Starting with version 3.3.40, the SBR Health mobile applications support Push Notifications. This is a feature of the iOS and Android platforms that allows the SBR server to send messages to the mobile client even when the device is asleep or the SBR app is not running. Because the messages are sent via servers at Apple and Google, the battery consumption is very minimal.

Sone of the ways push notification can be used:

• A patient checks in for a scheduled appointment or submits a request for an on-demand visit. If the provider has the application open, the device makes a ringing sound and displays the patient information as usual. If the application is in the background or the phone is asleep, the phone beeps and displays a notification. If the app is not running at all, but the provider has previously logged in from that device, a notification appears in the device’s notification area. In any case, with one click, the provider can answer the call.
• A provider makes a virtual Rounding call to a patient. If the patient has the application open, a dialog box opens as usual asking if the patient wants to accept the call. With push notifications this can happen even if the phone is in the patient’s pocket.
• A provider wants to call in a colleague for a consultation. Pressing the button for that colleague will cause his or her phone to beep and display the request even if the phone is asleep. Pressing a button for a specialty will try each of the on-call specialists, whether their phone is in the foreground or background.

Each user can opt in our out of push notifications and they can be turned on or off for an entire institution. And of course the SBR product continues to provide the previous notification methods, such as customizable email templates, pager alerts, and text messages.