The Christie NHS Foundation Trust has become the first specialist cancer Trust to deploy CardMedic, the award-winning healthcare communications app. The deployment will enable the Trust to bridge communication gaps that exist between clinicians and patients, caused by things such as cognitive impairments and language barriers, reducing health inequalities for cancer patients.
The Christie provides care to patients from across Greater Manchester and beyond, and as a result it serves a very diverse population.
“Many of our patients do not speak English as their first language, and some cannot speak English at all,” said Bethany Allen, Digital Nurse Implementer at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust.
“Since using CardMedic, we can be reassured that we are communicating with patients effectively and sensitively, which is essential in cancer care.”
CardMedic has been deployed across the entire Trust. Following an engagement programme, the solution is now being used by 100 nurses, doctors and pharmacists across the hospital’s four sites – Withington, Salford, Oldham and Macclesfield.
The technology is being used during ward rounds and throughout clinical shifts, when interpreters or multi-lingual staff are not available. Beth explained: “Having this tool means we can safely and effectively talk with patients with additional communication needs when an interpreter isn’t available. It means that we can deliver the same standard of care that we do to our English-speaking patients, or those that don’t have additional communications needs.”
Initially the technology was made available for nurses, but new use cases have since been identified by the Trust within pharmacy.
“Our pharmacists don’t generally work with translators, as they are normally supporting ward rounds,” said Beth.
“Pharmacists have been using CardMedic to discuss medications with patients, which has transformed their relationship. They can use the chat function within the app to answer any questions that patients might have about a certain medication, and it’s really putting patients at ease.”
The Trust has also been working with CardMedic to co-create content for its flashcard library, developing specific oncology scripts so patients who would otherwise struggle to communicate can be informed about their treatment.
“Receiving treatment for cancer is a very profound and unfamiliar experience, so it’s very important that patients feel reassured,” Beth explained.
The Trust has deployed digital champions within nursing teams to encourage uptake of the solution.
Beth said: “Engagement isn’t mandatory, like it is with some technologies like electronic patient records, which can make it more difficult to get clinicians to engage. Having superusers on the wards has really helped encourage more people to use it.”
Dr Rachael Grimaldi, Chief Executive at CardMedic, said: “I’m delighted that CardMedic is helping to improve access to care for more patients at The Christie. The new use cases the trust has found is a testament to how innovative and forward thinking the team is, all the while putting patients first. The Christie already delivers exceptional cancer care, and I’m overjoyed that CardMedic can be a part of the story!”