Women's Knowledge About Induction of Labour and Its Association With Their Experience

NCT07616765 | Not Yet Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: 179390
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 112
• Locations: 0 countries
• Sites: N/A

Brief Summary

Induction of labour (IOL) is a common procedure to initiate childbirth, around one in three pregnant women having their labour induced in the UK. Labour may be induced for many different reasons, including going past the due date, having high blood pressure, diabetes, concerns about the baby's growth, or reduced movements. IOL can be a complex and lengthy process, sometimes lasting up to seven days. Many women find that their expectations of IOL do not match their real experiences. Research shows that between 5% and 20% of women report a negative birth experience, and this can have lasting effects. These may include difficulties bonding with their baby, depression after birth, fear of future childbirth, or choosing a caesarean section next time. Studies also show that women who feel unprepared for induction, or who do not fully understand the benefits, risks, and steps involved, are more likely to have a difficult experience. At the same time, research suggests that some healthcare professionals may not feel fully confident in their knowledge of induction, and their decisions may be influenced by colleagues or local practice rather than evidence alone. This project aims to understand how much women know about induction before it begins, how this knowledge affects their experience, and how well clinicians understand and communicate about induction. To do this, investigators will invite women who are booked for induction at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital or West Middlesex Hospital to take part in two surveys: one before induction and one after birth. Women will also be able to volunteer for an interview to talk in more detail about their experience. They will also invite all maternity staff at the Trust to complete a short survey about their knowledge and attitudes towards induction, followed by optional interviews. Investigators aim to recruit approximately 82 pregnant women and 20 to 30 clinicians (including midwives, obstetricians, and trainees) working in the maternity department at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

Conditions

Induction of Labour

Keywords

Induction of labour; Patient satisfaction; Pregnancy; Clinicians; Attitude; Maternity care; Women's Knowledge; Labour Induction

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Women's Pre- Induction knowledge of induction of labour

  Assessment will be performed using the Pre-Induction Survey, with a maximum score of 55.

  The project will take 24 months.

Study Arms (2)

Pregnant women booked for induction of labour - 82 participants

Other: Survey and Interview-Based Assessment

Clinicians in maternity at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS FT, 20-30 participants

Other: Survey and Interview-Based Assessment

Interventions

Survey and Interview-Based Assessment OTHER

Participants will complete questionnaires and/or take part in semi-structured interviews to assess their knowledge and experiences related to induction of labour.

Clinicians in maternity at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS FT, 20-30 participants; Pregnant women booked for induction of labour - 82 participants

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years+
• Sex: all
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Pregnant women aged 18 and over who are booked for induction of labour at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (including Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and West Middlesex Hospital), and clinicians (midwives, obstetricians, and trainees) working in the maternity department at the same Trust.

You may qualify if:

• Women:
• All pregnant women who are booked for IOL at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust which includes both Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and West Middlesex Hospital.
• The ability to understand and sign a written informed consent form.
• Singleton pregnancy.
• Clinicians:
• Working at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust which includes both Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and West Middlesex Hospital.

You may not qualify if:

• Women:
• Under age 18
• Women who do not have sufficient understanding of the English language to provide informed consent or to complete the questionnaires and interviews independently
• Clinicians:

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Imperial College London: lead

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Patient Satisfaction; Behavior

Interventions

Surveys and Questionnaires

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Treatment Adherence and Compliance; Health Behavior

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Data Collection; Epidemiologic Methods; Investigative Techniques; Health Care Evaluation Mechanisms; Quality of Health Care; Health Care Quality, Access, and Evaluation; Public Health; Environment and Public Health

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: COHORT
• Time Perspective: PROSPECTIVE
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: April 13, 2026
• First Posted: June 1, 2026
• Study Start: May 1, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): December 1, 2027
• Study Completion (Estimated): May 1, 2028
• Last Updated: June 1, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-05