This is a secondary driver for the Essentials of Safe Care “A people-led approach to the planning and delivery of safe care”
Change ideas
- Practitioner: The views and concerns of people receiving care, families, carers and staff are regularly sought and recorded
- Team: The views and concerns of people, families, carers and staff inform person-centred care planning
- Organisation: Process for people, families, carers or staff to request a review, escalate concerns and receive a timely response
Tools and resources
- NHS England. Martha’s Rule. 2025 [2025 Sept 10].
- Patient Safety Commissioner. Martha’s Rule. [Online].
- SPSP Paediatric webinar. 2024. Worry and Concern: A focus on parental, carer and patient concern.
Evidence and further reading
- NHS Bradford Teaching Hospitals. Martha’s rule: detecting deterioration.
- Sutton E, Ibrahim M, Plath WBooth L, Sujan M, McCulloch PO et al. Understanding the enablers and barriers to implementing a patient-led escalation system: a qualitative study. BMJ Quality & Safety 2025;34:18-27.
- Welch J, Murkin J, Edwards E, Inada-Kim M, Subbe C. Giving patients, families and staff a reliable voice in acute care: Expert guidance for implementation of Martha’s Rule in UK hospitals. Future healthcare journal.2025;12(1):100223.