Abstract
Background/Aims: Induction of labour is an increasingly common intervention. This study's aim was to explore women's experiences of induction, in particular of decision making and choice.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out with women who were induced with live, term infant(s) in two urban trusts. Their experiences were assessed using a postal survey that included the birth satisfaction scale and open questions on women's experiences. Chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests were used to test for associations between aspects of the induction process and women's characteristics (age, parity, ethnic group). Qualitative data were analysed thematically.
Results: Half (52.9%) of the respondents reported waiting to start induction. The majority felt sufficiently involved in decision making (62.1%) and choice (59.6%). Most reported having enough information about the reason for (82%) and process of (83%) induction. The qualitative themes were emotional response, communication, feeling unheard, quality of care and the negative impact of COVID-19 policies.
Conclusions: Women's overall experiences were positive. Improvements should focus on reducing delays to induction.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out with women who were induced with live, term infant(s) in two urban trusts. Their experiences were assessed using a postal survey that included the birth satisfaction scale and open questions on women's experiences. Chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests were used to test for associations between aspects of the induction process and women's characteristics (age, parity, ethnic group). Qualitative data were analysed thematically.
Results: Half (52.9%) of the respondents reported waiting to start induction. The majority felt sufficiently involved in decision making (62.1%) and choice (59.6%). Most reported having enough information about the reason for (82%) and process of (83%) induction. The qualitative themes were emotional response, communication, feeling unheard, quality of care and the negative impact of COVID-19 policies.
Conclusions: Women's overall experiences were positive. Improvements should focus on reducing delays to induction.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 548-557 |
| Number of pages | 10 |
| Journal | British Journal of Midwifery |
| Volume | 31 |
| Issue number | 10 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2 Oct 2023 |
Keywords
- Analgesia
- Birth experiences
- Decision making
- Informed choice
- Women's perspectives