What
You can register a patient by sending an SMS text message to their mobile phone. If they have a smartphone the link can allow either a one-tap registration which is fast and easy or a link to the Trusts Web Page directing them to register via NHS Login. This is highly scalable allowing you to register lots of patients simultaneously through a mass send or individually as needed.
Why:
On average a Trust has a high volume of mobile phone numbers. These numbers are actively updated and therefore an up to date source of information.
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A patient receiving active care, is an engaged patient and it is in their benefit to access their appointments, letters and clinical data digitally. Providing a SMS registration link at certain periods of that care, is more likely to generate registrations. Active care could be due to an appointment being booked, a letter needs to be posted, or clinically you wish a patient to complete a digital questionnaire, either way it can be the opportunity to promote PKB registrations with the added benefit of potentially stopping usage of paper and postage.
How:
This can be through two ways:
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Whichever type of SMS you choose, NHS providers can send a certain amount of SMS messages free of charge. For more information, please contact your PKB team.
Recommendations
PKB recommends a SMS template to support patient registration, link here. Using the recommended points below, it has been found to encourage registrations and reduce queries from patients about the contents.
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[Service Name] are moving over to secure messaging and would like you to register. Click [trust website]
Example Waiting List Validation SMS message
You are currently on our [insert speciality] waiting list for an outpatient appointment or
procedure/surgical treatment. We are reviewing our waiting lists and require some further
information from you. Please click on the following [trust website] to sign
up to our patient platform, Patients Know Best, where you will find a short questionnaire to
complete.
It is important for you to complete this questionnaire as you may be discharged to your GP
and removed from our waiting list if you do not.
Thank you,
[Trust Name]
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