Dear CNO
Dear CNO,
Some nurses I work with have been communicating with and receiving orders from physicians via text messages and messaging apps like WhatsApp. Is this an appropriate way to receive orders? Thanks for clarifying!
As technologies evolve, the ways health care professionals communicate do too! However, it is important that client safety and privacy remain at the forefront.
CNO does not specify what form of telecommunication you must use to receive an order as long as the modality meets the privacy and security criteria outlined in the Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004 (PHIPA). We recognize that organizations use various methods to share and receive information related to client care, and those means must be flexible enough to meet specific practice needs.
Whatever means of telecommunication are used, you should consider several questions, such as:
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Can you ensure this information is secure, especially if it contains personal health information?
Does it comply with the Confidentiality and Privacy practice standard? -
How will this information be documented and transcribed, and does it meet the Documentation practice standard?
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What are the potential risks to client safety?
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What does your organizational policy state about the use of specific technology, such as texting?
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What device would be used for texting, for example, personal or professional device?
If you receive orders via text message or over a messaging app, you must ensure the order is clear, complete and appropriate, as noted in the Medication practice standard. If it isn't, then you must not carry out the order and must follow up with the physician in a timely manner.
Lastly, CNO strongly encourages nurses to collaborate with employers to develop clear policies that align with CNO practice standards and explain nurses’ accountabilities when using electronic methods of communication
Thanks for writing,
Yvonne Yu, RN, BScN, MScN, Advanced Practice Consultant
Further reading: Electronic Documentation
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