Mode of birth in nulliparous term singleton pregnancies in vertex presentation before and after implementation of an evidence-based intervention: quality-improvement study.

Purpose: The main objective of this study was to assess the impact of a composite quality improvement intervention on mode of birth in nullipara term singleton vertex (NTSVs).

Material and methods: This was an ambidirectional study following the implementation of the intervention to reduce cesarean section rate in NSTV by comparing two birth cohorts, pre-composite quality improvement intervention cohort (January 2013-December 2015) and post-composite quality improvement intervention cohort (January 2018-December 2020).

Results: In the studied periods, there was a total of 7713 NTSV births. Compared to pre-composite quality improvement intervention, there was a post-composite quality improvement intervention reduction in NTSV cesarean section rate from 30.89% to 13.31% (p < 0.0001). Obstetric and non-obstetric indications for elective cesarean sections decreased from 5.52% to 1.04% (p < 0.0001) and from 4.82% to 0.52% (p < 0.0001), respectively. The frequency of emergency cesarean sections in this group decreased from 20.56% to 11.75% (p < 0.0001), especially those performed for failure to progress in labor (from 13.69% to 7.30%; p < 0.0001). There has been a rising trend with regards to maternal age. However, the proportion of mothers aged 35 years and more giving birth by cesarean section reduced from 46.94% to 20.28%. These reductions in cesarean section rates occurred without any negative impact on core fetal outcomes.

Conclusions: This quality improvement study demonstrates that it is feasible to significantly reduce cesarean section rate in NTSV by adopting specific composite measures. However, this requires the understanding of the inherent problems and barriers within the unit and the involvement of all stake holders.