Why, when and how to give safety-netting advice

Abstract

In primary care, consultations often conclude with the patient being advised to seek medical care if their symptoms become worse or do not resolve; which is known as safety-netting advice (SNA). Although it is widely accepted that patients should be given SNA, studies have shown that there is a wide variation in the quantity and quality of SNA given to patients, with patients reporting that the information they receive is often vague and unhelpful. This article explains why providing patients with SNA is essential for safe practice and describes how safety-netting can be improved by coming to the consultation with pre-prepared SNA and a system for delivering that advice to the patient.