Healthcare App Enhances Patient Care

Since its rollout at Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust in January 2024, CardMedic has rapidly gained traction as a pivotal tool in improving communication with non-English speaking patients

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on Digital Health and Bradford Hospitals NHS

CardMedic is a healthcare translation app designed to facilitate communication between clinical staff and non-English speaking patients within NHS trusts.  Initially piloted in Queen Elizabeth Hospital’s maternity department, CardMedic now supports healthcare translation and interpreting across Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust. It features over 50 languages, facilitating clear and effective patient-carer interactions.

Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust’s adoption mirrors the broader uptake of CardMedic across the NHS. Institutions like Bradford Teaching Hospitals have integrated the app into clinical practice to supplement existing interpreting services, ensuring seamless communication even in scenarios where immediate interpreter availability is limited.

Amanda Fitzsimons, chief nursing officer at Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust, said: “We use interpreting services such as telephone and in-person translators on ward rounds and for scheduled appointments.

“The gap in care comes when there are quick conversations you have with a patient, such as when you are doing observations or taking blood and you want to explain what you want the patient to do, and why. CardMedic helps us bridge that gap.”

Practical application and benefits

Available on Trust iPads, clinical desktops, and mobile devices, CardMedic offers a comprehensive suite of digital flashcards crafted by clinical experts. These aid in navigating common healthcare discussions, enhancing patient comprehension and care delivery.

Dr Rachael Grimaldi, CardMedic’s co-founder, highlights its role in empowering clinical teams to maintain communication continuity, particularly in dynamic settings like emergency departments and busy wards. The app’s integration into Bradford Royal Infirmary’s wards and A&E exemplifies its versatility and effectiveness.

Collaborative healthcare advancements

CardMedic’s inclusion in the NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme underscores its commitment to innovation. Its success at Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust and Bradford Teaching Hospitals underscores a shared goal of advancing patient-centred care through accessible communication tools.

For practice managers, understanding and promoting tools like CardMedic can enhance communication strategies, streamline workflows, and improve patient outcomes, aligning with their responsibilities to optimise healthcare delivery.