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Article
Outcomes of the Evidence-Based Pitocin Administration Checklist at a Tertiary-Level Hospital
Western Journal of Nursing Research
  • Danuta M. Wojnar
  • Karen Cowgill, University of Washington Tacoma
  • Lindsay Hoffman
  • Hannah Carlson
Publication Date
9-1-2014
Document Type
Article
Abstract

Pitocin, a synthetic form of the hormone oxytocin, is a high-alert medication that heightens patient harm when used incorrectly. This investigation examined the outcomes of an evidence-based Pitocin administration checklist used for labor augmentation at a tertiary-level hospital. Data came from patient records. Using the Perinatal Trigger Tool, N = 372 clinical records (n = 194 prior to and n = 178 following checklist implementation) were reviewed. Checklist implementation resulted in statistically significant reductions in the duration of hospitalization (1.72 vs. 2.02 days, p = .0005), presence of meconium (23.7% vs. 6.7%, p < .001), maternal fevers (7.2% vs. 2.3%, p = .030), and episiotomies (8.8% vs. 1.7%, p = .002), and clinically important reduction in APGAR scores < 7 at 5 min (3.6%-0.6%, p = .069) and instrumented deliveries (11.9%-8.4%, p = .307). A universal Pitocin checklist implementation can improve birth outcomes and costs of care.

DOI
10.1177/0193945913515057
Publisher Policy
pre-print, post-print (with 12 month embargo)
Citation Information
Danuta M. Wojnar, Karen Cowgill, Lindsay Hoffman and Hannah Carlson. "Outcomes of the Evidence-Based Pitocin Administration Checklist at a Tertiary-Level Hospital" Western Journal of Nursing Research Vol. 36 Iss. 8 (2014) p. 975 - 988
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/karen-cowgill/10/