Health care professionals’ perspectives and experiences of low-risk outpatient and inpatient labour induction: A qualitative interview study within the Swedish OPTION trial

Le résumé fourni par la source

PROBLEM: Labour induction rates are rising globally, with 25 % of all births induced today. Research on professionals' perspectives is limited. Few qualitative studies have been conducted, and none in the Nordic countries. BACKGROUND: Some countries offer low-risk outpatient induction, allowing women without monitoring needs to await contractions at home. AIM: To describe Swedish health care professionals' perspectives and experiences of low-risk outpatient and inpatient induction. METHODS: A qualitative interview study was conducted at five hospitals participating in the randomised controlled OutPatient InducTION (OPTION) trial (EU CT No.: 2023-507,164-39-00). Focus group discussions or individual interviews were held with 20 health care professionals (midwives, obstetricians and auxiliary nurses) and analysed using qualitative content analysis. FINDINGS: Four generic categories were identified: The woman is more central; The birth companion has a natural role; Strategies are needed to maintain safe care; and Health care resources are used more effectively. Professionals viewed low-risk outpatient induction as a beneficial option for many women. They highlighted advantages for women, companions, health care professionals and their work environment, and resource allocation, but emphasised the importance of ensuring safe care. DISCUSSION: Professionals' experiences support previous research on women's experiences of outpatient labour induction. The structured implementation of the OPTION trial, including guidelines, training and communication strategies, facilitated integration. CONCLUSION: While underscoring the need for robust safety protocols, according to our findings professionals find that low-risk outpatient induction can improve care, by offering benefits for women, their companions, and the health care system, and contributing to an improved work environment.

Ce résumé expose les affirmations des auteurs. BNTIC ne l’interprète pas comme une validation indépendante des résultats.