Implementing Martha’s Rule in Paediatric Care

This study explores how Martha’s Rule is implemented and experienced in paediatric hospital care, with a focus on the daily check-in component (component 1). Martha’s Rule is intended to help patients and families raise concerns early if they think someone is getting worse. The study examines what helps or gets in the way of children and young people (CYP), parents and carers, and healthcare staff engaging with daily check-ins, and how implementation varies across NHS Trusts. The project uses a mixed-methods design with qualitative emphasis, including non-participant observations, semi-structured interviews, and surveys across multiple wards and NHS Trusts in England. Findings will be used to propose practical improvements to make daily check-ins more accessible, equitable, and usable in paediatric settings. Outputs will include a PhD thesis, peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and plain-language summaries.