Patients can better prepare for and recover from surgery, thanks to Nova Scotia Health partnership with SeamlessMD

‍May 18, 2023 (Halifax, NS) – Nova Scotia Health announced today the launch of the SeamlessMD Digital Care Journey app for remote monitoring of gynecology oncology patient progress, which automatically collects patient-reported outcomes to detect problems earlier and assists in patient recovery. 

Along with gynecology oncology patients, Nova Scotia Health implemented SeamlessMD for bariatric and colorectal care patients in August 2022. Since then, the SeamlessMD platform has enabled Nova Scotia Health to engage, monitor and stay connected with patients throughout their healthcare journey.

Patients can access digital care plans on their smartphones, tablets, or computers, which guide patients’ pre- and post-care with reminders, to-do lists, videos and evidence-based education. This approach helps patients stay on track with Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocols, an evidence-based approach to preparation and recovery that Nova Scotia Health providers use to help patients get the best possible recovery.  Nova Scotia Health’s clinical teams can also receive alerts, monitor patients and access analytics to provide patients with a safety net after hospital discharge.

“The SeamlessMD app is an excellent addition to our program's existing Enhanced Recovery After Surgery program. The app can relay information in small, digestible bites at any time the patient is looking for it. It provides patients with crucial information before and after their surgery,” said Dr. Lana Saciragic, gynecologic oncologist at Nova Scotia Health. “It's an important part of allowing patients to go home earlier, feeling better. Knowing that we can stay engaged and connected, it optimizes the experience for the patient and care teams.”

Validated by more than 35 clinical studies and evaluations across multiple specialties to improve patient outcomes by helping them to recover faster and reduce costs, the platform has automated feedback for patient self-management. Not only does this elevate the patient experience, but it also improves patient safety and reduces anxiety. One of the platform’s main benefits is allowing patients to return home earlier. This frees up hospital beds and reduces the need to cancel procedures due to a lack of beds. It also increases the percentage of cases that can be performed on an outpatient basis, leading to a more efficient booking of operating room days and positively influencing the surgical waiting list.

"This technology will reduce surgical wait times to offer Nova Scotians better access to health care, allow patients to go home faster and continue to care remotely during their recovery," said Dr. Gail Tomblin Murphy, Vice-President of Research, Innovation and Discovery and Chief Nurse Executive at Nova Scotia Health. "Through the SeamlessMD platform, we are continuing to evolve our culture of innovation and supporting our physicians and healthcare teams to deliver better care, faster."

“We’re thrilled to partner with Nova Scotia Health to drive healthcare innovation in Atlantic Canada and support their focus on making healthcare better in Nova Scotia,” said Dr. Joshua Liu, CEO and Co-founder at SeamlessMD. “This collaboration showcases our dedication towards supporting healthcare organizations as they prioritize the use of technology to optimize quality of care, empower patients to become active participants in their care, and deliver better healthcare outcomes.”

Dr. Richard T. Spence, surgical oncologist at Nova Scotia Health, said the SeamlessMD application gives patients a virtual companion to both help them prepare for and recover from surgery.

“This application is very complementary in the context of striving for more enhanced recovery programs and same-day surgeries. This is particularly important given the current healthcare crisis. Furthermore, by engaging our patients with such an application, we can measure patient-reported outcomes and quality of care.”

About

Nova Scotia Health Innovation Hub: The Innovation Hub is leading innovation and research within the healthcare system to deliver high-impact solutions for patients and providers. Through strategic partnerships with clinical champions, industry, healthcare foundations, governments and academic partners, the Innovation Hub is transforming healthcare through the best available evidence and innovative solutions. It’s also a catalyst that is fostering an innovative mindset and approach to bring about positive system change. For more information, visit innovation hub.nshealth.ca.

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SeamlessMD provides the leading Digital Care Journey platform for hospitals and health systems to engage, monitor, and stay connected with patients across healthcare journeys. SeamlessMD has been named Company of the Year by CAN Health Network, Top 5 Condition-Specific Remote Patient Monitoring Companies and Top Patient Education Companies by AVIA and earned a KLAS Research Spotlight report. For more information, visit seamless.md/ 

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Media Contact: 

Nova Scotia Health 

Provincial media line: 1-844-483-3344 

NSHAmedia@nshealth.ca