The nature of the innovations
In both countries, some innovations emerged in response to the pandemic,
and some that were already in place gained momentum, such as telehealth
and early discharge following birth. The innovations and expanded
practices described in the included documents are summarised in Table 2,
organised by topic. We then discuss the type of innovations and
practices that were reported, and the potential ethical, governance, and
organisational implications of rapid innovation in maternity care
specifically, and for health care in general.
Table 2 New innovations and expanded practices in NL and UK maternity
care as reported in documents produced by national organisations during
the COVID-19 pandemic