Global Product Manager for RI Witness, a leading ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology) management system.
With years of experience at both Research Instruments (RI) and CooperSurgical, Lis is deeply passionate about advancing IVF clinic operations and enhancing patient care through innovative technology. Her insights provide a comprehensive understanding of RI Witness and its significant impact on clinics and patients globally.
A summary of topics discussed in this video:
The Evolution of the RI Witness™ System: A Journey of Innovation
RI Witness has come a long way since its inception. Initially developed to address the growing need for enhanced security and efficiency in IVF clinics, this electronic witnessing system has evolved into a comprehensive solution that supports every aspect of the ART cycle. Lis discusses the history and evolution of RI Witness, emphasizing how the system has adapted over time to meet the ever-changing needs of fertility clinics and labs worldwide.
The Need for Security and Support in IVF
One of the core challenges faced by IVF clinics is ensuring the security and accuracy of the processes involved in ART. Lis highlights the critical importance of minimizing risks and maximizing productivity, both of which are crucial for maintaining patient trust, clinic reputation and employee well-being. This is where RI Witness steps in, providing an unmatched level of support by witnessing every step of the ART cycle.
What Sets the RI Witness System Apart?
RI Witness distinguishes itself from other systems by offering a truly comprehensive witnessing process throughout the entire ART cycle. This level of oversight not only reduces the risk of human error but also helps to ensure that every action taken within the lab is accounted for.
In addition to enhancing the chain of custody with the introduction of RI Witness in the lab, CooperSurgical provides a comprehensive support network. Lis references a global team of scientists and specialists who are dedicated to understanding the unique needs of a lab, offer advanced training and ongoing support, from installation and beyond.
Boosting Productivity and Well-being in the Lab
The introduction of RI Witness can have a real impact on lab productivity1 and staff wellbeing.2 By streamlining processes and reducing the risk of errors, the system allows embryologists to focus on their critical work without the added stress of potential mistakes. Lis points out that this not only improves lab efficiency3 but also contributes to positive staff well-being, a factor assisting staff retention,4 as the system alleviates some of the pressures inherent in the demanding field of IVF.
Introducing the RI Witness IQ Solution: A New Era of Lab Optimization
An extended feature of the RI Witness system is RI Witness IQ, which gathers detailed information from the lab to further optimize operations. Lis explains how this new feature provides clinics with valuable insights, enabling them to fine-tune their processes and help improve overall practices. The data collected by RI Witness IQ™ helps clinics identify areas for improvement, helping to ensure that they are always operating at peak efficiency.
Patient Confidence: A Priority for RI Witness
One of the most significant benefits of the RI Witness system is the peace of mind it offers to patients. By confirming that the right embryo is being transferred to the right patient, RI Witness helps to build trust between patients and clinics. Lis stresses the importance of this feature, particularly in light of the fact that IVF mismatches, though rare, can have devastating consequences for both patient trust and clinic reputation.
In our interview with Lis Goulder Williams, it becomes clear that RI Witness is much more than a simple ART management system; It is a vital tool that helps enhance security, optimizes lab operations, and fosters a supportive environment for both staff and patients. As the field of IVF continues to advance, systems such as RI Witness will undoubtedly play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of fertility care.
1. Witness Case Study: Nurture Fertility Report Increased Productivity Following the Introduction of RI Witness™ (2020). Available at coopersurgical.com.
2. Di Berardino et al., (2022). Impact of the Use of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Electronic Witnessing System on the IVF Laboratory Staff and Patient Experience. North American Proceedings in Gynecology & Obstetrics
3. Fleming et al., (2016). Organization and Management of IVF Units. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-29373-8
4. López-Lería et al.,(2014). Embryologists’ health: a nationwide online questionnaire. J Assist Reprod Genet 31, 1587–1597 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-014-0352-7
