A systematic review of supportive interventions to promote women's comfort and well-being during induction of labour

Abstract

Aims: To evaluate the effectiveness of non-pharmacological non-invasive supportive interventions for impacts on women's comfort and well-being during induction of labour.

Design: A quantitative systematic review without meta-analysis.

Data sources: Databases were searched for primary research published in English between 2000-2019: AMED, CINAHL, Medline, Maternity and Infant Care database, PsycINFO, and ProQuest. The quality of studies was evaluated using JBI levels of evidence and established critical appraisal tools. Studies describing measures of comfort, coping, and well-being for women during induction of labour were included.

Results: Two articles met the criteria for inclusion. There is limited evidence to suggest that women having outpatient cervical priming were more satisfied with their experience than women having inpatient cervical priming and that outpatient cervical priming did not increase women's anxiety. A specifically designed information brochure explaining the induction process improved women's knowledge and understanding.

Review methods: The quantitative systematic review followed the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination guidelines and Cochrane Effective Practice and Organisation of Care guidance. Quality appraisal was conducted using JBI levels of evidence, Cochrane Risk of Bias, and other established tools. A narrative description of the quantitative data was undertaken. There was insufficient evidence to perform a narrative synthesis or meta-analysis due to the nature of the study designs and insufficient outcome data.

Conclusions: Globally, the number of women having an induction of labour is increasing and there is a lack of evidence on the effectiveness of supportive interventions. Components of supportive care for women having induction of labour require urgent evaluation. Measurement tools which capture the complexity of supportive care for women having induction of labour need to be developed and validated.

Impact: This is the first review to evaluate non-pharmacological, non-invasive supportive interventions for women having induction of labour. The findings of this review identify the urgent need to develop an evidence base for effective supportive.

Keywords: induction of labour; midwifery; non-pharmacological; nursing; supportive care; systematic review.