Sault Area Hospital Reduces Readmissions and ED Visits for Urology Patients with SeamlessMD

Sault Area Hospital (SAH), located in Ontario, Canada, has taken its commitment to innovative, patient-centered care to the next level through its partnership with SeamlessMD. In 2021, SAH partnered with SeamlessMD to enhance patient engagement for hip and knee replacement surgeries. The success of this initial deployment––marked by significant reductions in length of stay, readmissions and ED visits, and improved patient satisfaction––motivated SAH to expand the use of SeamlessMD across 13 additional care pathways, including in General Surgery, Women’s Health, and more.

Today, the collaboration has significantly improved patient outcomes for urology patients by providing interactive, personalized care journeys for every step of their procedure and recovery.

Key Achievements

• ‍↓ 40% 30-Day Readmissions: Enhancing patient recovery and reducing the likelihood of complications after surgery‍
• ↓ 18% Reduction in ED visits: Minimizing post-surgery complications and easing the burden on the hospital’s emergency department by providing personalized feedback and right-time education‍
• Improved Patient Engagement: Patients felt more informed and confident about their recovery journey

How SeamlessMD Supports SAH Urology Patients

SeamlessMD has revolutionized patient care in SAH’s Urology department by providing patients with personalized, multimedia education, reminders, and self-care tools to guide patients throughout their journey. The platform is accessible across multiple channels, including SMS, email, mobile, and web—empowering patients to manage their recovery proactively.

Patients receive guidance on important topics such as catheter care, preventing urinary tract infections, and managing urostomy pouches. The platform also allows real-time tracking of symptoms such as pain and incision health, alerting clinicians when intervention may be needed.

Dr. Anis Aziz, Urologist at Sault Area Hospital, shares:

“Seamless prepares the patient before their surgeries: it helps them anticipate the steps before, during, and after their procedures. By recognizing potential complications early, patients can seek help sooner, reducing the chance of severe issues. It alleviates anxiety and helps patients become active participants in their care.”

The Impact of Digital Care Journeys

Since introducing SeamlessMD for urology procedures, SAH has seen a significant reduction in both readmissions and ED visits, providing better outcomes for patients and a more efficient healthcare system. The platform also integrates with SAH’s MEDITECH EMR, streamlining patient monitoring and reducing manual processes for clinicians.

Karen Guzzo, Director of Clinical Operations at SAH, comments:

“SeamlessMD has been life-changing for our Urology patients. Patients feel more informed and less anxious, leading to better recovery outcomes.”

SAH’s partnership with SeamlessMD exemplifies how digital care platforms can enhance patient experiences while improving operational efficiency in hospitals.

To learn more about the partnership, outcomes achieved, and strategies used for implementation, read the full case study here.