Using a patients preferred communication method can help improve uptake of services as well as be vital for accessibilty. Recording and using each patients preferred method of communication has also been part of the general standards for QOF since 2019.*

In 2025/26; options in GP systems are expected to expand beyond email, SMS and letter to include NHS App notifications and the ICB has pilots planned for Suffolk and Essex services.

We recommend all practices review their preferred communication method gathering to ensure patients are offered all options and take the opportunity to ensure this is gathered and refreshed with:

1. All patients 16+ during registration
2. All those 16+ with chronic condition at:
   • Annual vaccination clinics: Such as pre-vaccination forms, or slips distributed at clinics etc
     -and/or-
   • Long term condition annual reviews: Such as pre-appointment questionnaires/slips etc

Don't have the 'NHS App notification' option yet?

We still recommend you introduce the option on paper/digital forms to gather this preference.

Where patients indicate 'NHS App notifications' as their preference, retain the responses (e.g. if paper slips) or record in a way to support convenient bulk entry once your NHS App notification option is available.**

Wording suggestions/examples

This article includes a template slip (below) if you wish to introduce/update your in-person data collection without altering existing forms/processes; the same suggested wording is below if you wish to integrated on your own paper/digital forms.

"Written" communication

*"practices should prospectively and opportunistically record individual patients preferred methods of communication, for example at the time of the next patient contact. Where a preferred contact method is recorded, this would be used to make the first invitation for care. 
Source: QOF Guidance 2019/20 through to time of writing (2025/26)

**Suggestions to store NHS App notification preferences to bulk record later:

• SystmOne Waiting Lists
• Spreadsheet with NHS Numbers and date preference made