Forbes shares how CardMedic is overcoming communication barriers in healthcare
Search engines and social media have fuelled a growing trend toward DIY diagnosis, as Check Warner recently highlighted in Forbes. However, health literacy remains a significant challenge - more than 40% of UK adults struggle to understand the medical information they receive.
Several tech innovators are addressing this issue by making healthcare information more accessible, understandable and proactive. CardMedic was honoured to be featured among these innovators as we work to move beyond DIY diagnosis and empower patients with trusted, clear communication.
Bridging communication gaps to address health literacy
At CardMedic, we aim to bridge communication gaps in healthcare so that patients receive vital information in a way they can understand. With one in two patients facing a communication barrier, the need for support is clear.
Our visual aids, translations, and pre-written scripts benefit healthcare professionals and patients alike. They are particularly useful for non-English speakers, individuals with cognitive impairments or those unfamiliar with complex medical terminology.
By simplifying medical communication, CardMedic ensures that critical information is conveyed efficiently and effectively. Our CEO, Dr Rachael Grimaldi, explains: "As an NHS anaesthetist, I regularly see the negative impact of health literacy challenges on patient engagement and outcomes.
“We must collectively do everything we can to tackle this from all angles and meet patients where they’re at in terms of digital literacy and access to services, to ensure they’re empowered to engage in shared decision-making and access timely care."
Enhancing NHS interpreting services provision
People with limited English proficiency can face several communication barriers in healthcare. Traditional NHS interpreting services and hospital translators set the gold standard for patient care for those groups, but time-pressured staff often find them difficult to access.
CardMedic complements these services by providing instant access to essential translations and explanations, reducing potential communication delays. It is an approach exemplified at Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust, where CardMedic is used alongside existing translation and interpreting provision.
This support is especially crucial in maternity settings, where time is of the essence and clear communication is vital. By leveraging technology to enhance NHS language services and interpretation tools, CardMedic is helping Lewisham and other healthcare providers across the UK and abroad make healthcare more inclusive and patient centred.
Our platform offers content in over 50 languages and multiple accessible formats, including Easy Read and Read Aloud options, supporting thousands of clinical interactions. We continuously expand our content and collaborate with partners to drive innovation, such as working with Concentric Health on incorporating digital consent into treatment and supporting the introduction of Martha’s Rule to enhance patient safety.
Exciting times for healthcare innovation
Warner’s article also the broader movement towards health tools that support patients in proactive health management. AI-driven assistants such as Ada Health and Olivia Health provide personalised, data-driven insights to help individuals make informed decisions about their well-being.
We are thrilled to be part of this dynamic ecosystem, which is backed by initiatives such as the NHS Innovation Accelerator and the NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme.
A growing wave of digital solutions such as CardMedic are improving patient understanding and engagement, helping healthcare communication to become more inclusive, accurate, and timely.
By empowering individuals with reliable medical information, we are moving closer to a future where language and literacy barriers no longer stand in the way of quality medical care.