In many parts of Texas and other nearby Southern states, unprecedented severe weather can threaten the health, safety, and ability of healthcare providers to rapidly assist patients who are unable to care for themselves. There is no better time for healthcare systems and providers to update disaster and emergency management plans. Consider leveraging newer, secure technology solutions such as healthcare chatbots, secure text messaging, virtual visits, and remote patient monitoring (RPM) to reach more patients wherever they are.
Keys to Disaster Communication Planning
Secure texting, as a component of healthcare disaster communication, is growing in popularity across the healthcare spectrum, allowing clinicians to exchange patient information among themselves and other care team members without risking a hefty HIPAA violation.
Before the disaster event:
In those times when eminent disasters are known, consider adding disaster-management-focused teams or subgroups in your Qliq account for planning and communication. Utilizing secure texting as a key part of your communication policy during storms allows you to increase your commitment to patients who are unable to care for themselves. Additionally, secure texting can be used for scheduled employee check-ins in case telephone communication is offline. Learn more about how secure texting is now a key component in proactive disaster communications HERE.
During the disaster event:
In the midst of a disaster, secure texting should be used by designated admins to provide updates on current conditions as well as to issue travel advisories for nurses in the field. During long-term events, schedules and changes in responsibility can be easily managed by secure texting. To learn more about how Qliq Secure Texting can be part of your Emergency Preparedness Planning, CLICK HERE to request a demo.
After the disaster event:
Once an event has passed, every organization’s top priority should be to assess the damage, begin recovery efforts, and start to resume normal operations. This, however, can only occur if levels of devastation are manageable. Severe power outages and impassable roads can make it difficult to resume operations. In these situations, secure texting can provide quick and easy communication ranging from basic reminders of HIPAA compliance over non-secure channels to first aid and key points of awareness for heat exhaustion of patients. LEARN MORE about our secure texting app technology keeps your healthcare practice HIPPA Compliant.
Beyond Texting
During these disasters, your clinicians need to reach patients who can't leave their home. Sometimes texting isn't enough and a visual assessment is needed. Learn more about our Virtual Visit platform that doesn't require any app downloads or portal logins and provides a frictionless patient experience. We can help you reach your patients today!
Additional Disaster Plan Resources for the Healthcare Community:
• 5 Steps to an Effective Disaster Communications Plan
• Seven Don’ts and One Do for Your Disaster Recovery Plan
Learn more about our Secure Healthcare Solutions - Contact Us for more information or Request a No Obligation Demo Today!
