Martha's mum, dad, guardian ...

Hayward, E. Parents really do know when
their child is sick, The Times,
30 May 2025, p.1.

The previous post highlighted the fact that while practice (and theory) based upon research finding that are 'evidence-based' and scientifically rigorous are a 'gold standard; there are other means by which knowledge is obtained. Cultures, often have systems to transfer knowledge - that which matters to the society, even if is not written in the conventional meaning of the term.

Intution is another source, and within social groups can be a powerful spur to action, and help seeking. This is demonstrated regularly in the knowledge that a parent, or guardian has about what is the normal presentation for a child in their care. 

In the UK Martha's Rule is being tested in NHS hospitals. It is encouraging then to hear and read news of a study in Australia (so in combination a 'multicenter' effort?).

Mills, E., Lin, P., Asghari-Jafarabadi, M., West, A., & Craig, S. (n.d.). Association between caregiver concern for clinical deterioration and critical illness in children presenting to hospital: A prospective cohort study. The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2352-4642(25)00098-7

individual

|

INTERPERSONAL : SCIENCES

humanistic ------------------------------- mechanistic

SOCIOLOGY : POLITICAL

|

group

"Not herself ..." Martha	"Not well" Martha
Mills parents, guardians, friends & family	Martha's Rule*

Hayward, E. Parents really know when their child is sick, The Times, 30 May 2025, p.1.

*Under test in the UK.

Previously: 'intuition'