BackHalton Healthcare Launches Innovative App for Hip and Knee Surgery Patients
April 2, 2024
First in region to offer SeamlessMD for active remote patient monitoring, enhancing surgical outcomes and patient experience
Oakville, ON – April 2, 2024 – Halton Healthcare proudly announced a new partnership with Toronto-based company, SeamlessMD. SeamlessMD is a digital care journey platform that helps patients prepare for and recover from surgery. 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 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 in October 2023. The program has seen remarkable success including 509 patients enrolled, 95% activation rate, and an impressive 91% patient satisfaction rate. Since SeamlessMD was introduced, Halton Healthcare has seen a 67% reduction in 30-day readmissions, a 26% reduction in 30-day visits to the Emergency Department and a 27% 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.
Jody Strik, Director of Transitions, Integrated Care, and Rehabilitation Clinics at Halton Healthcare, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “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. This has been crucial in reducing emergency visits, and shortening hospital stays while providing an exceptional care experience.”
Dr. Thomas Zochowski, an Orthopedic Surgeon leading the initiative at Halton Healthcare, shared insights on the benefits his patients have seen: “Our patients are experiencing a new level of care. My patients tell me they feel more connected and reassured, knowing that our team is actively monitoring their progress and able to intervene if they fall off track. This is especially significant for those living at a distance from our hospitals. The platform has enhanced patient confidence and satisfaction.” More than 90% of patients recommended the app and 94% of patients who used the technology at Halton Healthcare shared that they felt more confident before surgery. View our video on YouTube for more information.
Dr. Joshua Liu, Co-Founder and CEO of SeamlessMD, commented on the collaboration: “We are thrilled to partner with Halton Healthcare. Their commitment to innovation and patient-centered care aligns perfectly with our mission. We are excited to support them in contributing to better patient outcomes and more efficient healthcare delivery across our home province of Ontario.”
With plans to expand the use of the technology across other specialties, Halton Healthcare's hospitals – Georgetown Hospital, Milton District Hospital, and Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital – continue to make a significant impact in their communities, offering some of the finest technology and healthcare expertise in the region.