New Engage Desktop Client v16.6.7


NHS App push notifications


We're super excited to announce the long-awaited release of our work with NHS Notify which allows us to use NHS App push notifications and the NHS App message inbox.


Responding to requests


When you send a message to a patient, you still select whether you want them to be notified by SMS or email. However, we will automatically notify the patient via their NHS APP if they have it installed and push notifications enabled. If they don't read the message within 3 hours we will send a fallback notification using the method chosen.



Sending outbound messages


When creating an outbound Engage message for an individual patient or group of patients (bulk), you choose to notify the patient(s) by email or SMS, we will automatically notify them via their NHS app if we can. 


The patient will receive a push notification as above which will take them to a message in the NHS App inbox. This message will contain a link to their message in Engage Consult.


This allows you to send a message of any length, with attachments, appointment booking links, and questionnaires. If the patient does not read their message in Engage Consult within 24 hours, we will send a fallback notification via the method selected when the outbound message was created. If you deem this message more urgent, you can opt to change the fallback to 3 hours.


Appointment reminders


SMS appointment reminders can be configured to be sent automatically 1 - 7 days before a patient’s appointment. If the patient has the NHS App installed and push notifications enabled we will send the appointment reminder as a message to the NHS App instead saving on those SMS costs again.



This message will contain a link allowing the patient to cancel their appointment if necessary. If the patient does not read the appointment reminder message in the NHS App within 24 hours (or 3 hours  if appointment is the following day), a fallback notification will be sent by SMS.


Appointment reminders


We're pleased to announce that we can now offer appointment reminders to SystmOne customers - reminders can be configured to be sent 1 - 7 days prior to the appointment. We will automatically send reminders to the NHS App whenever possible, saving SMS costs. If the message is not read in a timely fashion a fallback SMS will be sent.


The system will check for the patient's consent to receive SMS and patients will have the option to cancel their appointment, ensuring that DNAs are avoided wherever possible.


Messaging


Sending SMS


We've improved the sending of SMS, allowing you to send multiple-fragment SMS if required. The character/fragment count will include any attachment or appointment booking links so that you know how many fragments you are about to send. We've also shortened those URLs used for attachments and booking links to ensure your SMS is as concise as can be.


Message templates


Now that we've lifted the restriction on SMS, we've made all message templates available when creating your SMS (any questionnaires associated with templates will not be added).


Appointment booking links


For our customers using appointment booking links, you can now add them to SMS.


Online consultations with Vision REST


Default user account


Some Vision REST users were experiencing an issue attaching requests to the patients' clinical records, this is currently with Vision to fix. However, to improve the user experience, we've changed the system so it will now use the default user account (set up in Clinical integration in the Management Console) if there is any issue with the logged-in user's account.






Bug fixes


  • We noticed that occasionally, an Engage Consult user would incorrectly be redirected to the 'Find your practice' page. You'll be pleased to know that that little irritation has been fixed.
  • Some of you had a toolbar falsely reporting no connection to the clinical, this has also been rectified.
  • Engage Arrive questionnaires were not being coded correctly to the clinical record for Vision REST - all is working as it should now.
  • It's been reported that patients checking in for their appointment at Emis Web practices are sometimes informed that their arrival has not been successful despite being marked as arrived for their appointment. This is, unfortunately, due to a slow response time from the clinical system. We've increased the time we allow for a response in the hope that this helps with this issue.