Patients are automatically invited to use the patient app (Vital Emergency or Vital Inpatient) via SMS. If a patient has not provided a valid phone number, has missed the invite message, or a family member needs to access the app on the patient's behalf, staff can invite patients to use the patient app from within the Visits view. Please note, the Patient Invite message is not customizable by facility.
The Invite option in the Actions menu
In the Visits list, open the Actions menu at the end of the patient's row and select Invite. The menu offers Invite when the patient cannot be sent a message. Otherwise, open the visit details and select the Invite tab.
Under Select Recipient, choose Patient or Companion, then enter a Phone Number and click Send Invite. A patient number receives the invite link and all future notifications. A companion number receives a companion invite link, and further notifications still go to the patient. A companion invite also asks for a Relationship and a Name.
The Invite tab in the visit details
An invite sent recently cannot be resent for about a minute. The Send Invite button counts down until it can.
Invite via QR Code
Patients can also be invited via a QR code. Select Invite with a QR Code on the invite form. If a staff member is using a mobile device, they can let the patient or their family member/caregiver scan the code using their mobile phone camera. The QR code is available for the Patient recipient, and not on a deactivated visit.
QR code for invite
If the Patient's Phone Number Was Entered Incorrectly, or a Family Member Needs an Invite
Navigate to the patient list and locate the patient in question. Open the Actions menu at the end of their row and select Send Message.
Send Message in the Actions menu
Click Wrong mobile number or resending an invite?
Send Message form in Care Team
The Invite form appears. Enter a new phone number and click Send Invite.
The Invite form with a new phone number entered
When an invite will not send
A care team invite rechecks eligibility before sending, and clears most reasons a visit was held back. A few reasons cannot be cleared.
When the invite is blocked, the form names the reason and Send Invite is unavailable:
Patient is recorded as deceased
Date of birth is missing, or Date of birth is not valid
Patient last name is missing
Visit location is not enabled (the visit is not in an inpatient location enabled for Vital)
An invite blocked because the date of birth is missing
These values come from the hospital record. Correct them at the source, or wait for the corrected feed, then send the invite again. A visit that is ineligible for another reason displays a generic Visit is not eligible.