New Brunswickers using a virtual health care app now have access to a conversational AI feature for cardiac, surgical, and maternity care. If you ever wonder if a symptom is normal or when you can remove a dressing, a new tool provides immediate answers.

Image source: Global News

Horizon Health and Vitalité Health Network rolled out the AI driven feature, called Seamless Answers, through the SeamlessMD app. This makes New Brunswick the first province in Atlantic Canada to offer this technology across all health care regions. According to Global News, Horizon Health launched the app for patients in 2023 and 7,700 people have signed up so far.

How the AI Tool Works

The SeamlessMD app helps you monitor your recovery after surgery, sends reminders, and offers educational resources. The new AI component allows the app to help you outside regular business hours.

“When patients have questions about their care, having access to reliable information is a key component of quality health care,” Jennifer Sheils, VP of Strategy, Transformation and Chief Innovation Officer with Horizon Health, said in a statement. “This new feature allows them to ask questions and get sound information anytime, including outside of normal business hours when they may not be able to contact their care provider or team.”

Dr. Joshua Liu, cofounder of the app, notes that patients often ask questions in the middle of the night. The chatbot fills a real gap in patient care.

Safe and Approved Medical Information

You do not need to worry about the AI pulling random information from the internet. The chatbot only uses the education library within SeamlessMD.

“It is only answering based upon the patient education that has been approved by the health care team,” Liu said. For example, if you have heart surgery at Horizon, the answers you get come directly from content your specific surgical team customized and approved.

The AI handles common questions about medication side effects or driving after surgery. However, it has strict limitations. If you tell the AI you have a fever, it directs you to speak to your nurse. The app stores all data securely and does not use your information to train other AI models.

The Importance of AI Literacy

While the tool provides doctor vetted information, experts remind users to stay aware of how AI works. Daniel Lametti, a psychology professor at Acadia University, encourages thoughtful use of the technology.

“Any AI system will once in a while produce errors,” Lametti said. He emphasizes that AI literacy and understanding how these tools function remain crucial for informed decision making.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Seamless Answers?
Seamless Answers is an AI driven chatbot feature within the SeamlessMD app. It answers patient questions regarding cardiac, surgical, and maternity care.

Where does the AI get its medical information?
The AI only pulls information from a secure education library approved by your specific health care team. It does not search the open internet for answers.

Can the AI diagnose my symptoms?
No. The AI answers general recovery questions. If you report a serious symptom like a fever, the tool instructs you to contact a nurse or doctor.

Who has access to this app in New Brunswick?
Both Horizon Health and Vitalité Health Network offer the app to their patients, making it available across all health care regions in the province.