The Health Information Management Systems Society (HIMSS) together with the American Nurses Association (ANA) hosted its fifth annual NursePitch competition virtually this year sponsored by Becton Dickinson (BD). NursePitch is a competition aiming to amplify the voice, opportunity, and visibility of the nursing community through the promotion of innovations led and developed by nurses.

This year, the seven finalists from around the country pitched their products and ideas to a panel of judges comprising individuals with expertise drawn from various areas, including health innovation, business, and healthcare systems. The judges scored the finalists on the competitiveness and potential growth of the solution and strength of the pitch. All finalists successfully presented their viable solutions and responded to questions posed by the judges on a range of topics. The winners were awarded monetary scholarships to support the ongoing growth and development of their ideas.

These nurses serve as inspiring illustrations of nursing innovation, tackling critical healthcare industry challenges, and endeavoring to create a lasting positive influence on patient care and overall well-being. “Innovation in nursing is vital to the advancement of patient care and nursing practice. By embracing innovation, nurses are creating a future where care is continually advancing, and lives are transformed,” stated Taylor Diani, director, Clinical Care, Medical Affairs, BD, who served as a mentor to the seven finalists. She added, “The nurses who presented their innovative ideas and products are paving the way for an evolving healthcare experience. I am inspired by their courage to explore pressing healthcare challenges and their ability to harness technology to improve those challenges.”

HIMSS and ANA are proud to announce the winners:

In first place is Frances Akubuilo, DNP, RN, the founder and CEO of matchHHa Services Inc, a home health mobile and Web app. This innovative platform tackles the recruitment and retention challenges encountered by home health agencies. matchHHa offers an efficient and affordable recruitment system, facilitating direct connections between healthcare workers and their patients. When asked what does nursing innovation mean to you, Frances stated, “I believe nursing innovation is finding creative solutions to the challenges constantly faced by patients and healthcare professionals. It means utilizing technology and new ideas to improve access to quality care, enhance efficiency, and, ultimately, make a positive impact on people's lives.” She also added she is very grateful for the opportunity to display her innovative ideas and hard work as well as highlight the issues faced daily within the home health industry.

Second place was awarded to Lecresha Sewell, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, SANE, the CEO and founder of Melanated Healthcare. Melanated Healthcare is a digital health platform designed to link individuals from Black and people-of-color communities with healthcare professionals who share their racial or cultural background. By presenting a diverse roster of multidisciplinary health practitioners available on various platforms, Melanated Healthcare offers a means for patients to locate suitable care. While presently offering telehealth services exclusively on their Web site, the company has ambitions to broaden its range of services. When asked about her experience at the NursePitch competition, Lacresha stated, “This experience will help me succeed because I will not only be able to utilize the monetary prize toward my business, but I also gained connections and resources to help scale my business.”

In third place is Linda Rowan, BSN, RN, founder of Impact Wearables, a groundbreaking earbud device that can monitor a two-lead electroencephalography and track variable heart rate. The data gathered by this device play a crucial role in managing attention-deficit disorder. Through the monitoring of brain waves and heart rate, Impact Wearables delivers a customized protocol to the patient. In addition, the incorporation of binaural beats assists in synchronizing the patient's brain waves, leading to enhanced focus, impulse control, and better regulation of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Linda expressed, “The Pitch is a wonderful opportunity for nurses to highlight their ideas and inventions. So many nurses never get the opportunity to do anything aside from bedside care, so I really appreciated the opportunity and support.”

The contenders also received valuable insights and support from seasoned mentors, including Bianca L. Gonzalez, CEO of AMPAworks and a previous NursePitch winner; Anthony Scarpone-Lambert, BSN, RN, cofounder and CEO at Adni; and Taylor Diani, MBA, MSN, RN, director of clinical care, Medical Affairs at BD.

Acknowledging and endorsing innovation led by nurses play a crucial role in propelling healthcare forward. Granting nurses the authority to spearhead innovative solutions brings the industry unique perspectives, expertise, and insights that can be harnessed for its betterment. Initiatives such as NursePitch, cofacilitated by HIMSS and ANA, are instrumental in shaping the healthcare landscape's future. They cultivate an atmosphere of innovation and offer nurses the chance to share their ideas and expertise, ultimately driving the transformation of patient care.