ArticlePloS one2024
Induction of labour care in the UK: A cross-sectional survey of maternity units.
Article in PloS one, 2024. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 9 papers.
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Who cites it
9 citing papers in PubMed.
- Fetal Growth Restriction at a Universal Late Third-Trimester Scan and Relationship With Adverse Outcome: Retrospective Cohort Study.BJOG : an international journal of obstetrics and gynaecology · 2026Article
- Optimal Timing of Term Births by Maternal Region of Birth: Elective Induction of Labor Compared to Expectant Management in Victoria, Australia.Birth (Berkeley, Calif.) · 2026Article
- The association between different aspects of socioeconomic deprivation and severe maternal morbidity.Acta obstetricia et gynecologica Scandinavica · 2026Article
- Labour induction and adverse perinatal outcomes: a retrospective cohort study.BMC pregnancy and childbirth · 2025Article
- Women's Experiences of Induction of Labor and Birth After Prolonged Medical Induction: A Qualitative Study From Denmark.Birth (Berkeley, Calif.) · 2025Article
- The UK Maternity Crisis: Analysing the Underlying Causes to Find Solutions.BJOG : an international journal of obstetrics and gynaecology · 2025Article
- Comparative Effectiveness, Safety, and Cost-Effectiveness of Labour Induction Methods: A Systematic Review.Cureus · 2025Review
- Risk factors for mortality and severe morbidity in fetuses with normal late third-trimester scan: population-based cohort study.Ultrasound in obstetrics & gynecology : the official journal of the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology · 2025Article
- Intersectional dynamics and care disparities in intrapartum electronic fetal monitoring: a socio-technical systems perspective.BMC pregnancy and childbirth · 2025Article
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Authors and funding
10 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
objectivesTo explore local induction of labour pathways in the UK National Health Service to provide insight into current practice.
designNational survey.
settingHospital maternity services in all four nations of the UK. SAMPLE: Convenience sample of 71 UK maternity units.
methodsAn online cross-sectional survey was disseminated and completed via a national network of obstetrics and gynaecology specialist trainees (October 2021-March 2022). Results were analysed descriptively, with associations explored using Fisher's Exact and ANOVA.
main outcome measuresInduction rates, criteria, processes, delays, incidents, safety concerns.
results54/71 units responded (76%, 35% of UK units). Induction rate range 19.2%-53.4%, median 36.3%. 72% (39/54) had agreed induction criteria: these varied widely and were not all in national guidance. Multidisciplinary booking decision-making was not reported by 38/54 (70%). Delays reported 'often/always' in hospital admission for induction (19%, 10/54) and Delivery Suite transfer once induction in progress (63%, 34/54). Staffing was frequently reported cause of delay (76%, 41/54 'often/always'). Delays triggered incident reports in 36/54 (67%) and resulted in harm in 3/54 (6%). Induction was an area of concern (44%, 24/54); 61% (33/54) reported induction-focused quality improvement work.
conclusionsThere is substantial variation in induction rates, processes and policies across UK maternity services. Delays appear to be common and are a cause of safety concerns. With induction rates likely to increase, improved guidance and pathways are critically needed to improve safety and experience of care.
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