InPS SMS upgrade allows for care service alerts

November 1st, 2005

In Practice Systems (InPS) has announced an extension to its Vision system that will allow general practices not only to send out text messages to remind people of appointments but also to inform patients of flu vaccinations and other care services.

The Patient Care Messaging (PCM) system sends messages through an external internet gateway called Voice Connect. The upgrade represents another option on the communication menu for practices who want to target one particular group of patients, and can also be used to send appointment reminders by text message.

Chris Shelley, Business Development Manager at InPS, told E-Health Insider: "The advantage of text messaging is two-fold, it's instantaneous, and it's trackable." Text messaging also works out cheaper at only 7p per message, explained Shelley, and was more immediate.

The software already allows patient databases to be searched for particular demographics, such as new mothers. A sub-search in the results can then be done for those with mobiles. The patient list can be reviewed manually, and a text message can then be sent to each person over NHSNet.

As PCM is a very recent upgrade, it has not been put into use in any practices as yet, but Shelley told E-Health Insider that the SMS system had been internally and externally tested. "We are very confident about its viability," he said.

According to InPS, the system may also benefit practices by alerting patients to services such as post-natal clinics that will earn the practices extra funding under the new General Medical Services guidelines.

Max Brighton, managing director of InPS, said: "For many, mobiles are the preferred point of contact. One of the major aims of the NPfIT is the provision of an electronic booking service that will allow patients to book appointments at a time convenient to them. Patient care messaging is a valuable extention to this."