In our latest #OurEntrepreneurs profile we meet cohort 8 Clinical Entrepreneur Abby Waddingham, Registered Adult Nurse.
Tell us a bit about yourself
My name is Abby Waddingham, and I am a registered Adult Nurse. As a student, I developed Clear Communication Cards in response to the challenges healthcare professionals face when communicating with patients. Traditional methods often rely on knowing the patient’s language, their hearing abilities, and equipment availability, which can be problematic in fast-paced, noisy environments. To address this, I created a set of communication cards that any patient-facing professional can keep in their pocket for quick routine questions.
Name: Abby Waddingham.
Occupation: Registered Adult Nurse.
Location: NHS University Hospitals Birmingham.
Tell us about your innovation
As healthcare professionals, we often encounter communication barriers with patients, and with the addition of staff shortages, funding limitations, and inadequate clinical space, it can be challenging to engage in meaningful and important conversations with patients who may struggle to communicate their choices or concerns. By addressing these communication gaps, we can enhance patient care and overall experience by ensuring vital information about patients and their medical history is not missed.
Clear Communication Cards are pocket-sized, double-sided flashcards designed to support patient-facing healthcare professionals communicate effectively with patients. Each card features an English term accompanied by an ‘easy-to-read’ image, and translations in Polish, Urdu, and Punjabi. These cards cover routine questions and terms across various specialties, from a patient’s date of birth to inquiries about pain and mealtimes. They aim to support spontaneous interactions when a translator is deemed unnecessary or unavailable.
Why did you apply to join the programme, and what are you most looking forward to?
I discovered the programme through a work newsletter and applied with the goal of advancing my innovation to enhance patient care and experience. I’m particularly excited about refining my innovation, connecting with like-minded individuals, and making a meaningful impact on the quality of communication for patients facing barriers in their interactions with healthcare professionals.
I hope the programme will offer valuable insights on innovation support and expansion, provide mentorship for critical decisions and challenges, and connect me with a diverse network of peers to exchange ideas.
What are your ambitions for the next year?
In the coming year, my ambitions include expanding the distribution of Clear Communication cards on a wider scale. I plan to enhance the design and production process to ensure consistency and quality. Additionally, I aim to collaborate closely with patients and healthcare professionals, seeking their feedback and insights to further strengthen and improve the cards.
Why do you think innovation is important in healthcare?
Innovation is important in healthcare as we all interact with patients, and reducing communication barriers is key to effective care. My innovation, Clear Communication Cards, aims to promote patient choice and advocacy.
How can we find out more?
For more information, please contact me via email or connect with me on social media.