Best practice implementation strategy for the use of oxytocin during labour - phase 1

Abstract

Introduction: The use of intravenous oxytocin (OT) in obstetrics, especially during parturition, is associated with variability in practices including concentrations used, dosing rates and duration of infusion. Safety practices and standardisation of use of OT are recommended to increase safety and reduce risks to mother and baby. This is particularly important in view of the international drug status of OT namely a high alert drug as described by ISMP and a black box warning as described by the US FDA.

Aim and setting: This study aimed to develop a Best Practice Implementation Strategy for OT use during Labour in a local hospital. The study was carried out at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mater Dei Hospital (MDH) and at the Directorate of Pharmacy, MDH.