Update secure messaging for accurate information exchange

Secure messaging has become an indispensable tool for the reliable, secure and timely exchange of critical information between healthcare organisations and practitioners.

To ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of these communications, it is essential healthcare practices keep their contact details up-to-date with secure messaging providers.

The vital role of secure messaging

Secure messaging is the backbone of various healthcare services which require the swift transmission of sensitive data.

This method of communication plays a pivotal role in the following key areas:

• Pathology and imaging results: The transmission of test results is crucial for diagnosis and patient care. Secure messaging ensures these results are delivered promptly and securely to the right healthcare providers.
• Hospital discharge summaries: Effective care coordination relies on the seamless transfer of patient information between hospitals and primary care providers. Secure messaging streamlines this process, enhancing patient safety and continuity of care.
• Referrals and correspondence: GPs often need to collaborate with medical specialists and allied health professionals. Secure messaging enables the exchange of referrals and essential medical information to deliver comprehensive patient care.

The importance of keeping information up-to-date

Maintaining up-to-date contact details for practitioners within your healthcare practice is vital. Failure to do so can result in significant challenges, including:

• Practitioners being unsearchable: When a practitioner leaves your practice or joins a new one, their ability to receive secure messages depends on the accuracy of their contact details. Outdated information can lead to them becoming unsearchable at their new location.
• Messages sent to the wrong place: Using old contact details may result in messages being sent to practitioners at their previous practice, creating delays, misunderstandings and compromising patient care.

Secure messaging providers in Australia

To effectively manage your secure messaging, it is crucial to be aware of some of the prominent secure messaging providers in Australia.

These providers facilitate secure and seamless communication within the healthcare sector:

• Argus (Telstra health)

Argus is a leading secure messaging provider, offering a range of services to support healthcare organisations for their communication needs.

• Medical Objects – medical software and secure messaging

This provider offers medical software and secure messaging solutions, designed to enhance the efficiency of healthcare communication.

• HealthLink

HealthLink is another trusted secure messaging provider in Australia, dedicated to improving communication within the healthcare community.

Ensuring accurate secure messaging

To maintain accurate secure messaging, follow these steps:

1. Update contact details: Ensure your practice regularly updates practitioner contact details with your secure messaging provider.
2. Notify the provider: When a practitioner joins or leaves your practice, promptly inform your secure messaging provider to update their information.
3. Seek assistance: If you encounter challenges or need guidance regarding secure messaging, don’t hesitate to contact the Digital Health Team at SWSPHN at Digitalhealth@swsphn.com.au