SNWA

What should safety net advice include?

The existence of uncertainty. If the diagnosis is uncertain, that uncertainty should be communicated to the patient (or parent/carer) so that they are empowered to reconsult if necessary. What exactly to look out for. If there is a recognised risk of deterioration or complications developing then the safety-net advice should include the specific clinical features (including red flags) that the patient (or parent/carer) should look out for. How exactly to seek further help. Safety-net advice should give specific guidance on how and where to seek further help if needed. What to expect about time course. Where information about the likely time course of illness is known, safety-net advice should include this information. However, it should be made clear that if a patient (parent/carer) has concerns they should not delay seeking further medical advice.

What should be recorded?

Safety-net advice should be documented in the medical notes. There was no consensus on when and whether safety-net advice should be given in written format rather than verbally.