Implementing an Induction Scheduling Procedure and Consent Form to Improve Quality of Care

Inappropriate elective inductions of labor put patients at increased risk of cesarean, neonatal morbidity, and elevated cost. A scheduling procedure and consent form were implemented to eliminate elective induction at less than 39 weeks gestation and align indications for induction with American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists guidelines. In 25 of the 28 months following implementation of the new process, we achieved the goal of eliminating elective induction of labor at less than 39 weeks gestation.