What active signposting means in general practice

Active signposting is helping a patient reach an appropriate service, professional or support route by giving a clear, specific and usable next step. It involves more than briefly suggesting another service.^[1][2]

What makes it active

In general practice, active signposting can direct patients to community pharmacy, NHS 111 or other urgent advice routes, social prescribing, self-referral services, optometry, dentistry, local voluntary sector support or another member of the practice team. Which route is right depends on local protocols and the information the patient provides.^[3][4][8]

Good active signposting should help the patient understand why a route fits their request, how to use it, what to do if it does not work, and when to return or seek urgent help.^{[6][5] [6][5]}

Active signposting is safe only when the patient is given a specific route, a realistic way to use it, and a clear safety net if the concern changes or the route fails.

Use respectful, plain language. A patient expecting a GP appointment may feel rejected if told only "you need to go somewhere else". A brief, calm explanation is better: "The pharmacist can help with this type of medicines question today. I can explain how to contact them, and if they cannot help or you feel worse, please contact us again or use the urgent route we discuss."

Active Signposting and Care Navigation