Tag: Integrated Healthcare Software

Healthcare Software Product Development

Top Challenges and Their Solutions in Healthcare Software Product Development

Posted on | by Ami Kothari

The healthcare industry has seen incredible transformation since the rise of technology. Be it through devices that aid in medical procedures or software that streamline healthcare workflow, a lot has happened in a matter of decades.

But has it been an easy journey? 

The healthcare sector has been notorious for being slow to accept technology into its folds. It is understandable as numerous challenges come in the way. The nature of the healthcare industry does not allow the luxury of choosing novelty over efficiency. 

But we have advanced so much that we can now provide the best ways to overcome these challenges. 

In this article, we discuss some of the challenges faced in healthcare software product development. Our experts also offer the best solutions that can help fix the issue. 

#1 Navigating the World of Compliance and Regulations in Healthcare Software Development

Challenge

Managing the complex regulatory landscape of healthcare is not easy. It involves understanding and adhering to numerous medical regulations. It is easily one of the biggest challenges faced in healthcare software product development. 

Different regions have different laws and standards that govern the privacy, security, and quality of healthcare data and software. For example, in the US, there is the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), while in the EU, there is the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Failing to comply with these regulations can result in hefty fines, legal actions, and reputational damage.

Medical software development teams often face the challenge of tackling these healthcare regulatory compliances. 

Solution

To overcome this challenge, the healthcare software development team needs to engage in continuous learning, keeping up with ever-changing regulations and best practices. They also need to work with experts who understand the healthcare application categories and regional requirements, such as medical device classification, data protection, and clinical validation. 

Moreover, they need to adopt standards like HL7 FHIR, MedMij, and DICOM to ease the compliance process and ensure interoperability with other systems. These standards provide a common framework for exchanging, storing, and processing healthcare information.

#2 Care Mobility and Scalability in Healthcare Software

Challenge

Adapting to the rapidly changing expectations of patients and healthcare professionals is another challenge faced in healthcare software product development. Patients want to access their health information and services anytime, anywhere, and on any device. 

Healthcare professionals want to use software that is compatible across devices and platforms. It should also have the ability to scale up or down as needed.

However, developing software that can meet these demands is not easy. It requires considering various factors. These include user interface design, performance optimization, data synchronization, security, and compatibility. It also requires testing the software on different devices and platforms, and ensuring that it can handle varying loads and traffic.

Solution

To overcome this challenge, healthcare developers need to focus on cross-platform applications and Progressive Web Apps (PWAs). PWAs can provide a seamless user experience regardless of the device or platform. Cross-platform applications are those that can run on multiple operating systems, such as Windows, iOS, Android, etc. PWAs are web applications that can be installed on the user’s device and offer features such as offline access, push notifications, and fast loading.

By using these technologies, healthcare software developers can ensure that their software is accessible, responsive, reliable, and scalable. They can also reduce the development time and cost by using a single codebase for multiple platforms.

#3 UI/UX Design in Healthcare Product 

Challenge

Designing healthcare apps is used by all kinds of people. It has to be genuinely helpful, responsive, and have an intuitive UI/UX design. This is oftentimes another challenge faced in healthcare software product development. 

Many healthcare apps fail to address the real needs and preferences of patients, such as convenience, accessibility, personalization, and engagement. They also fail to provide a user-friendly and attractive interface that can enhance the user experience and satisfaction.

Solution

To overcome this challenge, healthcare app and software developers need to integrate interactive communication tools, such as video conferencing, online appointments, and voice chats. It should be able to enable better communication and collaboration between patients and healthcare professionals. 

They also need to continually refine the healthcare UI/UX design by collecting feedback from both patients and healthcare professionals and applying user-centric design principles and best practices. By doing so, they can ensure that their healthcare apps are helpful, engaging, and easy to use.

#4 Privacy and The Risk of Medical Data Breaches in Software Development

Challenge

There is a lot of sensitive data involved in the healthcare industry. Ensuring the utmost security and privacy of critical medical data is another challenge faced in healthcare software product development. Medical data is highly sensitive and personal, and it can be subject to various threats, such as cyberattacks, data breaches, unauthorized access, and misuse. 

These threats can compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of medical data, and cause serious harm to patients and healthcare organizations.

Solution

To overcome this challenge, the healthcare IT expert team needs to implement comprehensive security measures, from the interface level to deeper layers. They need to employ multi-factor authentication, automatic log-offs, and data encryption. One can also integrate seamlessly with systems like HIS, RIS, and PACS for secure medical data access. 

They also need to follow the best practices and standards for data protection and security, such as HIPAA, GDPR, ISO 27001, etc. By doing so, they can ensure that their healthcare software is secure, compliant, and trustworthy.

