Nurse Capital's Investment Fuels Innovation in Patient Care Through a Startup Focused on Medical Devices

Nurse Capital's Investment in RoddyMedical: Revolutionizing Patient Care

In a significant move that highlights the increasing importance of nurse-led innovations in the healthcare industry, Nurse Capital, a venture capital firm dedicated to investing in nurse-led startups, has announced its recent investment in RoddyMedical, Inc. This medical device startup, based in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, is pioneering tools focused on enhancing patient safety and promoting better workflow in clinical environments.

RoddyMedical's flagship product, SecureMove-TLC®, addresses a critical challenge faced in hospitals: the safety of medical tubing. This patented, wearable device has been designed specifically to secure and manage various medical tubes, lines, and cords that are essential in patient care. By preventing the hazards associated with dislodged or tangled medical lines, SecureMove-TLC® minimizes potential risks during patient movement and therapy, thus contributing to improved patient outcomes.

Beth A. Brooks, PhD, RN, FACHE, co-founder of Nurse Capital, stated, "Nurses don't just see problems—they engineer solutions that work." This statement embodies the essence of Nurse Capital’s commitment to supporting innovations stemming from the experiences of nurses at the frontline of patient care. The SecureMove-TLC® device is one such solution, born from the real-life challenges faced by healthcare providers.

The Importance of Mobility in Patient Care

One of the pivotal advantages of the SecureMove-TLC® device is its role in promoting patient mobility, which is critical for recovery. Studies have shown that getting patients up and moving during their hospital stays leads to quicker discharges and fewer complications. Despite this, many patients in critical care are hindered by a plethora of tubes and cords. Lindsey Roddy, RN, PhD(c), founder and CEO of RoddyMedical, recounted a personal experience that sparked her dedication to improve safety standards in clinical settings. After almost losing a patient due to a tubing hazard during therapy, she felt compelled to design a solution that could prevent such incidents in the future.

Lindsey's determination and insight into the clinical realities faced by nurses guided her in developing the SecureMove-TLC®, which is now utilized in several hospitals across six states, including the Mayo Clinic. Moreover, the device has garnered five global patents, underscoring its innovative design and potential for widespread adoption.

Addressing a Critical Need in Healthcare

The healthcare environment is fraught with challenges concerning the management of medical lines. Current estimates suggest that each year, approximately 19 million lines are inadvertently pulled out from patients, leading to significant complications and costs. Healthcare workers reportedly spend around 64% of their time untangling and organizing these lines while providing care, which can delay essential therapies and result in unnecessary resource expenditure. RoddyMedical estimates that healthcare facilities incur an additional $266 million annually due to the need to replace compromised vascular access devices.

The emergence of nurse-led companies such as RoddyMedical is crucial as they provide targeted solutions that directly stem from firsthand experiences in patient care settings. As noted by Marla J. Weston, PhD, RN, co-founder of Nurse Capital, supporting nurse entrepreneurs like Lindsey Roddy allows for the development of unique solutions that effectively address the distinct challenges faced in healthcare.

Looking Ahead

With this investment from Nurse Capital, RoddyMedical is actively seeking to secure $5 million in Series A funding aimed at enhancing its manufacturing capabilities and expanding market reach. The firm’s commitment to innovative healthcare solutions powered by nursing expertise reflects a broader trend towards recognizing the critical role nurses play in transforming patient care.

In conclusion, Nurse Capital’s investment in RoddyMedical marks a significant step in empowering nurse-led innovation that promises to improve the efficiency, safety, and overall experience of patient care. As the healthcare industry evolves, the contributions of nursing professionals will remain instrumental in driving forward-thinking solutions that prioritize patient welfare and optimize clinical practices.