GP Connect Send Document enhances interoperability within the NHS by allowing clinicians to securely send a summary of patient encounters back to the patient's registered GP organisation. This functionality ensures that healthcare data is consistently shared using the Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) standard, enabling a seamless exchange of information across different systems.
Activating GP Connect Send Document
To activate the GP Connect Send Document functionality, your organisation must satisfy certain prerequisites:
- Have an ODS code: This is required to identify your organisation within NHS systems.
- Enable a MESH mailbox: This mailbox is essential for receiving GP Connect messages.
- Smartcards and PDS: Smartcards must be utilised, and the Personal Demographics Service (PDS) should be enabled to resolve synchronisation issues.
- NHS England Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT): Completion of this toolkit is necessary for data security compliance.
- National Data Sharing Agreement: Your organisation must have signed this agreement with NHS England to participate.
Once these prerequisites are met, you should contact your Account Director to initiate the activation process.
Configuring Patient Types
Upon activation, you may configure which patient types send consultation summaries automatically:
- Go to Organisation Configuration in EMIS Web.
- Select GP Connect Configuration and then GP Connect Messaging.
- Choose the patient types and set them to automatically send or not send consultation summaries to the registered GP.
Patient types that are not configured will prompt the clinician to decide if the consultation should be sent.
Using GP Connect Send Document not only streamlines the transfer of important healthcare information across different systems but also saves significant time for practice administrators by automating the document management process.
Message Handling: Once a consultation is saved, the message is queued for three hours, providing a window to make any amendments. If the patient is unregistered at a GP practice, other arrangements should be made.
GP Connect Send Document is especially beneficial for practices involved in extended hours or out-of-area consultations, ensuring accurate, timely, and secure documentation reaches the patient's home GP, supporting improved continuity of care.
Interested in further enhancing your practice's efficiency? Discover how Hero Health's Individual Messaging can improve patient engagement by allowing direct, secure communication.
