Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 27, 2026
Getting to Compliance in Forced Exercise in Rodents: A Critical Standard to Evaluate Exercise Impact in Aging-related Disorders and Disease
Published on: August 22, 2014
Oxytocin Guidelines Associated with Compliance to National Standards
Jodi K Jackson1, Elizabeth Wickstrom, Betsi Anderson
1Jodi K. Jackson is a Neonatologist, Children's Mercy-Kansas City, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Kansas City, MO. The author can be reached via e-mail at jjackson@cmh.edu Elizabeth Wickstrom is a Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist, Obstetrix Medical Group of Kansas and Missouri, Shawnee Mission Medical Center, Merriam, KS. Betsi Anderson is an Administrative Director, Children's Mercy-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO.
Standardizing oxytocin use through evidence-based protocols improved adherence and patient safety. Integrating these guidelines into electronic health records ensures sustained improvements in perinatal care.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal medicine
- Quality improvement science
- Evidence-based practice
Background:
- Oxytocin is a critical medication in labor induction and augmentation.
- Variability in oxytocin administration can impact maternal and neonatal outcomes.
- A standardized, evidence-based approach is needed to optimize oxytocin use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and implement a multidisciplinary, consensus-driven, evidence-based protocol for oxytocin use.
- To improve adherence to national guidelines for oxytocin administration.
- To evaluate the impact of a standardized protocol on key obstetric and neonatal outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A quality improvement project utilizing the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) methodology over several years.
- Initiation of discussion via provider surveys on controversial oxytocin use aspects.
- Implementation of a standardized order set, initially paper-based and later integrated into computerized physician order entry (CPOE).
Main Results:
- Protocol adherence improved significantly with CPOE integration, reaching 100% in 2013.
- Increased adherence was associated with a significant decrease in maximum oxytocin dose and time from initiation to birth.
- No significant changes were noted in cesarean birth rates or Apgar scores, indicating safety.
Conclusions:
- Multidisciplinary consensus building and evidence-based practice are effective in standardizing oxytocin use.
- Integration of standardized protocols into electronic medical records is crucial for sustained practice change and improved patient safety.
- This approach enhances consistency and safety in perinatal care.
Related Concept Videos
01:26National Nursing Organizations I
01:30National Nursing Organizations II
The AACN emphasizes a healthy work environment through six standards to achieve an optimal patient outcome. The standards are appropriate staffing, meaningful recognition, collaboration, authentic leadership, effective communication, and decision-making. In addition, AACN provides certification programs, webinars, journals, and...
01:26Guidelines for Nursing Documentation II
Timely documentation is crucial to ensure continuity of care for patients. Any delays in recording or reporting medical information can result in medical errors and even adverse patient outcomes. From medication administration to diagnostic test results, every detail must be accurately and promptly documented to provide the best possible care for patients.
01:06Legal Guidelines for Documentation
01:23Guidelines for Sketching a Curve
01:11Guidelines for Writing Outcome
Patient outcomes reflect the patient's response to the goal rather than what the nurse aims to achieve. Terminology should be observable and measurable to avoid the reader's interpretation. The desired outcome should be realistic and achievable in the designated care timeframe. Expected outcomes should align with adjunctive therapies. The outcome should enhance care...