Background
Induction of labor is increasing worldwide, and some countries have started to introduce outpatient induction in low‐risk women.
Objectives
To assess current knowledge concerning the safety, efficacy, women's experience, and economic costs of outpatient induction compared with inpatient induction.
Search strategy
Multiple databases were last searched on October 19, 2021. Studies were selected according to our pre‐specified inclusion, selection, and exclusion criteria.
Selection criteria
PICO; P—women with low‐risk pregnancy planned for induction of labor. I—Outpatient induction C—Inpatient induction O—Outcomes according to the core outcome set for induction of labor (COSIOL).
Data collection and analysis
Pooled in meta‐analyses. The certainty of evidence was assessed using the GRADE system.
Main results
The 20 included studies, including 7956 women, showed an overall low incidence of adverse events and indicated comparable results for inpatient and outpatient induction, but the studies were underpowered for safety‐related outcomes. Women's experiences of outpatient induction were mostly positive. Based on three studies, the economic costs consequence is inconclusive.
Conclusions
Due to early randomization, heterogenic study design, and underpowered studies regarding safety outcome, the certainty of evidence is very low. It is uncertain whether outpatient induction affects the risk for neonatal and maternal complications.
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