Safety-netting that examiners can hear

"Come back if you're worried" is the safety-net everyone says and few examiners reward. Good safety-netting is specific, practical and tailored to the person in front of you.

The three parts of a strong safety net

1. 1What to watch for. Name the specific changes that would mean things are getting worse, in plain language the patient would use.
2. 2What to do, and how fast. Who to call, where to go, and how quickly — "ring the hospital straight away", not "seek help".
3. 3When you'll see them again. A concrete review time, even if things are going well.

Make it work for this patient

Safety-netting only works if the plan is possible. Think about:

• How far they live from help, and whether they can get there at night.
• Who is at home with them, and whether that person should hear the plan too.
• Language, literacy, and whether written information would help.
• Phone reception, transport, and work or farm commitments.

Check understanding

Ask the patient to tell you, in their words, what they'll look out for and what they'll do. It turns a monologue into a conversation — and it's the moment examiners often hear the communication skills they're looking for.

Say it, even when it feels obvious

In a viva, if you don't say it, it didn't happen. Even when the examiner moves you on quickly, a single sentence — "Before they go, I'd agree clear return advice and a review in 48 hours" — can carry real weight.

A note on examples

The examples in our guides are illustrative only. Always follow current local guidance and your own clinical judgement.