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 2018Provider Development Masterclasses (31 Mar 2016)
This series of day-long masterclasses aims to equip participants with relevant, practical business skills and knowledge that they can take back and use in their localities. Topics have been selected...RCGP guide to supporting information for appraisal and revalidation (30 Mar 2016)
The RCGP has approved a new guide to supporting information for appraisal and revalidation (March 2016) that aims to reduce inconsistencies in interpretation and streamline the process of providing...London GP Registration for Offenders (30 Mar 2016)
Londonwide LMCs welcomes the London GP Registration for Offenders initiative, it helps practices deal with the needs of an often vulnerable and challenging group of patients. Offenders have exactly the same rights...Patient online access for children aged 11-16 years (24 Mar 2016)
NHS England (NHSE) and the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) have produced some helpful guidance about proxy access regarding Patient Online. The full guidance is available here and...Budget 2016 (17 Mar 2016)
Budget 2016 was, on the whole, fairly innocuous for health professionals. There were very few health-specific announcements (some money for children’s hospitals outside London) and a couple of measures that...New Housing Application letter and poster (17 Mar 2016)
Our new waiting room poster and template practice letter will help practice staff manage requests for letters supporting housing applications.Patient Online detailed coded record (DCR) deadline is 31 March 2016 (16 Mar 2016)
This month sees the deadline for enabling online access to patients’ detailed coded record (DCR). Practices have until 31 March 2016 to switch this on. The latest figures we...PMS contract reviews update (16 Mar 2016)
We recently issued our third PMS (Personal Medical Services) bulletin on the reviews taking place across London. Our bulletins are designed to bring you the current PMS contract review information...New Men B immunisation advice (16 Mar 2016)
Following recent high profile stories about child deaths from meningitis B, Public Health England has issued further advice: Men B immunisation programme Following recent media coverage about the death of...Guidance
We provide expert guidance for practices in our guidance section, as well as an archive of other materials you may find useful.
GP Support
Contact our GP Support team if you need help or advice.
The team provide professional and pastoral support to GPs and practice teams on a broad range of issues.