Box 3.

Examples of safety-netting advice for a problem, for a treatment or management plan for the problem, or both

Problem	‘So, reassured about this, but come back to us if it seems to be changing.’
Treatment/management plan	‘Antiinflammatories are really good at pain thinning, but they’re bad at irritating the lining of the stomach. And in the worst case it can cause an ulcer and bleeding. So, if you’re getting indigestion pains, coughing up blood, or your stool is very dark and black and sticky, you must stop the naproxen and come and see me straight away.’
Both	‘Yes, well, any problems, come back.’ ‘And of course, if things are getting worse rather than better in the meanwhile, or any problems with the antibiotics, we’ll see you before.’