Labor Induction Practices in a Rural Midwesern Hospital

National databases indicate that induction of labor has risen dramatically in the United States over the last ten years. However, little is known about induction practices in rural areas. The purpose of this pilot study was to explore the induction practices of physicians in a 21-bed, rural hospital. Data were collected from the 2003 hospital birth records and from interviews with physicians. Findings showed an induction rate of 37.8%. Inductions resulted in 58% of the hospital’s unplanned cesarean sections. Several physicians said that they scheduled inductions to guarantee the availability of a qualified labor and delivery nurse. However, none of the physicians were aware of the high rate of inductions at this rural hospital. This pilot study lends support for a large, randomized study of labor inductions in the rural area. This study also indicates a need to examine the impact of the nursing shortage on rural induction practices.