Startup Spotlight: Rx Interactive, a Patient Engagement Solution

Silicon Bayou’s Startup Spotlight series highlights recent graduates of The Idea Village’s cohort for early-stage businesses in the New Orleans area. This latest feature is all about Rx Interactive, led by founder and CEO Del-Metri Williams, which has created a technology solution designed to motivate and engage patients. Here’s how she answered our questions:

Describe your company in two sentences or less.

Rx Interactive Inc. uses gamification technology to make patient education more engaging. Our solutions give patients intrinsic motivation to adhere to their treatment and wellness goals.

How did you come up with the idea behind your company?

My mother-in-law was battling pancreatic cancer. We found out she was taking her oral chemotherapy every other day, instead of once a day as prescribed. She lost her battle with cancer soon afterwards. We realized she was not alone. 50% of patients with chronic diseases don’t take their medications as prescribed. It cost the US healthcare economy $290 billion dollars a year.

Why is your solution the best one for your customers?

Patient education still mainly addressed by pamphlets from a doctor’s office. Patient education is only accessed when one goes to the doctor or hospital. Our solutions give patients access to education 27/7. Our games and gamification elements increase engagement with mechanics proven to drive behavior.

And why are you the team to make this happen?

Our team has over 75 years of combined experience in the healthcare industry. We have been researching non-adherence for over 5 years. I am also certified expert level in gamification by The Engagement alliance.

Why do you think New Orleans was the best place for you to found this company in?

I have a unique perspective, because I only been here a year. I attended NOEW right after we moved into the area. I was so impressed with the startups in the area. I told my husband I can definitely build and grow my startup in New Orleans. I believe the culture and vibe of the city creates an ecosystem that inspires innovation.

Tell me about a current goal you are working towards with your company.

We are about to launch our MVP “Learn, Play, Live” which is an adherence app for patients with metobolic disorders such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Our goal is to pilot the app with employees in 30 hospitals in the New Orleans area first then along the gulf coast from Mobile, AL to Lafayette, LA.

What’s a challenge you are currently facing as a company?

Currently we are bootstrapping. Now we are deciding if we should continue bootstrapping or take on investors to scale the company faster.

What has been your proudest moment so far as one of the founders of this company. 

I am not sure if proud is the right word for me. However, one of the greatest moments with Rx Interactive is getting into the VillageX Accelerator by The Idea Village. The support and advice I get from the program is amazing. I also love being around the other entrepreneurs. I can get excited about every company in my cohort. I probably don’t thank them enough, but I really appreciated everyone there.

What’s a fact about yourself that people would be surprised to hear. 

I absolutely hate shopping.