Home
Issues
Aim & Scope
Open Access
Editorial Board
Indexing
Supporting Midwifery Associations
Contact us
Manuscript Types
Manuscript Formatting
How to submit
Special publications and Reprints
Authorship & COI
Principles of Transparency Checklist
Publication Ethics and Publication Malpractice Statement
CONFERENCE PROCEEDING
Evaluating the implementation of a multi-component strategy to optimise the timing and use of induction of labour
1
Deakin University, School of Nursing & Midwifery, Geelong, Australia
2
Deakin University, School of Medicine, Geelong, Australia
3
Deakin University, School of Nursing & Midwifery, Melbourne, Australia
4
Deakin Univeristy, School of Nursing & Midwifery, Melbourne, Australia
Eur J Midwifery 2026;10(Supplement 1):A182
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Induction of labour (IOL) rates are rising worldwide. In Australia, a third of all pregnancies result in an IOL. A regional health service implemented a multi-component strategy to improve the IOL processes for women, optimise timing and use, and support clinical decisions for IOL.
OBJECTIVES:
To evaluate the impact of the strategy on perinatal outcomes and to explore midwives’ views and experiences of using the multi-component strategy.
METHODS:
We used multiple methods, comprising an audit of routinely collected perinatal data, 12 months pre- and post-strategy implementation and a focus group interview with midwives. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and reflexive thematic analysis.
RESULTS:
A lower proportion of women underwent an IOL in the post-implementation period (n=1027, 37.3%; n=941, 35.9%); however, the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.305). Five main reasons for IOL were recorded, including diabetes (all types), decreased fetal movements, prolonged pregnancy, prolonged rupture of membranes, and fetal growth restriction. Statistical differences were found for three indications between the two time-periods: inductions due to diabetes (12.2% vs 9.4%, p=0.044) and advanced maternal age (3.7% vs 1.6%, p=0.004) were lower post-implementation, while inductions for maternal request were higher (2.3% vs 3.9%, p=0.041). There were no significant differences in labour, birth, or neonatal outcomes. Interview analysis identified three themes in relation to improved practice: consistent information sharing with women and families, embedding best practice, and improved interprofessional collaboration. The final theme, ‘challenges operationalising the process’, reflected the barriers for senior midwives implementing the IOL strategy.
CONCLUSIONS:
The use of a multi-component strategy may support a systematic approach to IOL processes, improve practice and interprofessional collaboration. Further research should capture women’s experiences.
KEY MESSAGE:
The findings will inform decision-making about ongoing use of the strategy. Implementation challenges may influence practices and clinical outcomes. Labour and birth - induction
Induction of labour (IOL) rates are rising worldwide. In Australia, a third of all pregnancies result in an IOL. A regional health service implemented a multi-component strategy to improve the IOL processes for women, optimise timing and use, and support clinical decisions for IOL.
OBJECTIVES:
To evaluate the impact of the strategy on perinatal outcomes and to explore midwives’ views and experiences of using the multi-component strategy.
METHODS:
We used multiple methods, comprising an audit of routinely collected perinatal data, 12 months pre- and post-strategy implementation and a focus group interview with midwives. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and reflexive thematic analysis.
RESULTS:
A lower proportion of women underwent an IOL in the post-implementation period (n=1027, 37.3%; n=941, 35.9%); however, the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.305). Five main reasons for IOL were recorded, including diabetes (all types), decreased fetal movements, prolonged pregnancy, prolonged rupture of membranes, and fetal growth restriction. Statistical differences were found for three indications between the two time-periods: inductions due to diabetes (12.2% vs 9.4%, p=0.044) and advanced maternal age (3.7% vs 1.6%, p=0.004) were lower post-implementation, while inductions for maternal request were higher (2.3% vs 3.9%, p=0.041). There were no significant differences in labour, birth, or neonatal outcomes. Interview analysis identified three themes in relation to improved practice: consistent information sharing with women and families, embedding best practice, and improved interprofessional collaboration. The final theme, ‘challenges operationalising the process’, reflected the barriers for senior midwives implementing the IOL strategy.
CONCLUSIONS:
The use of a multi-component strategy may support a systematic approach to IOL processes, improve practice and interprofessional collaboration. Further research should capture women’s experiences.
KEY MESSAGE:
The findings will inform decision-making about ongoing use of the strategy. Implementation challenges may influence practices and clinical outcomes. Labour and birth - induction
| eISSN: | 2585-2906 |
We process personal data collected when visiting the website. The function of obtaining information about users and their behavior is carried out by voluntarily entered information in forms and saving cookies in end devices. Data, including cookies, are used to provide services, improve the user experience and to analyze the traffic in accordance with the Privacy policy. Data are also collected and processed by Google Analytics tool (more).
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
