ASKmeGOC FAQ

General

How does the ASKmeGOC web application work?

ASKmeGOC is an app used as a collaborative care planning tool for patients, families, and health care providers. The app guides the health care provider through a four-step assessment with the patient (and possibly their family), gathering the patient’s health information, medical information, and desired outcomes for their medical treatment to create a personalized care plan for the patient.

This helps patients, their families, and health care providers to have important discussions about the patient’s goals of care in a safe and confident manner, in order for health care providers to deliver high quality care that are aligned with the patient’s goals. This is particularly important for life-threatening conditions, where discussions about goals of care may center on complex treatments aimed at prolonging life, which can also carry significant risks.

For more information, visit the How it Works page.

Who is the ASKMeGOC application for?

ASKmeGOC is currently used by healthcare providers in various health care facilities such as acute care hospitals, primary care practices, and assisted living facilities. The health care provider goes through the four-step assessment with the patient (and possibly their family) to create a care plan that aligns with the patient’s goals and values.

What are the benefits of using ASKmeGOC?

ASKmeGOC fosters improved communication between patients, families, and healthcare providers, leading to more personalized care. It empowers patients to actively participate in their care planning, ensuring that their values and preferences are prioritized and that plans are well-informed and mutually agreed upon.

75% of patients lack decision-making capacity at the time of ICU admission, and many have not had a previous Goals of Care Discussion (GOCD) and/or documented CODE STATUS.

In our recent clinical study, 91% of patients who used the ASKmeGOC application with an ICU study nurse self-reported understanding the benefits and risks of each resuscitation option (compared to 45% in the control group), and 88% felt confident in their resuscitation decisions (compared to 62% who received standard goals of care discussions). ICU nurses spent an average of 32.6 minutes discussing goals of care with patients using the ASKmeGOC application.

Additionally, ASKmeGOC helps healthcare facilities reduce costs by focusing on treatments that align with patients’ desires, minimizing unnecessary procedures and interventions.

In our recent clinical study, 62% of patients who used the ASKmeGOC application changed their code status, with 98% opting to de-escalate care. Patients who used the application showed a 29.6% reduction in ICU utilization days and a 59.2% decrease in ventilator utilization days compared to controls.

To learn more about the clinical study and the proven benefits of using ASKmeGOC, please visit the Achievements page.

In summary, ASKmeGOC offers personalized health feedback, aligning patient goals with care plans to reduce unnecessary or harmful treatments. It optimizes hospital workflow and reduces physician workload while improving patient care.

Is ASKmeGOC’s effectiveness evidence-based?

Yes, clinical study results demonstrate significant benefits for both patients and healthcare providers users of ASKmeGOC.

For a detailed overview of the advantages ASKmeGOC provides, please refer to the question above: “What are the benefits of using ASKmeGOC?” Additionally, the Achievements page includes more information about the clinical study, showcasing the evidence that supports ASKmeGOC’s role in enhancing patient care.

I'm interested in getting more information and/or getting started with ASKmeGOC. Who do I contact?

Please fill out our contact form on the Contact page, and an ASKmeGOC team member will reach out to you within the next few days to schedule a call.

Security & Privacy

What security measures are in place to protect patient data?

Built with patient privacy in mind, ASKmeGOC is PHIPA-compliant and securely stores its data on Azure Cloud.

Rigorous security testing and comprehensive code reviews have been conducted to eliminate vulnerabilities and ensure the highest level of protection against security threats.

Multi-factor authentication is also incorporated to provide an additional layer of verification that surpasses standard password protection.

For more information, visit the Security & Privacy page.

Is the ASKMeGOC application PHIPA compliant?

Yes, the ASKmeGOC team built the application to comply with the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA), safeguarding patient data through robust security measures that meet the Canadian privacy regulations.

What kind of data do you collect?

Each patient assessment collects information about the patient’s health status from the patient’s perspective, their medical conditions, and their goals and preferences for medical treatments. This information is then utilized in the algorithm to provide patients with data that assists them in making informed decisions regarding their care plan.

