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
 

Londonwide Enterprise update (17 Aug 2016)

Practice managers conference and events Speakers have been confirmed for the Practice Manager Conference to be held at Woburn House on Thursday 22 September 2016. ‘Leadership through Change: making the...
Read more »

Patient engagement survey (17 Aug 2016)

We are asking for practices to share their experience of successfully developing their patient engagement work, including top tips, by completing our patient engagement surveys. These will help shape the...
Read more »

London Improvement Grant Fund 2017-18 (17 Aug 2016)

The London Improvement Grant Fund application process is now open. Practices need to submit their applications by 17:00 on Friday 30 September 2016 by emailing them to: England.LondonIGfund@nhs.net.  Practices should...
Read more »

NHS England Update on Estates and Technology Transformation Fund (ETTF) (17 Aug 2016)

Unfortunately, information regarding submission dates for reimbursement claims  for NHS England’s Estates and Technology Transformation Fund (ETTF) has caused some confusion. Please note that the submission date change is not related...
Read more »

New GPSoE Resources - Posters (16 Aug 2016)

We have produced two posters to help practices explain to patients and staff why we are in a state of emergency. One is for your waiting room and outlines the...
Read more »

Capita list cleanse plan (16 Aug 2016)

At the end of July it was reported that part of the new Primary Care Support Services contract between NHS England and Capita would include a list cleanse programme, designed...
Read more »

New requirements for hospitals re work with general practice (16 Aug 2016)

Londonwide LMCs’ CEO Dr Michelle Drage has written to Trust and Foundation Trust CEOs across London asking how they plan to implement the new requirements outlined in the 2016/17 NHS...
Read more »

General Practice Resilience Programme funding (16 Aug 2016)

£2.65m of resilience funding is available to London practices this financial year, as the Capital’s share of a £16m national pot, promised as part of the GP Forward View. This...
Read more »

TPP QRISK2 error – responsibility for practices (16 Aug 2016)

NHS England is concerned that only around half of practices affected by the TPP QRISK2 error have accessed the lists of affected patients provided to them.  Dr Andrew Green,...
Read more »

Feedback on Capita Primary Care Support England services (16 Aug 2016)

Following concerns expressed about the current Capita/Primary Care Support England (PCSE) records and supplies services, the BMA recently sought feedback on practices’ experience of Capita’s service. Dan Hodgson in the...
Read more »
Next Page »
« Previous Page