Implementation and Clinical Impact of a Guideline for Standardized, Evidence-Based Induction of Labor.

Objective:  This study aimed to assess the impact of implementation of an induction of labor (IOL) guideline on IOL length and utilization of evidence-based practices.

Study Design:  We conducted a quality improvement project to increase utilization of three evidence-based IOL practices: combined agent ripening, vaginal misoprostol, and early amniotomy. Singletons with intact membranes and cervical dilation ≤2 cm admitted for IOL were included. Primary outcome was IOL length. Secondary outcomes included cesarean delivery and practice utilization. We compared preimplementation (PRE; November 1, 2021 through January 31, 2022) to postimplementation (POST; March 1, 2022 through April 30, 2022) with sensitivity analyses by self-reported race and ethnicity. Cox proportional hazards models and logistic regression were used to test the association between period and outcomes.

Results:  Among 495 birthing people (PRE,  = 293; POST,  = 202), IOL length was shorter POST (22.0 vs. 18.3 h,  = 0.003), with faster time to delivery (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.15-1.66), more birthing people delivered within 24 hours (57 vs. 68.8%, adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.90 [95% CI: 1.25-2.89]), and no difference in cesarean. Utilization of combined agent ripening (31.1 vs. 42.6%,  = 0.009), vaginal misoprostol (34.5 vs. 68.3%,  < 0.001), and early amniotomy (19.1 vs. 31.7%,  = 0.001) increased POST.

Conclusion:  Implementation of an evidence-based IOL guideline is associated with shorter induction time. Additional implementation efforts to increase adoption of practices are needed to optimize outcomes after IOL.

Key Points: · Implementation of an IOL guideline is associated with faster time to delivery.. · Evidence-based induction practices were used more often after guideline implementation.. · Adoption of evidence-based induction practices is variable even with a guideline..