Nottingham maternity services go live with CardMedic translation app to improve communication between patients and staff
Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH) has rolled out the CardMedic translation app to make care more personalised, improve communication and boost safety for maternity service users in Nottingham.
The app is designed to help deliver accessible care to non-English speaking women and birthing people by providing healthcare translation and interpreting support.
CardMedic, which features ready-made clinical interactions in more than 50 languages, launched in the maternity department and neonatal unit at NUH to support shared-decision making for expectant parents.
Midwife Elly Denegri-Howard said: “The CardMedic app makes our service more inclusive as it serves a wide range of languages.
“The benefit for patients is that they can access standardised information that has been professionally translated. The cards are reliable and the live translate option gives them the opportunity to ask any clarifying or follow-up questions.
“The app is easy to use and has been purpose-built to translate even complex medical information accurately. Telephone translation services are not always easily accessible so CardMedic bridges this gap.
“CardMedic is a wonderful resource to ensure that all families can access the same informed care no matter their first language.”
CardMedic launched at NUH thanks to funding from the Nottinghamshire Local Maternity and Neonatal System (LMNS), to address healthcare inequalities and support improvements in our maternity services.
The app is used to enhance the Trust’s existing interpretation offering which includes a face-to-face and telephone service.
Head of Midwifery Operations at NUH, Elaine Broughton said: “By using CardMedic, we can be reassured that we are communicating with patients effectively and sensitively.
“At NUH we’re continually looking to improve patient safety and reduce health inequalities. This app will give people the opportunity and confidence to ask questions, and give clinicians the ability to respond quickly. We know CardMedic will make a positive difference for families in Nottingham.”
The app is available 24/7 and helps ensure that communication barriers do not get in the way of patient care.
As well as providing instant translation support, CardMedic can also provide information in British Sign Language, ReadAloud and EasyRead formats to support patients and their families.
Dr Rachael Grimaldi, Co-Founder and Chief Executive of CardMedic, said: “Improving maternity and neonatal care is a national priority, and we couldn’t be happier that CardMedic is being used to help maternity staff bridge gaps in service provision.
“Everyone deserves to access equitable care, irrespective of their language, cognition, or background, and we’re excited to see how CardMedic helps to make a difference for families in Nottingham.”