Patient Messages & Communication

Overview

The messaging system allows care team members to communicate about patient care, share information, ask questions, and collaborate effectively. Messages are organized by patient and can include attachments and important updates.

Accessing Messages

From Patient Chart

1. Navigate to Patient Chart: Select patient from patient list
2. Access Messages:
   • Navigate to patient messages section
   • Or access via patient navigation menu
3. View Messages: Message history displayed

Direct Navigation

• Navigate to /p/[referralId]/messages in your browser
• Access from patient chart navigation
• Use patient menu options

Message Channels

Patient-Specific Channels

• Per Patient: Each patient has their own message channel
• Care Team Access: All assigned care team members can view
• Privacy: Messages are private to care team
• Organization Scope: Messages within organization only

Channel Features

• Message History: All messages stored and searchable
• Real-Time Updates: New messages appear automatically
• Attachments: Share files and documents
• Mentions: Tag team members for notifications
• Search: Search message history

Sending Messages

Composing Messages

1. Open Message Channel: Access patient's message channel
2. Message Input: Click in message input box
3. Type Message: Enter your message
4. Add Attachments (optional): Attach files if needed
5. Mention Users (optional): Tag team members
6. Send: Click send or press Enter

Message Content

Messages can include:

• Text: Regular text messages
• Attachments: Files, images, documents
• Mentions: @username to tag team members
• Links: URLs to external resources
• Formatting: Basic text formatting (where supported)

Attachments

Sharing files:

1. Click Attachment Icon: Access file attachment option
2. Select File: Choose file from your device
3. Upload: File uploads to message
4. Preview: Preview available for supported file types
5. Send: Message sent with attachment

Receiving Messages

Message Notifications

• Real-Time Updates: New messages appear automatically
• Visual Indicators: Unread messages marked
• Sound Notifications: Audio alerts (if enabled)
• Browser Notifications: Desktop notifications (if enabled)

Reading Messages

1. Open Channel: Access patient message channel
2. View Messages: Scroll through message history
3. Read Content: Read messages in chronological order
4. View Attachments: Click attachments to view/download
5. Mark Read: Messages marked read automatically

Message Management

Message Actions

• Reply: Respond to specific message
• Forward: Forward message to other channels (if available)
• Edit: Edit your own messages (if enabled)
• Delete: Delete your own messages (if enabled)
• Pin: Pin important messages (if available)

Message Search

1. Search Box: Use search in message channel
2. Enter Keywords: Type search terms
3. Filter Results: Filter by date, sender, etc.
4. View Matches: Highlighted search results
5. Navigate: Jump to message in history

Message History

• Chronological Order: Messages shown in time order
• Date Headers: Date separators for organization
• Infinite Scroll: Load more messages as you scroll
• Jump to Date: Navigate to specific dates (if available)

Communication Best Practices

Message Etiquette

• Clear Communication: Use clear, professional language
• Relevant Information: Share only relevant information
• Patient Privacy: Maintain patient confidentiality
• Timely Responses: Respond promptly when possible
• Respectful Tone: Maintain professional tone

Content Guidelines

• Clinical Information: Share clinical updates clearly
• Questions: Ask specific questions
• Updates: Provide status updates
• Documentation: Reference completed documentation
• Follow-Up: Follow up on important messages

Organization

• Use Mentions: Tag relevant team members
• Clear Subjects: Use clear message content
• Attach Documents: Share relevant files
• Summarize: Provide summaries when needed
• Threading: Use replies to keep conversations organized

Notifications & Alerts

Notification Settings

• Enable Notifications: Turn on message notifications
• Sound Alerts: Enable/disable sound
• Browser Notifications: Enable desktop notifications
• Email Notifications: Email for important messages (if available)
• Quiet Hours: Set quiet hours if needed

Managing Notifications

• Mute Channel: Temporarily mute specific channels
• Notification Preferences: Customize notification settings
• Unread Indicators: Visual indicators for unread messages
• Notification Center: Central location for all notifications

Tips & Best Practices

Efficient Communication

• Check Regularly: Check messages regularly
• Organize by Patient: Keep patient conversations separate
• Use Search: Search for specific information
• Clear Context: Provide context in messages
• Follow Up: Follow up on important conversations

Patient Privacy

• HIPAA Compliance: Maintain patient privacy
• Secure Communication: Use platform messaging (not external)
• No PHI in External: Don't share PHI outside platform
• Access Control: Only authorized team members access
• Audit Trail: Messages logged for compliance

Collaboration

• Tag Team Members: Use mentions for important items
• Share Updates: Keep team informed
• Ask Questions: Don't hesitate to ask
• Provide Answers: Help teammates when possible
• Document Decisions: Record important decisions

Related Topics

• Patient Charts & Navigation - Navigating patient charts
• Team Management - Understanding team roles
• Patient Tasks - Task-related communication