Nurses and nursing assistants struggle to communicate basic patient requests due to long wait times for interpretation services, especially when calls are unnecessary.

Existing interpretation services have long hold times and are overkill for simple requests; hospitals lack standardized, readily available visual communication aids.

Severity

3Medium

Willingness to Pay

implied

Added

Jun 18, 2026

Workarounds Described

Uses language line for simple requests like pillows
Made DIY communication cards printed on cardstock and laminated
Non-verbal patients write on laminated backs with dry erase markers

Implied Software Gaps

Instantly accessible visual communication tool that eliminates need for interpreter for basic requests
Digital, customizable, and shareable communication boards with robust language support

App Concept

CareComm Cards

CareComm Cards is a mobile-first app that provides pre-set, multilingual visual communication boards for patient care. Nurses can quickly show icons for common requests (pillow, water, pain scale, bathroom, etc.) without waiting for a translator. The app is customizable for specialties like hospice, and includes a text-to-speech feature for non-verbal patients.

Key Features

Pre-loaded icon boards in multiple languages (English, Spanish, Creole, etc.)
Specialty-specific boards (hospice, pediatrics, ER)
Customizable — add custom icons and phrases
Text-to-speech for non-verbal patients
Dry-erase mode with drawing tools for complex requests

Target Users: Nurses, nursing assistants, and healthcare administrators in hospitals, hospices, and long-term care facilities

Revenue Model: $4.99/mo per user or $49.99/yr; hospital bulk licensing at discounted rates

Existing Solutions Mentioned

Language line (interpretation service)Communication cards (DIY)

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