Table 1.

List of mandatory and recommended notifications and rationale for inclusion

Notification type	Rationale for inclusion
Mandatory notification types
Abnormal imaging result, needs attention	Notification often communicates new unexpected findings.
Anatomical pathology results	Previous national Veterans Affairs recommendation
Critical lab result: action	Many lab results that are critical, emergent or urgent are communicated this way.
Imaging request cancel/hold	Used to communicate information when important tests are not done or completed
Imaging results amended	Amended findings might lead to new treatment decisions or changes in management or diagnosis.
Orderer-flagged results	Clinicians commonly ‘flag’ tests when initially ordering them for themselves or to other clinicians to ensure they receive a message when tests results are available. The notification must be turned on to receive these notifications.
Additionally recommended notifications to be considered mandatory
Consult request cancelled/hold	Commonly used communication method for status of referrals and consultations
Consult/request resolution	Commonly used communication method for information exchange between primary care practitioners and specialists
Order requires electronic signature	Used widely to remind clinicians to sign pending orders
Outpatient non-renewable prescription renewal	Notification for medications that can only be ordered by a clinician, for example, for controlled substances