Regional practice variation in induction of labor in the Netherlands: Does it matter? A multilevel analysis of the association between induction rates and perinatal and maternal outcomes.

Practice variation in labor induction is high in Dutch maternity care networks, with limited association with maternal outcomes and no association with perinatal outcomes. Networks with low induction rates had lower unplanned caesarean section rates compared to networks with moderate rates. Further in-depth research is necessary to understand the mechanisms that contribute to practice variation and the observed association with unplanned caesarean sections.