Hypermobility Assessment Tool (HAT) - University Health Network (UHN)
What is the HAT app?
HAT stands for Hypermobility Assessment Tool. It was developed at University Health Network (UHN). HAT screens for generalized joint hypermobility, which means having very flexible joints.
To use it, you record nine short videos of simple movements. These include bending the elbow, straightening the knee, bending the thumb back, bending the little finger back, and bending forward. The app then uses AI to estimate your hypermobility score. The AI was trained on assessments by expert clinicians who used a goniometer (a tool that measures the angle of a joint).
HAT is a Health Canada Class I Medical Device, distributed by UHN. It is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. You receive your results in the app and a summary PDF by email.
How accurate is the HAT app?
HAT is a screening tool. It is designed to not miss anyone, so it may give a higher score than an in-person exam. This is expected.
If HAT gives you a score of 4 or higher, there is a good chance an in-person exam would give a lower score. If HAT gives you a score of 3 or lower, it is very unlikely (about 3 to 5 out of 100) that an in-person exam would find hypermobility.
Only a physical exam by a qualified healthcare provider, using a goniometer, can give a final answer. HAT does not diagnose any condition and does not replace advice from your healthcare provider.
How is my information stored and kept secure?
Your information is stored by UHN in an encrypted database. Access is limited by security controls that meet UHN standards. UHN uses technology, physical, and staff safeguards to help protect your information from being seen, used, or shared without permission.
You can help protect your own information too. Keep your password private, and keep your device and the app up to date.
Like any service that sends information over the internet, security can never be fully guaranteed, so some risk always remains.
How does the AI work, and does my data leave the HAT platform?
The AI runs on the HAT platform. It uses custom models that find the location of key body parts in your videos, such as the fingers, wrists, shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, and ankles. It then uses these results to estimate the chance of joint hypermobility.
Your videos and results are not sold, and are not shared with any outside group for that group's own use. UHN may use trusted service providers to run and support the platform. These providers must follow UHN's privacy and security rules and may only use your information to provide these services.
How long are my videos and other data kept?
Your uploaded videos are kept only until they are processed, then deleted automatically. This usually takes from a few minutes up to 48 hours.
Other personal information is kept only as long as the law requires. De-identified information, information with details like your name removed, may be kept longer to study and improve the app.
Is my personal information ever sold or shared?
UHN does not sell your personal information, and does not share it with any outside group for that group's own use.
UHN may share information only when the law requires it; for example, to respond to suspected illegal or fraudulent activity, to protect safety or legal rights, or to answer a subpoena or other legal process. As explained above, UHN may also use trusted service providers who help run the platform under strict privacy and security rules.
Will my results be shared with my doctor or added to my medical record?
No. HAT does not connect to your medical record, and your care team will not see your results unless you choose to share them yourself. The information you enter does not become part of your medical record.
Will my data be used to improve the app or for research?
UHN may use de-identified and combined data to study how the app is used and to improve it. Combined data is grouped or summarized so that no single person can be identified.
How do I delete my data or withdraw consent?
You can withdraw your consent and delete your account and data at any time in the app, or by emailing HAT_support@uhn.ca.
If UHN were ever legally required to disclose information, for example, under a court order, it cannot recall what was already provided under that legal duty. Apart from that, UHN will act on your request as described in the Privacy Policy.
You can also stop using HAT at any time by uninstalling the app.
Where can I get help or ask privacy questions?
For technical issues or general questions, contact HAT_support@uhn.ca.
For privacy questions or complaints, contact the UHN Privacy Office at privacy@uhn.ca or 416-340-4800 ext. 6937.
Important
This page is a plain-language summary to help you understand how HAT works. It does not replace the full Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, which govern your use of HAT. If there is any difference between this summary and those documents, those documents apply.
HAT is a screening tool. It does not provide a medical diagnosis or medical advice. Always talk to a qualified healthcare provider about your health and before making any care decisions.