Experiences of women and staff of outpatient induction of labour v1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Views and experiences of women and staff of outpatient induction of labour (OPIOL): a mixed methods study.
IRAS ID
240694
Contact name
Lisa Smith
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Southampton
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 30 days
Research summary
Induction of labour is a procedure offered to women when it is considered that giving birth is of greater benefit to the mother or fetus than remaining pregnant. Common indications include poor fetal growth or hypertension. Induction of labour is also recommended between 41 and 42 weeks gestation as there is a small but statistically significant increase in the likelihood of stillbirth from 41 weeks onwards. Labour may be induced by pharmacological, mechanical and surgical means to promote softening and dilatation of the cervix and stimulate uterine contractions.
Of 636,401 women giving birth in England in 2016-17, 29.4% were induced, compared to 20.3% of women in 2006-7. This may in part be due to increased fetal surveillance and the UK government’s strategy to halve stillbirth and brain injuries by 2025.
However, women undergoing IOL frequently report poor experiences, lack of information and autonomy, long delays and greater pain relief requirements. It is also recognised that IOL increases the workload on labour wards and may be more costly to manage than labours that start spontaneously.With increasing IOL rates some trusts now offer outpatient induction of labour (OPIOL). In a 2014 survey of 164 UK trusts, around 19% had introduced outpatient management, or were planning to do so.
This study, set in a tertiary unit with 5500 births a year in the south of England, aims to explore the views and experiences of women and staff about OPIOL. In addition, it aims to describe the clinical context in which OPIOL takes place as well as the clinical outcomes of women undergoing OPIOL. The objective of the study is to identify factors influencing provision and uptake of OPIOL.
Data collection will take place between November 2018 and November 2019.
REC name
East Midlands - Leicester Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/EM/0334
Date of REC Opinion
18 Dec 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion