An audit was conducted of outpatient inductions of labor (IOL) compared to inpatient IOLs between February and March 2010. Out of 65 total IOLs, 16 were conducted on an outpatient basis. Women who underwent outpatient IOL had similar fetal and maternal outcomes as those who had inpatient IOLs. Outpatient IOL allows low-risk women to stay with their families and keeps hospital beds available for higher-risk deliveries while maintaining normalcy of birth. The process involves community midwives offering membrane sweeps starting at 40 weeks and arranging outpatient IOL appointments.

1. Outpatient IOL Philippa Cox

5. Parity

6. Indication for IOL

7. Gestation at delivery

8. Mode of Delivery 8/16 OP 17/49 IP 6/16 OP 24/49 IP 2/16 OP 4/49 IP 4/49 IP

9. IOL – Delivery Interval <12h 12-24h 24-36h 36-48h >48h OP 25% 25% 25% 25% 0% IP 43% 29% 12% 8% 8%

10. Fetal Outcome 94% 98% 1 low apgars 2,9,10, observed in SCBU 1 RDS & neonatal sepsis, admitted to SCBU for Abx and breathing support Note ; 2 other admissions to SCBU for observation from IP group, no complications

11. Maternal Outcome 96% 87.5% 2 PPH >1000ml 1 PPH 1000ml, 1 HTN (d/c PN D7)