New app helps surgical patients recover faster in Oakville, Milton and Halton Hills

An app that helps patients prepare for, and recover from, surgery in Oakville, Milton and Halton Hills has been a rousing success.

Halton Healthcare, which runs the hospitals in Oakville, Milton and Halton Hills, has partnered with Toronto-based, SeamlessMD, a digital care journey platform.

The technology allows clinicians at the hospital to review and communicate with patients during recovery at home, ensuring timely intervention and enhanced patient support.

Use of the app has resulted in better patient experiences and outcomes and has allowed Halton Healthcare to increase the number of same day surgeries offered.

“SeamlessMD is a game changer. It not only empowers our patients with information and support throughout their entire surgical journey but also enables us to monitor their progress closely to alleviate any concerns earlier while reducing patient anxiety about what to expect,” said Jody Strik, Director of Transitions, Integrated Care, and Rehabilitation Clinics at Halton Healthcare.

“This has been crucial in reducing emergency visits and shortening hospital stays while providing an exceptional care experience.”

SeamlessMD is an interactive, step-by-step app that helps patients prepare for their procedure and recovery. The app provides detailed education, with videos and questions and answers, allowing the care team to track their pain levels, recovery and monitor potential issues.

Halton Healthcare implemented this technology for hip and knee surgery patients last October. The program has seen remarkable success, with 509 patients enrolled, 95 per cent activation rate, and an impressive 91 per cent patient satisfaction rate.

Since SeamlessMD was introduced, Halton Healthcare has seen a 67 per cent reduction in 30-day re-admissions, a 26 per cent reduction in 30-day visits to the Emergency Department and a 27 per cent reduction in length of stay for hip and knee patients enrolled onto the program.

The partnership, supported by Connected Care Halton Ontario Health Team (CCHOHT), has made Halton Healthcare the first in Halton Region to introduce active remote patient monitoring. This technology allows clinicians at the hospital to review and communicate with patients during recovery at home, ensuring timely intervention and enhanced patient support.

“We are thrilled to partner with Halton Healthcare. Their commitment to innovation and patient-centered care aligns perfectly with our mission,” said Dr. Joshua Liu, co-founder and CEO of SeamlessMD.

“We are excited to support them in contributing to better patient outcomes and more efficient healthcare delivery across our home province of Ontario.”