Listen to the Parents

Two recent articles from The Lancet Child and Adolescent Health have proven very popular.  Both centre on the topic of the importance of listening to the concerns of parents and caregivers about their sick child.

This is timely given recent revelations around the death of toddler, Joe Massa at a NSW hospital and the introduction of patient and family initiated clinical review processes at various health services.  These include Martha's Rule in the UK, Ryan's Rule in QLD and REACH, here in NSW.

Mills et al (2025), in their single centre study, show that parent/caregiver concern for their child is correlated with increased incidence of clinical deterioration including ICU admission and mechanical ventilation.  They implemented and suggest a simple measure of asking caregivers if they feel their child's condition is worsening prior to taking vital signs.  They found that caregivers could pick up deterioration prior to this being reflected in the child's vital signs, proving the insight of caregivers to be extremely important in the assessment of a child.  Agulnik (2025) provides comment on this important study in their comment in the same issue of the journal.

These two articles provide impetus for further studies and change in the way parents and caregivers are listened to in health care settings. To read them, click on the links below or contact us.

Mills, E., Lin, P., Asghari-Jafarabadi, Wes, A & Craig, S. (2025). Association between caregiver concern for clinical deterioration and critical illness in children presenting to hospital: a prospective cohort study. Lancet Child and Adolescent Health, 9(7), 450-458.

Agulnik, A. (2025). Listen to the parents: caregiver concern and development of critical illness. Lancet Child and Adolescent Health, 9(7), 440-441.

 

 Spotlight on Resources: Communication

As a health care worker, your technical and clinical skills are important . . . but so are your communication skills!  Brush up by accessing some of the resources below.  Email, call or drop in to the library to request an item.

And let us know if there is a particular topic you would like us to feature here!

Communication Skills for Health Professionals, edited by Brock Cook (eBook)

Nonviolent Communication: a language of life, by Marshall B. Rosenberg

Crucial Conversations: tools for talking when the stakes are high, by Kerry Patterson

Critical Conversations for Patient Safety: an essential guide for healthcare students, by Tracy Levett-Jones

Communication: core interpersonal skills for health professionals, by Glyn O'Toole

Communication Rx: transforming healthcare through relationship-centered communication, edited by Calvin Chou and Laura Cooley

Interpersonal Relating: healthcare perspectives on communication, stress and crisis, by Nel Glass

Measles vaccination schedule research

Australian health experts are reconsidering the measles vaccination schedule after new research suggests babies might need their first dose earlier. Right now, babies in Australia get their first measles shot at 12 months and a second at 18 months. In special cases, like traveling to countries where measles is common, they can get an extra dose at six months.

However, scientists at the Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI) found that many babies lose their natural protection against measles before they turn four months old. This means they could be vulnerable to infection before they’re eligible for their first vaccine. The study looked at over 8,000 babies from different countries and found that while most had measles antibodies at birth, 70% had lost them by four months.

Because of this, researchers are urging health officials to consider giving the first measles vaccine at four months instead of waiting until 12 months. Other countries, like New Zealand, already do this during outbreaks.

Measles is a highly contagious virus, and cases are rising worldwide. Australia has already recorded 77 cases this year, compared to 57 cases in all of 2024. Experts warn that vaccination rates in Australia are dropping below the level needed to prevent outbreaks.

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisations (ATAGI) is reviewing the research and may update vaccine recommendations. Health Minister Mark Butler said the findings will help determine whether Australia should change its vaccination schedule 1.

copilot.microsoft.com

Healthcare workers play a crucial role in promoting measles vaccinations, especially during outbreaks. Here are some effective strategies:

• Educate Patients & Communities: Provide clear, science-backed information about measles risks and vaccine benefits. Many people underestimate measles complications, like pneumonia and brain inflammation.

• Address Misinformation: Counter myths about vaccines causing autism or being unnecessary. A recent poll showed that 87% of Americans believe MMR vaccine benefits outweigh risks, but misinformation still exists 2.

• Encourage On-Time Vaccination: Emphasize the importance of getting vaccinated at the recommended ages. In Australia, the National Immunisation Program recommends measles vaccines at 12 and 18 months, but catch-up doses are available for older individuals 3.

• Target High-Risk Groups: Focus on communities with low vaccination rates.

• Leverage Trusted Voices: Public figures, like a Samoan rugby legend, are helping spread awareness in Pasifika communities. Healthcare workers can collaborate with local leaders to boost vaccine confidence.

• Use Digital & Social Media: Share accurate vaccine information online to reach a wider audience. Governments and health organizations are working to combat misinformation.

• Offer Convenient Vaccination Options: Make vaccines easily accessible through mobile clinics, pharmacies, and outreach programs.

By combining education, accessibility, and community engagement, healthcare workers can help increase vaccination rates and prevent further outbreaks.

1.  www.abc.net.au     2.   CIDRAP   3.    www.health.gov.au|  4. RNZ