Inspiration
We were inspired by from a premed friend who has worked in person volunteering helping unhoused individuals on skid row talking about how a key challenge they face is finding accurate medical records for their patients in an efficient manner. We felt like we could develop a project to solve this challenge helping hundreds of thousands of the underrepresented nationwide all while potentially saving healthcare providers millions too.
What it does
Our product is CareBand, a RFID wristband that serves as a key for a database which stores the patients key medical information as well as recent medical history. CareBand is paired with a mobile app that allows the bands to be scanned or patient IDs to be created. If the app is held by a verified user, the app will allow the hospital worker to update key information and medical procedures performed as well as allow for quick viewing of recent medical history -- especially useful for emergency situations where every second counts.
How we built it
We built the product first using Vly.ai as the foundational ideation and framework development tool for the project. We then built and designed the app on Swift and linked it to a secure Firebase database at the backend.
Challenges we ran into
A key challenge we ran into was first the issue of hardware. Due to the time it took to create this idea and research it effectively, we were unable to have time to properly develop the hardware to actually build the CareBand itself. Instead we only produced the software that would work for the band. Another challenge we faced was problems with Vly.ai as we initially wanted to use the tool to build a more robust website and serve as a more comprehensive foundation for our project, but after hours using it, we were unable to get anything we were entirely satisfied with hence why we pivoted to the app. However, the ideas and foundational structure we derived from Vly.ai were useful for us throughout the rest of the project.
Accomplishments that we're proud of
We were most proud of intuitive and simple to use UI which we designed specifically in mind for doctors to use in the most efficient and time saving manner which is critical in situations where every second matters. Additionally we are also proud of our robust business plan complete with financial modeling, projections, and a developed Go-to-Market strategy. This will allow us to better understand and realize our vision where CareBand can be placed into the hands of doctors throughout the Greater LA area, the country, and beyond.
What we learned
We both learned a lot first about the healthcare industry as a whole having to deeply understand the current market climate and the regulations, trends, and context. We also both learned a lot about how to develop a comprehensive business plan and take our brainstormed ideas to another level. Finally, as first time participants in a college hackathon, this was a great overall learning experience for our programming knowledge as a whole and we both eagerly hope to attend more future hackathons in the future!
What's next for CareBand
The next key step is to first properly develop an effective prototype for the actual band itself with the RFID chip installed. We will then be able to recognize any additional challenges we may face both with software and with distribution/sales/partnership challenges. If all goes well, we hope to further pitch this idea to interested health tech incubators as well as gauge interest from hospitals and clinics throughout LA. We feel that this idea is one that holds both great social value and potential for growth positioning itself as a great combination of a successful social and business venture that we both believe in.
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