I truly think that Patient Messages is one of the few advances in technology that actually impacts patient interaction. In my opinion it makes the visit more efficient from both a quality of care standpoint and a time standpoint. I am confident that in the future, it will become a “standard of care” practice.
How it Works
Sending Online Forms
From the patient record in the EMR or the patient tab in the Ocean Portal, clinic staff select “Email Patient” to open a messaging window. There, they can select an email template, add Ocean forms for the patient to complete, and type a secure message. Ocean allows you to request a notification to confirm receipt by the patient.
Completing Online Forms
The patient receives an email asking them to click on a secure link to complete the forms and review any secure messages online. Patients can complete the forms using any online device including a smartphone, tablet or computer. They are informed that results may not be reviewed by the clinician until the appointment.
Reviewing Results
The Ocean Platform receives the patient’s responses, calculates any scores, generates a clinical note and uploads it to the EMR, and sends an alert to the physician letting them know the patient confirmed receipt and completed forms. The note and any patient responses to secure messages can be viewed in the patient record or Ocean Portal.