Close every undifferentiated consultation with explicit safety-netting

In a short consultation for an undifferentiated problem, the safety-net is often the most important thing said, because the diagnosis may still be evolving when the patient walks out.

Make it specific rather than a reflexive "come back if you're worried": name the symptoms that should prompt return, say how soon and where to seek help, and describe the expected course so the patient can recognise a deviation. Document what you told them. A good safety-net turns diagnostic uncertainty into a shared, time-bound plan.

• Name the specific symptoms that should prompt the patient to return or seek urgent care.
• Say how soon and where to seek help — and what the expected recovery course looks like.
• Document the safety-net advice you gave, not just the working diagnosis.
• Prefer concrete red flags over a general "come back if worse".

Why it matters

In short primary-care visits the diagnosis is often still unfolding, so the safety-net is what catches the patient the single visit cannot.

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