Implementing Martha’s Rule in Paediatric Care
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Evaluating the Factors Enabling Patient-Activated Reporting Mechanisms in Paediatric Care: a mixed-methods study of Martha’s rule implementation in NHS Trusts.
IRAS ID
357638
Contact name
Cecilia Vindrola
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University College London
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Z6364106/2025/04/58, Data protection number
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
The research will investigate how Martha’s Rule, a system that allows patients and their families to escalate concerns about deteriorating health, operates in NHS hospitals. The rule includes daily check-ins by staff to address concerns about patient health.
The study will examine the on-the-ground operationalisation of these daily check-ins in the unique context of paediatric care, and explore how paediatric patients, their carers, and staff interact with the system, the challenges they face, and what helps or hinders their participation. It will take place across five NHS Trusts in England, using interviews, observations, and surveys to gather data from patients, families, and healthcare staff.
The goal is to identify barriers to the inclusive and effective implementation of the daily check-ins mandated by Martha's Rule, and recommend improvements to make it more accessible for all patients. The results will support NHS decision-makers in improving patient safety and ensuring equitable care for children and young people.
REC name
South West - Cornwall & Plymouth Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/SW/0157
Date of REC Opinion
28 Jan 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion