Accreditation practice pointer: patient reminders

GP2.2 D Our practice initiates and manages patient reminders.

RACGP Standards for general practice.

Reminders encourage routine preventative care activity in general practice. Such activity includes immunisations, health checks and cancer screenings, among others. Reminders can be sent to patients via text, email or letter and should be documented in patient health records.

Practices can also support the reminder process by:

  • documenting the recall and reminder system, including who is responsible for monitoring and follow-up

  • maintaining templates in a clinical software program to trigger recalls and reminders

  • educating the practice team so they can tell patients about the process of sending out reminders

  • sending reminders through the clinical information system.

Margot Schoonmaker