What is Jess's Rule in England?

Jess's Rule is a new guideline for GPs in England, prompting them to re-evaluate patient diagnoses if symptoms persist or worsen after multiple visits.

Why was Jess's Rule created for GP practices?

Jess's Rule was created in memory of Jessica Brady and aims to prevent avoidable deaths by helping doctors identify serious conditions earlier.

How will Jess's Rule improve patient safety in England?

It encourages GPs to seek second opinions or further tests for patients with persistent symptoms, reducing the risk of missed or delayed diagnoses.

Home / Health / Jess's Rule: GPs Rethink Symptoms to Save Lives

Jess's Rule: GPs Rethink Symptoms to Save Lives

17 Jan

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Summary

GPs must re-evaluate patients with persistent or worsening symptoms.
The rule is named after Jessica Brady, who died at 27.
Posters are displayed in all 6,170 GP practices in England.

Jess's Rule: GPs Rethink Symptoms to Save Lives

A new patient safety initiative, "Jess's Rule," is being rolled out across all GP practices in England starting this week. This guideline encourages family doctors to reconsider patient diagnoses, especially when symptoms persist or worsen without a clear explanation after multiple appointments. The initiative is inspired by the tragic death of Jessica Brady in 2020 at the age of 27.

"Jess's Rule" prompts GPs to seek second opinions, conduct physical examinations, or order additional tests if a patient has attended three appointments for the same issue without a diagnosis. Posters detailing this "three strikes and rethink" approach have been distributed to all 6,170 GP practices in England. The Department of Health and Social Care states this will enhance patient safety by challenging initial assumptions.

Jessica Brady's mother highlighted the positive response from primary care to the rule, named in memory of her daughter. Research indicates that young adults, aged 16 to 24, often require multiple GP interactions before a cancer diagnosis. This initiative, co-designed with Jess's parents, aims to ensure serious illnesses are identified and treated promptly, potentially saving lives by avoiding delayed or missed diagnoses.