This simple questionnaire, developed by researchers at Bradford University in England, is part of the structure of Martha’s Rule. Nurses ask their patients two questions: How well they feel and whether they feel better or worse than before. Research indicates that patients’ responses to these questions can detect deterioration up to 24 hours before it can be seen in their vital signs. Families also can use this method to show a upward or downward trend in a patient’s condition.

Taken from Albutt A, O’Hara J, Conner M, Lawton R. Involving patients in recognising clinical deterioration in hospital using the Patient Wellness Questionnaire: A mixed-methods study. Journal of Research in Nursing 2020 Feb;25(1):68-86. doi: 10.1177/174498711986774