title: A systematic review of implementing an elective labor induction policy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the effect of implementing hospital policies aimed at reducing elective labor induction and increasing spontaneous labor rates.
  
  
  METHODS
  PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Dissertation Abstracts International.
  
  
  METHODS
  Observational studies published from 2000 to 2010 were the only original studies from the past 20 years that met the review criteria. These focused on elective induction, labor induction policies, pre- and postimplementation of labor induction policy outcomes, and cesarean and maternal/neonatal morbidity rates.
  
  
  METHODS
  Six retrospective and three prospective observational studies regarding implementation of labor induction policies were reviewed for types of intervention guidelines implemented and outcomes on rates of induction, cesarean, and maternal/neonatal morbidity.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Implementation of elective induction policies resulted in lower induction, cesarean, operative/instrumental vaginal delivery, and maternal/neonatal morbidity rates. Patients spontaneously gave birth before scheduled elective induction date after policies were implemented, thereby resulting in lower rates of elective induction.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Elective labor induction policies should be developed and implemented in all labor and delivery units.
authors: works on a surgical unit at Ben Taub General Hospital, Houston, TX.
authors: D Claudia
authors: DC
authors: Akinsipe
authors: medical-surgical staff nurse at Christus Spohn Hospital, Corpus Christi-South, Corpus Christi, TX.
authors: Laura E
authors: LE
authors: Villalobos
authors: associate professor in the College of Nursing & Health Sciences, Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi, TX.. Electronic address: renee.ridley@tamucc.edu.
authors: Renee T
authors: RT
authors: Ridley
mesh_terms: D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006291:Health Policy; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007751:Labor, Induced / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D010347:Patient Care Planning / Q000458:organization & administration*; D018743:Perinatal Care / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D011050:Policy Making; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D012307:Risk Factors