The Tasks queue is where all active patient requests land once a Task Type is live at a location. Requests are patient-initiated and routed to the right staff based on request type and location. Staff can also submit a request on behalf of a patient using the Make Request tab in the patient visit sidebar.
The Tasks Queue
The Tasks queue displays all active requests with patient name, Task Type, location, assignee, status, and time created. Each tab shows a live count so you can triage at a glance and focus your view:
All, Notified, Mine, In Progress to filter by workflow state
Complaints, Food Order, Recognition, Requests to jump directly to a Task Type category
Additional filters let you narrow by Facility, Location, Task Type, Assignee, and Status.
đ These filters are view-only. They do not affect what patients can request or change your alert settings.
Grouping tasks
Use the Group by control on the right side of the filter bar to organize the queue by Category or Patient, or leave it set to None for a flat chronological list.
Group by Category collapses tasks under color-coded category headers (Complaints, Requests, Food Order, etc.) each showing a count. This is the fastest way to scan a busy queue and prioritize by request type.
Group by Patient consolidates multiple requests from the same patient into a single row, useful when one patient has submitted several requests.
đ Grouping is a view preference only. It does not affect alerts, availability, or task assignment.
The My notifications on pill in the top-right corner shows how many locations you are covering and which Task Types you are subscribed to (for example, "3 locations ¡ Environmental Services +3"). If the pill reads My notifications off, Staffing-based tasks at your locations may be unavailable to patients. Click it to turn notifications on.
đ Assignees are displayed by name, keeping the queue clean and letting the more important information â patient, request, and status â stay front and center.
Opening a Task
Click the patient's name or the View Task icon to open the Task Details sidebar. This shows:
The request and task type
Patient name, age, and reason for visit
Room or location
Patient contact information
Time created and current status
For Patient Complaint tasks: read the full survey response before approaching the patient. Understanding the specific concern before the bedside visit makes a significant difference in outcome.
Assigning a Task
Tasks can be assigned to a specific team member using the Assigned To dropdown in the Task Details sidebar.
Only use assignment tracking if it aligns with your facility's workflow. Not all facilities use this feature. If a request falls outside your scope, route it to the right person immediately rather than leaving it unaddressed.
The Assignee filter on the Tasks queue lets you view requests by who they are assigned to, or filter to unassigned tasks.
Sending a Message to a Patient
Care team members can send one-way messages to the patient directly from the task. Use the Chat Bubble icon or the Send Message tab to choose a quick reply or write a custom message.
đŹ This is one-way messaging only, patients cannot respond to these messages.
Completing a Task
Once a request has been addressed:
Resolve the patient's need per the task details.
Select the Checkmark icon on the right side of the task. The status moves to Completed.
If a task was closed prematurely, use the Back Arrow icon to reactivate it.
â ď¸ Before logging out: When you log out, all notifications are turned off across all facilities. If you are the last active member of a Task Type group, request buttons may be disabled for patients. Vital will show a confirmation warning before you log out. Do not dismiss it without confirming handoff.
Mobile
The mobile Tasks experience is available at facilities with the new Tasks experience enabled. Filters and sorting collapse into compact controls, keeping more tasks visible on screen at once.
Task list: filter tabs appear in a compact row with live counts. Each task row shows patient name, age, request description, status, time created, and room.
Filters: all filters (Location, Type, Assignee, Status) collapse into a single bottom sheet. Tap the filter icon to expand.
Type filter: Task Types are grouped by category (Feedback, Requests) with an active count badge on the selected type, so it is always clear what the queue is filtered to.
Actions menu: tap the three dots on any task row to open an actions menu showing the patient name as the header, making it clear which task is being acted on. Available actions: View Task, Send Message, and Mark as Complete.
đ The actions menu on mobile surfaces the three most common task actions in one tap, without needing to open the full Task Details sidebar.
FAQs
A request came in but I missed the alert.
Check the Notified tab to see requests you were alerted about. If the request is no longer visible, it may have been completed or picked up by another team member.
I need to submit a request on behalf of a patient.
Use the Make Request tab in the patient visit sidebar. Select the request type and submit. It will appear in the Tasks queue like any other request.
A task was marked complete by mistake.
Click the Back Arrow icon on the right side of the task to reactivate it and return it to the queue.
I'm the only one covering a Task Type and need to log out.
Before logging out, confirm another team member has notifications on for that Task Type and location. If you log out as the last active member, patients will lose the ability to submit that request type. Vital will show a warning; use it to coordinate handoff.