Safety netting concept in primary care consultation

Abstract

Introduction: Patient safety in primary care setting is important and effort geared towards this cannot be over-emphasised. Patient  safety can be achieved through various means, but one mechanism to improve patient safety in resourceconstrained settings is through  a practice known as safety netting. Safety netting is widely recommended in national guidelines with varying definitions and scope; hence  there is no consensus on when safety netting should be used and what should be the content.

Methodology: A narrative overview  of the evidence on safety netting concept in primary care consultation was conducted. Scholastic articles and Papers by International organizations were searched using terms like ‘safety netting’, ‘primary care consultation’, ‘family physician’, ‘consultation  technique’, and ‘patient safety’ in primary care. Most resources found were in the developed countries (the West) and none was found in  Africa or the Middle East. Safety netting is a technique in consultation to communicate uncertainty, provide patient information on red- flag symptoms, and plan for future appointments to ensure timely re-assessment of a patient’s condition. The content of safetynetting  advice may encompass the chronology of the illness, advice on worrying symptoms to look out for, and specific information on how,  when and where to seek help. Safety netting was considered to be particularly important when consulting with the acutely unwell,  patients with multi-morbidity, children and those with mental health problems.

Conclusion: Safety netting is more than solely the  communication of uncertainty within a consultation. It should include plans for follow-up as well as important administrative aspects,  such as the communication of test results. Effective safety netting should be geared towards the patient and provide enough practical  clue for self-care and re-consultation.