Help and frequently asked questions.
Common questions from clinical teams, procurement leads and information-governance reviewers. If your question is not here, ask us directly – a person answers.
What is CardMedic?
A clinical communication platform. It combines clinically authored content in 45 languages, accessible formats such as Easy Read, Read Aloud, British Sign Language and American Sign Language, live medical translation, and one-tap access to professional interpreters – inside a single governed system that healthcare staff use at the point of care.
Is CardMedic a translation app or an interpreting service?
Neither on its own, and that distinction matters. CardMedic is one system offering three pathways: curated clinical content for planned and recurring conversations, live translation for unplanned ones, and professional interpreters for consent, safeguarding and anything open-ended. Staff choose the right pathway for the patient in front of them.
Does it replace professional interpreters?
No, and it is not designed to. Professional interpreting remains essential for live, open-ended and individualised communication, and for anything required by law, local policy or clinical judgement. CardMedic makes interpreters easier to reach – one tap from the clinical workflow rather than a separate process – and covers the very large volume of everyday communication that previously went unsupported.
How accurate is it?
We do not claim 100% accuracy, because no communication provider can – human interpreting included. Our content starts from a clinically authored or clinically verified source, and translation is assessed against that clinical baseline rather than literal word equivalence alone. Quality is judged across clinical meaning, completeness, terminology, language variation, cultural suitability, patient understanding and potential consequence of error.
Which languages are supported?
Clinically assured content is available in 45 languages, with live translation covering a wider range and professional interpreter access covering more still through your organisation’s approved provider. The exact language list for content, translation and interpreting differs, and we will set it out precisely during implementation rather than quote a single headline number.
What about patients who are not facing a language barrier?
Language is one barrier among several. CardMedic also supports patients affected by low health literacy, cognitive impairment, learning disability, aphasia, hearing loss, Deafness and visual impairment.
- Easy Read with supporting images
- Read Aloud for visual impairment and literacy needs
- British Sign Language and American Sign Language
- Adjustable type size, contrast and display settings
Does it work offline?
Approved content is available offline on supported platforms, which matters in ambulances, basements, rural community visits and hospitals with patchy wifi. Live translation and interpreter access need a connection. The exact platform matrix is confirmed during implementation – we would rather be specific with you than make a blanket claim.
What devices does it run on?
Any device with a browser – phone, tablet or desktop – as a progressive web app, plus native iOS and Android apps. It also runs on bedside patient-engagement hardware where a Trust already has it deployed.
How does CardMedic handle patient data?
CardMedic is a communication tool, not a clinical record. It is designed so that staff do not need to enter patient-identifiable information to use it. Reporting is aggregate and privacy-preserving: it shows need, adoption, modality and escalation, not individual conversations.
What information governance and NHS assurance do you hold?
CardMedic is supported by relevant information-governance and NHS assurance controls including GDPR, the Data Security and Protection Toolkit and DTAC-aligned requirements. Current documentation, including our DTAC pack, is available for procurement and information-governance review on request.
Is it accessible?
We hold this website and the CardMedic application to WCAG 2.2 AA, assessed as part of our release process, with manual and assistive-technology testing rather than automated scanning alone. No product of this size is perfectly conformant at every moment; where we identify a barrier we record it and say so.
How long does implementation take?
It depends on scale and on your information-governance process rather than on the technology. A single department can be live quickly; a whole-Trust rollout involves governance review, content configuration, interpreter-provider integration and staff communications. We will give you a realistic timeline for your situation rather than a standard one.
How much training do staff need?
Very little, by design. Staff type what the conversation is about and results appear – there is no menu tree to learn on a night shift. Implementation support focuses on awareness and embedding into existing workflows rather than on teaching the software.
Can we try it before committing?
Yes. Evaluation Mode gives eligible healthcare professionals seven days of hands-on access with a verified work email address, and there is a free tier for emergency use.
How is it priced?
Pricing depends on scale, setting and which pathways you commission. There is no published price list because a single ward and an integrated care system are not comparable. We will give you a clear figure and the basis for it early in the conversation.
I am a patient or carer. Can I use CardMedic myself?
CardMedic is provided to you by your healthcare team rather than bought directly. If it would help you to understand your care, ask staff at your hospital or practice whether they use it.