Women’s experiences of outpatient induction of labour

Background Outpatient induction of labour is offered to relieve the pressure on inpatient stay and to improve women’s experiences. Aim To contribute to the knowledge of outpatient induction of labour with the focus on women’s experiences to inform practice. The question was: ‘What are women’s experiences of outpatient induction of labour?’ Method A comprehensive literature review using a pluralistic approach and thematic analysis. Findings The review found three themes: the home as a positive setting for outpatient induction of labour, the value of outpatient induction of labour in promoting normality and the importance of receiving reassurance during outpatient induction of labour. Conclusion Although the results were mostly positive and in favour of outpatient induction of labour, there were variations in service provision. There was a lack of understanding as to how best to offer reassurance to women once discharged home, which was found to have a direct effect on their experiences.