#5 Specific Customization Needs for Healthcare Software 

Challenge

Every healthcare provider has unique requirements. Standard software rarely cuts it. Healthcare providers have different workflows, processes, policies, and preferences that need to be reflected in their software solutions. Standard software might not be able to accommodate these specific needs. This is a major challenge that can result in inefficiency, frustration, and dissatisfaction.

Solution

To overcome this challenge, custom healthcare software developers need to collaborate with business analysts experienced in eHealth projects. By understanding the specific needs of each healthcare provider, developers can tailor software solutions that meet their expectations and requirements. 

Customized healthcare software solutions can result in more effective medical software development, as they can improve functionality, usability, performance, and compatibility. They can also provide a competitive edge and a unique value proposition for healthcare providers.

#6 Data Integration in Health Software Product Development

Challenge

There are a lot of types of data sources in healthcare facilities. It can lead to integration issues. 

Healthcare data can come from various sources, such as electronic health records (EHRs), laboratory information systems (LISs), medical imaging systems, wearable devices, and mobile apps. These data sources can have different formats, standards, and protocols, making it difficult to integrate and synchronize them. 

Data integration issues can affect the quality, accuracy, and completeness of healthcare data, and hamper the decision-making and coordination of care.

Solution

To overcome this challenge, health tech developers need to prioritize the development of software that offers seamless integration and synchronization across different systems. They need to use common data models, formats, and standards, such as HL7 FHIR, MedMij, and DICOM, to facilitate data exchange and interoperability. They also need to emphasize the advantages of medical device software that can reduce errors and ensure real-time monitoring.

In a Nutshell

There are numerous challenges in the world of medical software product development. But in the hands of an expert, these challenges can be deftly overcome. If you are in the process of custom healthcare software development for your healthcare facility, we hope reading this blog will give you some direction on identifying the key obstacles in your way and what you can do to overcome them. 

The better way to do it is to hire experts who can handle this from start to finish. At EMed HealthTech, we have been the preferred healthcare software development partner of many organizations and startups. With our end-to-end services and custom approach, we can bring your software product to life. Get in touch with us today to discuss your project!

Top-5-Reasons-to-Develop-A-Telemedicine-App

Top 10 Reasons to Develop a Telemedicine App

Posted on | by Ami Kothari

The concept of telemedicine apps has been around for a long time. The COVID pandemic forced us to resort to telemedicine out of the restrictions imposed on movement. It has highlighted the need to integrate a functional telemedicine system that runs alongside regular healthcare.

Connecting patients and healthcare providers via technology are being increasingly implemented worldwide post COVID. The onset of COVID also warmed up the users to the benefits of telemedicine. Post-COVID, there has been a stark increase in the number of virtual consultations via doctor appointment booking apps. Studies show that there has been a triple increase in the investment made to telemedicine in 2020 than it had in 2017.

It is an area that has the potential to change the way we see medical care. Here is all you need to know about telemedicine, its implementation via telemedicine app, why you should invest in it, and the challenges faced in the process.

What is a Telemedicine App?

telemedicine

A telemedicine app is a software that functions as a platform to avail various healthcare services. It serves the patients to determine the nature of their ailment, find the apt healthcare provider, and provide virtual consultation, and follow-ups. It is also an avenue to cater to pharmaceutical needs, and avail services of testing and lab facilities.

Telemedicine apps also provide the platform for healthcare providers to connect to patients, organize data and schedules, manage visits, and more.

It is a holistic platform that has a wide range of functions. When developed properly, telemedicine software can create the ideal network of healthcare providers and patients. The healthcare industry is adopting this technology to enmesh its services with the needs of the day.

If COVID showed us telemedicine was indispensable, we are making a stronger case for it. Here are some very compelling reasons why you should be investing in a telemedicine app today

1. Better access to healthcare: Healthcare has often been inaccessible to people who live in rural areas. Sometimes a specialist we need is not available in a country. This challenge of distance and access is neutralized when there is a virtual set-up that enables the meeting of people from whichever corner of the world.

2. Maintain social distance: This is the first and foremost reason telemedicine was popular during the COVID pandemic. It serves the purpose later too, as contagious diseases will spread less when more and more people opt for virtual consultations.

3. Steady care for chronic health issues: Patients who battle chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart diseases, or lifestyle diseases need not travel to the doctor for every consultation. A virtual care system enables the patient to stay in the comfort of their home.

4. Reduces patient waiting time: Access to healthcare is hindered majorly by waiting time. The availability of doctors in a particular area, the number of patients seeking the same doctor, and the lack of a proper system in place contribute to the cause of the patient.

5. Lower treatment costs: The cost of the treatment is seen to be significantly lower when it comes to virtual care. This applies to both the hospital and the patient. The hospital could save up to $24 per patient and the patient saved an average of $50 in travel expenses, a study showed.

