Ryan's Rule
Ryan's Rule is a patient safety initiative in Queensland, Australia, that allows patients or their families to escalate concerns about a patient's healthcare if they feel their condition is worsening or their concerns are not being adequately addressed. By calling a dedicated number or informing staff, a nurse or doctor will promptly review the situation. This rule was introduced after the death of Ryan Saunders, a young boy whose serious condition was not identified in time despite his parents raising concerns. Ryan's Rule aims to empower families and ensure that their voices are heard in healthcare settings, preventing similar tragedies.
Aim of Ryan's Rule
Ryan's Rule is a 3-step process that supports patients, families and carers to raise concerns if a patient’s health condition is getting worse or not improving as well as expected.
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The three-step process of Ryan's Rule is as follows:
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Raise concerns with the nurse or doctor: If you are worried about a patient’s condition, speak directly to the healthcare staff involved in their care.
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Ask for a clinical review: If you’re not satisfied with the response, request a clinical review by speaking to the nurse in charge.
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Call for escalation: If concerns remain unresolved, call the dedicated Ryan’s Rule number displayed in the healthcare facility. A senior clinician or rapid response team will review the patient’s condition immediately.