Forté Health Pioneers Patient-Centric Digital Pathway for Enhanced Short-Stay Surgery Experiences
(Published September 2nd, 2025)
For decades, the healthcare industry has talked about patient-centricity. now, Forté Health, a leading private surgical hospital in New Zealand, is actively building it. In a significant move to redefine the short-stay surgery experience, Forté Health has launched a groundbreaking digital patient pathway in partnership with Personify Care. This isn’t simply about adopting new technology; it’s a strategic overhaul designed to empower patients, streamline processes, and ultimately, improve surgical outcomes.
The challenge: A System Ripe for Transformation
Traditionally, preparing for surgery has been a source of anxiety for many. Manual, paper-based systems often lead to fragmented interaction, leaving patients feeling unprepared, overwhelmed, and disconnected from their care team. As Matt Devonald, Patient Services Manager at Forté Health, succinctly puts it: “Too frequently enough, hospitals communicate around the patient, not with them.” This disconnect isn’t just a matter of patient satisfaction; it directly impacts surgical readiness,contributes to avoidable cancellations,and can even influence post-operative recovery.
[Image of Forté Health patient experience – as provided in original article]
Forté Health is prioritizing a seamless and supportive patient experience through its new digital pathway.
A New Paradigm: Personalized, Proactive, and Accessible
Forté Health’s new digital pathway addresses these challenges head-on. Leveraging the power of SMS messaging and secure mobile web links, the system delivers procedure-specific instructions, pre-admission requirements, and crucial day-of-surgery details directly to patients – precisely when and where they need them. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. The pathway is designed to integrate seamlessly with existing workflows and, crucially, has been co-designed with input from patients, clinicians, and administrative staff.This collaborative approach ensures the solution is both clinically sound and genuinely user-amiable.
Beyond Convenience: The Benefits of a Digitally-Enabled Journey
The benefits of this transformation extend far beyond simple convenience. Forté Health anticipates a significant positive impact in several key areas:
Enhanced Patient Preparedness & Confidence: Clear, concise, and timely data empowers patients to actively participate in their care, reducing anxiety and fostering a sense of control.
Reduced Cancellation Rates: Proactive communication and readily available information minimize last-minute questions and concerns, leading to fewer cancellations and optimized operating room utilization.
Early Risk Identification: The digital pathway facilitates proactive data collection, enabling clinicians to identify potential clinical risks earlier in the process.
Improved Patient Satisfaction: A smoother,more informed experience translates directly into higher patient satisfaction scores and stronger hospital reputation.
Sustainable Practices: Reducing reliance on paper-based materials significantly lowers the hospital’s environmental footprint.
Increased Health Literacy: By delivering information in an accessible format, the pathway promotes health literacy and empowers patients to make informed decisions.
[Image of Forté Health – as provided in original article]
Forté Health is committed to leveraging technology to enhance both clinical outcomes and the patient experience.
A Phased Rollout & Commitment to Continuous Enhancement
The implementation of the digital pathway is being rolled out in phases, beginning in July with four specialist rooms – including urology and Gynaecology. This strategic approach allows Forté Health to gather valuable feedback, refine the system, and ensure a smooth transition before expanding it across all medical specialist rooms by the end of the year. This iterative process underscores Forté Health’s commitment to continuous improvement and a truly patient-centered approach.
More Than Just digitization: A Vision for the future of Surgical Care
“This isn’t about digitizing for the sake of it,” emphasizes Devonald. “It’s about making sure every patient has the right information, at the right time – so they feel supported and prepared, not overwhelmed.” Forté Health’s vision extends beyond simply streamlining processes; they aim to leverage technology as an enabler, breaking down barriers and fostering a more collaborative and empowering healthcare experience.
Moreover, the hospital has proactively embedded cultural sensitivity into the pathway’s design, ensuring language, tone, and delivery channels are appropriate for its diverse patient population. This commitment to inclusivity is paramount in delivering equitable and effective care.
A Model for the Future
Forté Health believes this approach represents a repeatable model for other private surgical providers. By demonstrating how thoughtful digital transformation can uplift both clinical outcomes and patient experience, they are paving the way for a more patient-centric future of surgical care.
