Use of Texting for Patient Orders
Communication between care team members outside of the electronic health record (EHR) can be tricky to manage. Although many organizations have integrated secure texting platforms (STP) to allow texting patient information more safely, communicating orders was not permitted outside of the EHR. Effective immediately, The Joint Commission has updated its position on this.
On June 5, 2024, The Joint Commission released a new position statement, Use of secure text messaging for patient information and orders. This statement follows the endorsement of CMS, which was released in February of this year QSO-24-05-Hospital-CAH. Recognizing that computerized provider order entry (CPOE) will remain the preferred method of order entry, Joint Commission-accredited healthcare organizations will now be allowed to use appropriately configured STPs to communicate patient information and orders, which transmit directly into the EHR.
Medical Mutual has a practice tip on Mobile Devices: When employees use mobile devices to access patient information that can help you assess your current communication process.
This article falls under TECHNOLOGY in the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) risk domains.
This domain covers machines, hardware, equipment, devices, wearable technologies and tools, but can also include techniques, systems and methods of organization. Health care has seen an escalation in the use of technology for clinical diagnosis and treatment, training and education, information storage and retrieval, and asset preservation. Examples also include Electronic Health Records (EHR) and Meaningful Use, financial and billing systems, social media and cyber security; cyber risks can be significant.