Foley catheter for induction of labour: a UK observational study

Abstract

We conducted a prospective observational study of all inductions using Foley’s catheter at our center between 2016 and 2018. Outcome data collected included induction to delivery time, mode of delivery, complication rates, patient and staff satisfaction. Ninety-nine women were included in our study. Median induction to delivery time was 28.3 h (IQR 19.7–34 h), 20 (20.2%) women required Caesarean section. No relevant complications were recorded. Patients and staff were satisfied with the technique overall.

These results show transcervical Foley’s catheter is a safe and effective method of induction of labour in the UK setting. It was shown to be feasible in the outpatient and previous Caesarean section groups.

Impact statement

• What is already known on the subject? Foley catheter as an induction agent has already been shown to be as clinically effective as slow release prostaglandins with lower costs.

• What do the results of this study add? No study has been published on its use for routine inductions in the UK. Our results show that Foley’s catheter is a safe, effective method for inducing labour in the UK.

• What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? This suggests this technique should be implemented more widely in the UK.

Keywords:

• Catheters
• induction of labour
• obstetric delivery
• prospective studies
• patient safety
• patient satisfaction

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.