Introduction

It is recognised that the use of email and text messaging are well-established methods of communication. The Rogerstone Practice supports the use of email and text messaging as a means of communication with patients, and therefore is subject to compliance with this policy.

 

Scope of policy

This policy sets out the circumstances in which patients can be contacted with consent by email or text message and the procedures that must be followed when using this method of communication.

Patients will only be contacted in this way where they have consented to do so.  Details of the approved and agreed uses of these communications are listed in the section below. 

• The practice will never share this information with third parties.
• Health promotional material will only relate to services directly offered by the practice/cluster and will not include third party marketing material.

 

Responsibilities, accountabilities, and duties

Mr David Harris has overall responsibility for the The Rogerstone’s Practice data. 

The Caldicott Guardian, Dr B Gallagher is responsible for the establishment of procedures governing access to, and the use of, person-identifiable information and, where appropriate, the transfer of that information to other bodies.

Practice Managers are responsible for making sure this guidance is highlighted to relevant staff, that it has been understood, and that it is being followed.

 

Approved and agreed uses for: -

We have approved and agreed that the use of text messaging will be utilised for the following purposes within the practice: -

• Changes to your booked appointment
• National issues such as Flu vaccinations, pandemics

• Practice being closed due to unforeseen circumstances
• Cancelled clinics including GP, Nurse and Health Care Assistant
• Other notifications the practice deem necessary to your health care provision
•  

If the patient agrees, the GP practice will be contacting the patient via their mobile phone number, the practice agrees to adhere to the following: -

• The mobile phone number will only be used by the GP practice and will not be passed to any other parties.
• If at any time a patient informs the practice they would like to opt out of above service, the request will be actioned within 48 hours.
• The mobile phone number will solely be used by the practice in relation to the healthcare services offered and will not be utilised in relation to any other types of products or services.
• No personal details will be included in the message.

We have approved and agreed that the use of email messaging will be utilised for the following purposes: -

• Asking the patient to call the service at a convenient time  
• Communicating advice to patient
• Ad-hoc communication between key worker and patient  
• Copies of letters sent to GP if requested  
• Appointment letters

 

Excluded uses of text messages and email

The practice will not utilise text messaging or email for:

• Personal communication via this method i.e. consultation/discussing any medical needs/requirements
• Any form of marketing materials
• Personal relationships
• Selling on email address or mobile number to 3^rd party for any purpose

 

Consent

A consent model will be used within the practice for usage of text messaging and emails, when contacting individual patients about their individual care or in line with approved and agreed uses. 

It is important that any preferences are recorded in the patients record and respected.  If at any time the patient would like to opt out of above service, the practice will ensure this occurs within 48 hours.  The practice may also ask patients to include the reason for opting out, to help review and improve future service provision.  The patient however is under no obligation to provide such information.

An example of consent forms provided - Appendix 1 & 2  

 

 

How will we communicate via Consent Model

It is essential that the use of email addresses and mobile telephone numbers are in line with transparency guidance and best practice.  This means that the use of personal information held by the practice must be understood by the individual. The practice will provide its patients relevant information in relation to these services including:

• What information they need about them, e.g. mobile number
• For what purpose, e.g. to send appointment reminders
• Who the information may be shared with, e.g. it will not be shared
• What they will do with that information, e.g. it will be stored on your record.

 

 

Children

The age at which a child becomes competent to make certain decisions about their health, care and information sharing will vary depending on the child and the particular situation. 

A child with competence is able to make choices about how healthcare providers use their information.  As such they should be given a choice about who receives emails and messages about their care.  

The practice will review at least annually the consent of the child when communicating via text / email.  Which should include a process to check that the mobile number is still valid and belongs to the child.  (As some parents log their mobile number against a child’s patient record).

 

Recording of Emails and Texts within Patient File

Content of Emails/Texts

Monitoring Compliance

Audit procedures and audit processes should be undertaken within the practice, this should include:

• The exchange of text messages with patients and practice has not created any problems or difficulties for The Rogerstone Practice or for the patient.
• Any risks are identified, regularly re-assessed, and adequately addressed.
• Confidentiality is not put at risk, and that appropriate records of contact are properly maintained.
• Any incidents that are raised as a result of email or text message communication with patients and service users will be investigated, reviewed, and reported.
• Any action required to increase the effectiveness of this policy will be undertaken.
• This policy will be regularly reviewed to reflect any changes to national policy, technology, or operational practice.

 

Dissemination 

 

The policy will be disseminated. The policy will also be available on the Rogerstone Practice website.