Frequently Asked Questions
What is SeamlessMD?
SeamlessMD is a real-time, step-by-step guide to the patient's healthcare journey. The interactive program puts the patient in the heart of their healthcare. The program is accessible through desktop computers, tablets, and smartphones.
How will the app send notifications and reminders to patients?
The app can send messages and reminders through text, email and/or in-app push notifications.
Where does the information on the app come from?
All content and advice on the program was created and approved by a clinical working group at the hospital consisting of surgeons, nurses, clinic managers, and allied health staff involved in the patient journey.
How many patients have gone through the program?
SeamlessMD has had more than 50,000 patients across their Canadian & US hospital partners utilize their app as they go through surgery. Each hospital and program work to customize the plan to match their patient population(s).
How do patients access the program?
SeamlessMD is accessible as both a web-based application through a browser and as a downloadable "app” for Apple/Android smartphones/tablets. When the patient activates their account for the first time, they will be guided through the program. The patient needs 1 account for all platforms and is free to go back and forth between different platforms. Data is automatically synced across platforms.
What is the patient is older (65+) or isn’t comfortable using technology?
We find older patients in particular prefer the web-based program over the app (bigger screen, easier to zoom in). If the patient is not confident in using SeamlessMD themselves, a caregiver can enroll on their behalf to use the program. We encourage caregiver participation even when the patient is capable of using SeamlessMD independently). Participants in the program can email support@seamless.md for any help.
Who is telling patients about SeamlessMD? How will patients be enrolled into this program?
Your team will be able to decide who you would like to appoint to educate patients about SeamlessMD. A script and patient brochure will be provided to support this process. The enrollment process depends what decisions were made during your hospital sites workflow conversations. There is manual enrollment but also automatic enrollment for integrated sites. Once they are enrolled, the patient will be sent an email from SeamlessMD with the link to activate and access their account.
What information from the patient does the enrolling team need to collect?
It is important to collect the patient’s email address or cell phone number to enroll them on the SeamlessMD platform. One of the two is required in order for the patient to get access to the platform and receive email/text reminders.
What if the patient doesn’t speak English?
If the patient cannot speak English, a caregiver can enroll on their behalf to use the program. SeamlessMD is capable of translating the full program into other languages - ask your project leads about introducing other languages.
What if the patient has a disability that makes it difficult to use a screen?
SeamlessMD follows best-practice, evidence-based Health Literacy guidelines, and is tested for other accessibility standards, such as colour-blindness testing and font size. We use a design strategy that combines the best of the fields of health literacy, adult education and online accessibility. Again, we suggest caregiver enrollment along with the patient.
What data is being collected from the patient throughout the program? How long is the program?
The length of the program is dependent on your hospital and the program. However, some programs will end for the patient 30 days after discharge (they will stop receiving surveys and messages after this point but can continue to access the education library). Patients submit the following through the app: demographic information, health data related to their procedure (including patient reported outcomes), and satisfaction/experience data.
How do I access this data?
The data is accessible from SeamlessMD which you can access and log into through any web browser or using your EHR system for an integrated site.