Home Forums Discussions General Discussion Local Area Network Instant Messenger

Just thought I would let anyone who is interested know about a good little program. I know it is good, because over the past two years I have looked at about 30 and tried 15, and this is the only one that has consistently worked and is very simple.

Anyone can use this program, but I think it is most useful to those who have a computer in the rooms. We probably couldn't work without it. Basically, it is a small instant messenger which works over the LAN and NOT over the Internet. You can receive and send messages from and to any computer. It also logs all messages.

It is NOT meant to replace the message part of AC. That should be used for patient messages. This is for things like your receptionist messaging, "Dr. Smith on line one," or your messaging your secretary, "Please call Dr. Jones." You may message your triage nurse to have the ED at St. Williams Hospital fax the labs on your patient. My rooms are pretty far down the hall and for my receptionist to walk down to the room to tell me about a phone call that I may not even take anyway is inefficient. Plus, she would have to knock on the door, etc.

For all of the computer gurus, yes it does use the NET SEND command (Windows Messenger), so yes that service has to be on. There can be security issues with Windows Messenger running, but the good outweighs the bad for me.

This one is, by far, the easiest IM to use, and it works flawlessly unlike many others. Best of all, it's free. You can look at it if you wish at:

http://pages.videotron.com/mmoose/

Anyway, just passing it along.

Sorry to drag up such an old thread, but that is what happens when you use the search button. Is anyone still using this program? Are there any newer, better alternatives?

Bert,

The Windows Messenger service is removed in later versions of Windows.

For more information, please open this link.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Messenger_service

JamesNT

Something that we have used inside of business firewalls for years is various forms of the Jabber messaging platform. There are server software packages that run on Windows, and there are both free and commercial options. Now available to run as a windows service no less.

This gives you messaging without having to open up to global messaging(Yahoo, MSN, GTalk ...) and all of the risks and distractions that come with those networks.

http://xmpp.org/xmpp-software/servers/

Reminds me of PROFS.

I apologize. I am missing something about "search." It is obvious that much has changed since October 2007, because IPMSG is, without a doubt, the BEST instant messenger on any computer (that at least runs Windows) that has ever been made, designed, built, developed, programmed.

It is simply (and I do not exaggerate) at least 25 times better than any other Intranet messenger out there).

James: I had actually read that wikipedia article before initially posting.

Indy: Thanks for the suggestion, I'll have to try it out.

Bert: I looked up IPMSG and it touts itself as being very simple, which is exactly what I want. I have been implementing a cyclic system for my MAs. Assistant #1 takes vitals, HPI, ROS, PMH, etc on patient #1 and then goes with me into the exam room. I then dictate my PE, meds, and give any orders. I leave patient #1 and join Assistant #2 who has already prepared patient #2 and do the same. Meanwhile, Assistant #1 has discharged patient #1 and is continuing to process patient #3. I read about this system online about a year ago and have vastly improved efficiency since implementing it. I couldn't find the link for the original article to suggest it for the 'Help! Help! Charts Completion - Life Saving' thread.

I need a simple, live intra-office messaging system for the MAs to chat with the x-ray tech, referral girl, or receptionist while they are still in the exam room with me or before discharging the patient. Constantly refreshing the AC inbox is not working out.

What I mean about the search button is that everyone directs users to use the search function before starting a new thread. I used the search function and dug up this 4 year old thread.

Thanks to all for the responses!

I just speak very loudly, usually gets the attention of my staff. Seriously, this type of interoffice messaging would be helpful.

LOL. I guess you could say it was my poor networking skills, but every IM I tried (and I tried at least 20 -- seriously) would either not work well or would network fine and then, for whatever reason, just stop connecting. Some were peer to peer, others used the server.

IPMSG just works. I do think the older versions are better, although I haven't played around with the newer versions yet. The presets for letting people know what your status is are things like Edo (Tokyo -- previously) and priest (whatever it is in Japan).

MMC

We have been on v2.06 for over five years. I just never think to check for updates. I should have a Word Doc somewhere that goes through the steps to set it up nicely. Don't get me wrong; it's easy to set up. But, I generally make about 10 to 15 tweaks to it so it works best and looks good and gives you the most information.

It's nice to know that Brittany is using Reception computer, at 192.168.1.x IP address logged in as bva... It's nice too because if they switch computers for a bit, they can easily change the name so you know where they are. Messages can be send sealed or not sealed. Sealed is good for two reasons: First, if you want to insure that a patient can't read it. And, second for acknowledgement. If my staff messages me that the radiologist is on the phone, if I open the sealed message by clicking on it, they get an instant notification so they know I got the message. Sometimes it can be frustrating if they send it sealed when they don't need to, because I have to wash my hands after. And, you can choose any Windows sound.

I just switched to v3.2.1 for my computer. Of course, a few more bells and whistles but a bit of a learning curve. Some things are cooler some things aren't. Will probably go back to old faithful.