Induction and Augmentation of Labor using Oxytocin: A Review of the History, Pharmacology, Professional Organization Statements and Policy Analysis

Evidence-based practice is the use of research to support the best clinical outcomes for patients. Evidence-based practice may take the form of professional organization statements such as clinical practice guidelines or institutional policies. When research findings are insufficient or lack clarity, variability in clinical practice may emerge. The use of oxytocin for induction and augmentation of labor is an example of this. Although scientists have known about the actions of oxytocin for 126 years, an ideal dosing regimen for induction and augmentation of labor has not been developed. Oxytocin is known to bind to the oxytocin receptor stimulating uterine contractions. Although strides have been made in understanding the pharmacology and cellular physiology of childbirth pertaining to oxytocin, a complete understanding has yet to be elucidated. I conducted a review of the history, pharmacology, professional organizational statements and policy analysis in a purposive, convenience sample of nine hospitals across the United States and generated recommendations for future research regarding the use of oxytocin for induction and augmentation of labor. Professional organizations have neglected to provide guidance regarding oxytocin dosing policies and made conflicting statements regarding dosing by stating that institutions should develop their own discreet policies. This was reflected in the lack of consistency in the oxytocin dosing policy analysis. To address the lack of consensus among professional organizations and variations in institutional policies, further interdisciplinary research into physiologic labor, standardized dosing, novel quantification of adequate labor response and standardized nomenclature is needed.Bachelor of Scienc