LMC advice on SystmOne instant messaging service

In January 2009, TPP released new functionality to SystmOne allowing users to send instant messages to any other member of staff logged on to SystmOne at their organisation. This means that staff members can be alerted to something without their consultation being interrupted. Instant Messaging is intended to be used for quick, non-clinical messages that don't require an audit trail. However, unlike EMIS, SystmOne messages cannot be deleted and remain permanently accessible. EMIS instant messages can be deleted, but a permanent record remains that a user has deleted a message.

The LMC has received concerns that clinical and non-clinical practice staff may be using this service inappropriately, including for patient level information. Please note that under the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), if patients request their medical record they should also be able to request any communications about them. Using instant messaging for patient level information creates the following risks:

  • medico-legal issues
  • performance management
  • CQC/NHSE issues
  • governance implications
  • GDPR implications

Please ensure that all practice staff are aware of these risks and are using this service appropriately.

Last updated : 18 Apr 2018

 

Get ready now for the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) (23 Jan 2018)

Data protection law changes in 2018. Practices need to be ready for the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which comes into force on 25 May 2018. NHS guidance on what...
Read more »

LMC elections 2018 (23 Jan 2018)

It’s LMC election time again at Londonwide LMCs! This year every LMC seat is up for election. Any GP working in one of the 27 London boroughs we represent may...
Read more »

Obituary: Dr Param-Jeet Singh Sandhu 1947-2018 (23 Jan 2018)

General Practitioner, Hammond Road Practice, Southall, Middlesex. (Birth 1947 q. Punjabi University 1972 – Died on 5th January 2018 from metastatic carcinoma of the prostate at the age of 70...
Read more »

Tips of the week December/January 2018 (22 Jan 2018)

We provide weekly tips based on common queries which come through to us from London GPs and practice teams. These are shared via social media and collated for...
Read more »

Local authority reports and letters reimbursement under collaborative arrangements (22 Jan 2018)

Dr Elliott Singer, Medical Director at Londonwide LMCs, recently wrote to the local authorities (LAs) in the 27 London boroughs covered by Londonwide LMCs to raise the issue of practices not...
Read more »

Why being able to summarise medical records still matters in the digital age (22 Jan 2018)

High quality training for medical notes summarising remains vital for general practice says Hilary Andrews, Nurse Advisor/Freelance Trainer for HAT Training and Medical Services Training. Summarising medical records is hardly...
Read more »

GPC regional election nominations 2018 (18 Jan 2018)

Nominations are open for the round of GPC regional elections to cover terms from 2018-21. In London two seats are up for election: Enfield and Haringey, Camden and Islington,...
Read more »
Next Page »
« Previous Page