INFORM

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Induction of labour: Women’s knowledge and experience

• IRAS ID

  347873

• Contact name

  Mark Johnson

• Contact email

  mark.johnson@imperial.ac.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  Imperial College London

• Duration of Study in the UK

  2 years, 0 months, 1 days

• Research summary

  There is a gap between women’s expectations and their experience of induction of labour (IOL). Women's willingness to undergo labour induction can be influenced by their attitudes and beliefs about the procedure, including their views on the healthcare workers who provide the care. It is essential to improve the information provided to women undergoing labour induction to better manage their expectations and enhance their overall satisfaction. IOL is a complex procedure, and unlike a caesarean section, it can take days, sometimes up to seven days. The unpredictability of maternity care can impact the ability to induce labour. Staff shortages are another factor that causes delays, sometimes up to 24 hours and therefore a negative impact on patient experience.

  
  This study aims to determine the level of women’s knowledge of induction of labour and how it relates to their satisfaction levels during the induction process.
  It will also aims to relate the level of patients’ knowledge and staff’s knowledge about induction of labour

  The patients’ knowledge study consists of two parts. The first part will examine the knowledge of individuals undergoing induction regarding the process itself. This will be done by distributing a questionnaire before the induction takes place. The second part will involve administering a questionnaire and conducting interviews after childbirth focusing on the challenges women encountered during childbirth, the factors that influenced their satisfaction, and potential strategies for improving that satisfaction. The questionnaire will take approximately 15 minutes to complete, while the interview will last about one hour.

  Additionally, the clinicians’ component will assess their knowledge and attitudes towards induction of labour. This will be accomplished by distributing a questionnaire, which is expected to take about 10 minutes to complete, along with conducting interviews which will last around one hour.

• REC name

  East of England - Cambridge South Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  26/EE/0063

• Date of REC Opinion

  27 Mar 2026

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion