CardMedic is making strides by supporting the NHS’s implementation of Martha’s Rule, a critical initiative aimed at empowering patients to advocate for themselves when they feel their concerns are not being adequately addressed. 

With CardMedic’s technology, patients in multiple NHS trusts now have access to specific information and interactive support related to Martha’s Rule. The app includes scripted clinical interactions, designed to enhance communication for both patients and staff. This initiative not only clarifies the Rule’s processes but also empowers patients, especially those with language or communication challenges, to be active participants in their care. 

A highlight of this work is a collaboration with a West Yorkshire trust, integrating a wellness questionnaire within CardMedic. This feature allows patients to share regular updates on their well-being, helping healthcare providers detect potential health declines earlier. The app’s read-aloud feature makes the questionnaire accessible to non-English-speaking patients, expanding the reach and effectiveness of Martha’s Rule. 

Driving Inclusive Access and Patient Empowerment

CardMedic’s impact across NHS trusts is undeniable. By enhancing communication through easy-to-access content, it paves way for a patient-led approach, empowering individuals to be more involved in their healthcare journey. With partnerships, including Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and University Hospitals Northamptonshire, CardMedic is helping NHS trusts enhance patient safety, improve care accessibility, and support an inclusive healthcare system for all.

A Journey Rooted in Compassion and Innovation

CardMedic began as a rapid-response solution to the communication crisis brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. While Dr Rachael Grimaldi and her family were stranded in the US, she read about a patient struggling to understand healthcare providers through their PPE. This sparked the idea of creating accessible scripts to support patient-provider communication in clinical settings.

In just 72 hours, CardMedic was launched with a library of scripts addressing common clinical interactions. Within three weeks, the app had gained thousands of users worldwide. Today, it continues to grow, now used by nearly 30 NHS hospitals and expanding into the US. Written by frontline healthcare professionals, CardMedic’s scripts cover a wide range of medical scenarios and are available in various languages, sign language, easy read, and a read-aloud feature—making healthcare communication universally accessible.

Recognition and Future Goals

CardMedic’s work has not gone unnoticed. Accolades include the UK Prime Minister’s Points of Light Award, recognition by Fast Company as one of the Most Innovative Companies in the World, and global media coverage. Rachael’s vision for CardMedic continues to expand, working with NHS trusts and international healthcare systems to set new standards for patient-centered, equitable communication in healthcare.

By addressing critical communication gaps in healthcare, Rachael and CardMedic exemplify the power of technology to transform patient engagement and safety, making inclusive care a reality for all.

Deploying CardMedic is helping us to bridge gaps in service provision and deliver more equitable maternity services. It gives our service users the opportunity to play an active role in their care and supports clinicians to deliver more equitable care, irrespective of patients’ language or background.”  

Alice Compton, Maternity Digital and Data Workstream Manager, NEL Local Maternity and Neonatal System (NEL LMNS)