Rachael Grimaldi: Co-Founder and CEO CardMedic®, NHS Clinical Entrepreneur, and an anaesthetist.

‘The role of technology is fundamental to the success of treating patients in any healthcare setting in the NHS whether it’s from structuring their notes, arranging investigations, monitoring remotely or undertaking life-saving procedures’

In the third interview from the series Healthcare Voices On Smart Technology Opportunities, we are talking with Dr Rachael Grimaldi. She’s a Co-Founder and CEO of multi-award-winning unique digital communication tool CardMedic®, NHS Clinical Entrepreneur, and an anaesthetist.

Having extensive experience in health care, Rachael shares her opinion about technology adoption, its effect on social interactions, and how tech might change the processes in the NHS in the near future.

How is technology solving historic challenges within your department?

I work in Anaesthetics and Critical Care. There is a whole range of solutions that have massively accelerated and changed how we manage patients, ranging from the use and management of medications to patient monitoring, investigations and so much more. One example in anaesthetics is the ability to give an anaesthetic through a drip rather than by using vapours (‘gases’). There is a piece of equipment that monitors brain activity to show you how deeply asleep you are, which has revolutionised the use of this type of anaesthetic. This technology is continually advancing and can integrate with blood pressure measurements for example. This is a big advancement for those patients for whom the vapour anaesthetic may not be the appropriate one, or who are usually sick after an anaesthetic.

What's preventing technology from being more widely adopted?

There is a range of barriers preventing the adoption of technology in healthcare, with the cost likely being one of them. Many solutions can have cost-saving implications but may incur an implementation cost initially so the timing needs to be right. Culture likely plays a role too. Sometimes it’s human nature to not want to change and it takes the early adopters and clinical champions to drive this forwards. There may be a certain skepticism of digital solutions too and reservations about personal data being breached or unprotected.

Is there a specific argument you keep hearing from those who are late adopters?

That may be where the culture factor comes in: “We have always done it like this. Why do we need to change? It’s safe in my hands, why would I need to do something different?”. 

Is tech healthcare replacing or fostering social interaction?

In my opinion, it is doing both. I think it is definitely replacing social interaction when it comes to face-to-face appointments. for example with GPs or Outpatients. Not every appointment needs to be face-to-face of course and remote appointments can be far more convenient and flexible for many people. Though we do need to ensure we are not digitally excluding vulnerable populations and there is a huge amount of amazing work being done across the country in this area. Conversely, if you are part of a community on a HealthTech platform where you can ask each other questions - you may have the same condition or just want to share your feelings and thoughts - it’s like a social support network.

Looking back, what do you think are the issues that were hard to manage 10 years ago that have been successfully solved by technology today?

One big issue is that of prescriptions. Many patients struggle to get to the pharmacy and now with apps, you can order your repeat prescriptions to be delivered in the post. It reduces the impact on the environment, supports people in their own homes, and is far more convenient and flexible for patients and staff.

What breakthrough technology do you think will be changing the NHS in the next 5-10 years?

There will be many, but a key area I believe will be in Molecular Genetics. It will allow us to customise treatment, for example in critical care and cancer care. Remote monitoring and AI are also massive game changers and are coming more into mainstream practice now.

Bonus: Is there anything else you would like to add about the role of technology in the NHS?

The NHS structure is highly complex and it is challenging to roll out national technology solutions, though huge amounts of effort, creativity, and passion have been dedicated to it. The role of technology is fundamental and moving forwards will continue to form a synergistic relationship with clinical practice. I strongly believe technology shouldn’t be taking over the role of healthcare and allied healthcare professionals, but should very much complement it and be a part of how we deliver health care in the 21st century. 

Dr. Rachael Grimaldi

Co-Founder and CEO, CardMedic. NHS Clinical Entrepreneur.