This new program has helped reduce emergency department visits at Sault hospital

Sault Area Hospital’s implementation of SeamlessMD — a remote care monitoring program — has been “very successful,” according to a SAH social media post.

SeamlessMD, which a patient or a caregiver can access on any smartphone, tablet or computer, is an interactive guide that helps patients prepare for a variety of surgeries ranging from a hip or knee replacement to a hysterectomy.

The technology also allows doctors to follow up with patients in their home remotely after an operation and recover faster afterwards with less chance of being readmitted or having to make a return visit to the emergency department.

SAH has found that patient use of the SeamlessMD app has led to a 64 per cent reduction in hospital readmissions and a 72 per cent reduction in post-surgery emergency department visits.

“It reminded me to stay focused on recovery from my surgery on a daily basis," wrote one patient in the SAH social media post. "It provided information about where to turn for help if needed. It made me feel supported post surgery. Filling out the daily survey was beneficial for me."

Dr. Derek Garniss, SAH chief medical information officer, Dr. James Chan, SAH director of medical affairs and research, and Dr. Joshua Liu, SeamlessMD CEO and co-founder, recently gave a presentation on SeamlessMD at the 2024 e-Health Conference and Tradeshow in Vancouver. 

The annual conference is a networking and knowledge-sharing event for doctors across Canada and around the world that draws 1,000 health professionals every year.