The app also collects voluntary patient disclosures of demographics including gender, religion, and ethnicity, to enhance patient-centered care. By understanding patients’ backgrounds, health care providers can align treatment options with the patient’s personal values and beliefs, facilitating meaningful discussions about care goals.

Accessibility

How does ASKmeGOC ensure accessibility for all users?

ASKmeGOC features a user-friendly interface that guides healthcare providers through the care planning process while enabling patients to easily follow along. Informative icons throughout the app offer additional context and clarification, enhancing understanding at every step.

Designed for tablet use, the application ensures portability, allowing healthcare providers to actively involve patients in the process, facilitating real-time engagement and collaboration wherever they are. Users can also easily zoom in to enlarge the font for better readability. Additionally, ASKmeGOC is compatible with desktop computers, enabling providers to access the application on their existing workstations.

The application is offered in both French and English, Canada’s two official languages. Users can easily toggle between the two languages in the application.

Is ASKmeGOC customizable to specific facilities and patient population needs?

Yes, ASKmeGOC is fully adaptable to meet the specific needs of various healthcare environments, including acute care hospitals, primary care practices, and assisted living facilities. Its flexible design ensures seamless integration into each setting.

ASKmeGOC also allows for the customization of the values, goals, and care algorithm to align with the physicians at each facility and the unique needs of their patient population.

Functionality

How does the values, goals, and care algorithm work?

The ASKmeGOC algorithm gathers information about a patient’s current and past medical history to make calculated predictions regarding survival expectations beyond hospital discharge, as well as evaluate treatment options.

The algorithm is customizable, allowing adjustments based on the specific healthcare facility and the unique needs of its patient population, ensuring that care recommendations are tailored to align with the values and goals of each patient.

Can care plans be modified?

Yes, existing care plans in ASKmeGOC can be easily modified. This flexibility allows healthcare providers to update treatment goals and preferences as a patient’s condition or preferences evolve, ensuring the care plan remains aligned with the patient’s current needs and values.

Patient Care

I have a DNR already at home. Why do I need to talk about this again when I'm at the hospital?

A “Do Not Resuscitate” form at home only applies if you have a cardiac arrest at home in order for the paramedics to know not to start CPR and allow a natural death. At the hospital, there are many more options for life threatening illnesses that are covered in the ASKmeGOC software.

What if I change my mind about my goals of care?

A patient can re-address their goals of care and resuscitation levels at any time by speaking with their care team.

Why do I need to talk about this now? I'm not feeling well, and/or I'm already stressed about being in the hospital.

Discussing your goals of care is best done before you get too sick to have your wishes and values known. This helps your care team and family know exactly what you want if your condition worsens.

Will I still get treatment if I don't want CPR/ICU-level care?

Absolutely. If ICU care or CPR in case of cardiac arrest is not in your care plan, you would still receive indicated tests, consultations and non-invasive treatments.

I already told my doctor what my wishes are the last time I was in the hospital. Why do we need to talk about this again?

Every admission to hospital requires a reassessment of goals of care and resuscitation status as your health, quality of life and medical issues may have changed. This may affect your choices and change your wishes.

Does the ASKmeGOC summary stay in my chart for the whole time that I am in hospital?

Yes, the tool provides a summary document of your wishes that will be in your chart for your admission so that the care team can quickly reference it if need be.

Why has no one talked to me about this before?

Topics like this can feel uncomfortable, even for physicians. Also, many healthcare providers are unsure of appropriate invasive treatment options and outcomes of cardiac arrest. With the ASKmeGOC program, you and your care team will have the information to be able to have comprehensive and informed discussion about resuscitation options that will give you confidence in your decision.

My patient/family has further questions, or someone missed the discussion. Could someone come back to explain again?

Your answers and results are saved on a secure (PHIPA-compliant) data server and can be reviewed with family at a later date at your request.