Sending Recall Communications (SMS, Letters, and Calls)

Sending Recall Communications (SMS, Letters, and Calls)

Introduction

Info
The Primary Care IT lesson on implementation of OneRecall contains more detailed stepped instructions

Effective patient recall relies not only on identifying patients but also on ensuring they receive timely and clear invitations. OneRecall supports multiple communication methods, including SMS, letters, and phone calls, to maximise patient engagement. This article outlines the best practices for sending recall communications.

Running Monthly Recall Searches

Before sending invitations, ensure that your monthly recall searches have been completed:

  1. Navigate to Population Reporting > OneRecall > Monthly Recalls.

  2. Run the required search for the current month (e.g., OR-101 OneRecall Overview).

  3. View results to confirm the list of patients needing recall.

This helpful video helps you to understand how the EMIS report can assist with matching the patients needing review to your staff members skills:


Sending SMS Invitations

SMS is a quick and cost-effective way to reach patients. OneRecall integrates with multiple SMS platforms, including MJog, Notify.gov, and OneContact.

Steps to Send SMS Recalls:

  1. Run OR-102a – This identifies patients with a mobile number.

  2. Export the list to your chosen SMS platform.

  3. Send standard recall messages, including:

    • Reason for recall (e.g., annual review, blood test, vaccination)

    • Instructions for booking an appointment

    • Contact details for queries

  4. Ensure coding compliance by adding “QOF quality indicator-related care invitation” (Concept ID: 1109921000000106) to patient records.

Sample SMS Template:

"Dear [Patient Name], you are due for your [Condition/Review Name] check-up. Please book an appointment via [Practice Booking Link] or call us at [Practice Number]. Thank you, [Practice Name]."

Sending Recall Letters

Letters are essential for patients who do not use SMS or require formal communication.

Steps to Generate Letters in EMIS:

  1. Run OR-102b – Identifies patients without a mobile number.

  2. Use the mail merge function:

    • Select template LET001 (Recall Letter Template).

    • Merge patient details with the template.

  3. Print and send letters.

  4. Manually update records with recall coding (Concept ID: 1109921000000106).

Sample Letter Template:


Dear [Patient Name],

You are due for your [Condition/Review Name] check-up. It is important to attend to ensure your health is monitored correctly.

Please book an appointment at your earliest convenience by calling us on [Practice Number] or visiting [Practice Website].

If you have any questions or require assistance, please contact our reception team.

Making Phone Call Reminders

Phone calls are particularly useful for engaging patients who have not responded to previous invitations or require personalised reminders.

Best Practices for Phone Calls:

  1. Use OR-201 (Non-Responder Search) – Identifies patients requiring follow-up calls.

  2. Prepare a script:

    • Confirm patient identity.

    • Explain the reason for the recall.

    • Offer appointment scheduling assistance.

    • Address any patient concerns.

  3. Record the outcome in EMIS:

    • Mark the patient as contacted.

    • Add recall coding (Concept ID: 1109921000000106).

Next Steps

Once recall invitations are sent, tracking patient engagement is crucial. The next article will focus on managing non-responders and follow-up recalls to ensure no patients are missed.


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