Jess’s Rule: New patient safety initiative

A new patient safety initiative known as Jess’s Rule is set to be rolled out across all 6,170 GP surgeries in England, with posters delivered this week to raise awareness among GPs, primary care staff and patients.

Jess’s Rule encourages clinicians to take a “fresh eyes” approach when a patient has had three appointments without a clear diagnosis or if symptoms worsen, prompting a review of records, consideration of further tests or second opinions. The initiative is named in honour of Jessica Brady, who died of cancer in December 2020 at the age of 27. It will help avoid tragic, preventable deaths as GPs are supported to catch potentially deadly illnesses sooner.

Jess’s Rule will particularly benefit younger patients and those from ethnic minority backgrounds who often face delays in diagnosis of serious conditions.

Government leaders say the nationwide rollout of Jess’s Rule posters demonstrates a commitment to boosting diagnostic vigilance and protecting patients within primary care. The initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen patient safety and ensure that persistent or worrying symptoms are investigated thoroughly and promptly across general practice.

You can find out more about Jess’s Rule here.