A Standardized Approach to Early Labor Management

Abstract

The purpose of this project was to standardize early labor management in the hospital setting through the development and implementation of standardized admission criteria, triage management, education, and support for women presenting in spontaneous labor, in an effort to reduce early labor admissions and decrease primary cesarean birth rates. The protocol included the following: an updated algorithm to guide screening and treatment for early labor management, development of nonpharmacological pain management options for early labor patients, and updated patient education materials to provide consistent early labor teaching.