6. Gain an edge over competitors: The telemedicine system allows healthcare providers to have an advantage over their competitors who have not adopted the technology. It also gives them access to patients who would choose a remote consultation over being physically present for one.

7. Save infrastructure costs: The first advantage of a virtual care system is to be free of infrastructure costs. Compared to the hefty architectural investment required, a telemedicine app development costs significantly less. This automatically makes healthcare more affordable.

8. Balances the doctor-patient ratio: One of the biggest advantages of telemedicine is how it negates geographical barriers to bringing services to customers. While a particular place may be constrained due to the lack of doctors in proportion to patients, another place may have an abundance.

9. Access to healthcare during epidemics/disasters: Telemedicine proved to be the best option to cater to the healthcare industry during the COVID pandemic. If this proves anything, it is that telemedicine is the most effective form of providing medical service during times of such crisis.

10. The advantage of technology: A telemedicine system puts the doctor and patient in a position where they can use technology to their benefit. For example, the doctor can refer to biometric readings taken from wearable techs to monitor the health of the patient.

To know more about how to develop telemedicine apps check out this link.

Telemedicine App Development Challenges

The world of telemedicine is a sophisticated one that focuses on making accessibility easier. However, it is not one without challenges. It has its unique challenges. Here are some of them.

features-telemedicine

1. Glitch-free UI/UX: The healthcare industry has no room for error as it could prove even fatal. A telemedicine app has to remain glitch-free and very user-friendly. The patient and the doctor must be able to navigate the app with the least difficulty.

2. Two separate apps: A telemedicine app has two significant users – the doctors and the patients. Both users have different apps. These call for two separate fronts that are integrated seamlessly.

3. iOS and Android Native Apps: Telemedicine apps must be designed to be compatible with iOS and Android OSes. This requires a larger development team.

4. Data Security: The data shared via a telemedicine app is sensitive and confidential. It requires high-level security from being leaked by hackers.

Take Advantage of High-Quality Telemedicine App Development

Creating a telemedicine app has its benefits and small challenges. But in the end, it benefits all. It creates a world of equal access and opportunity. If you are convinced that you need to create an impeccably designed telemedicine app, look no further than EMed HealthTech.

At EMed HealthTech, we deliver quality healthcare software services and solutions to all your needs, garnering the trust of the healthcare industry. Choose EMed HealthTech for your telemedicine app development services. Reach out to us today for a custom quote.

 

All You Need to Know About Integrated Healthcare Software

All You Need to Know About Integrated Healthcare Solutions

Posted on | by site_admin

If COVID was a challenging time for us, we proved we were quick to adapt. We saw our basic needs met with the help of technology. Things we would have thought impossible are now the norm. If visiting a doctor was once a task, it is now accessible from the comfort of your home via virtual consultation. Running for the pharmacy could have been difficult, but we saw efficient delivery systems come into place. Relying on technology to help us through the pandemic. But what about in the long run? This is where integrated healthcare solutions come into play. Let’s explore how.

The adoption of technology in the healthcare sector has spiked over the last couple of years, thanks to COVID. A 2021 study by Accenture in the United States shows that 26% of people found their access to healthcare has improved since the pandemic.

The Challenges in Healthcare’s Tech Adoption

The quick shift to virtual care during the pandemic saw a great tide of digital adoption in healthcare. But is the tide retreating as the pandemic has subsided? The same Accenture study points out that the shift to virtual care has reduced since life went back to normal despite virtual care’s increasing accessibility.

One of the reasons is the lack of awareness and trust on the part of the healthcare providers and patients.

Another big reason has been the disconnected way of technology adoption among hospitals and healthcare providers. Often their operations are split between legacy systems and other technology platforms, resulting in a fragmented approach. Managing a bunch of systems that are different from each other is not just tedious and time-consuming but also leads to stress and burnout among healthcare providers. The answer to these problems lies in integrated healthcare solutions.

What is Healthcare Integration Solutions?

Healthcare integration aims to use the available resources to efficiently deliver healthcare services, enable effective communication between different systems of healthcare, and incorporate standardized protocols to ensure its overall smooth functioning. It prioritizes giving the best possible care to the patient, increasing the quality of the overall experience and thus getting better outcomes. It also helps the patient have a smooth transition through the healthcare system. When all of these tasks are aided by technology, it leads to affordable healthcare solutions. An integrated healthcare solution combines the functions of several distinctive applications such as online pharmacy, Telemedicine, and Diagnostics lab app to create a holistic and all-inclusive environment. 

The Need for an Integrated Health Care System

As mentioned earlier, technology has been used on different fronts of the healthcare system. Be it billing, management, EHR, pharmacy, or marketing, there is a large amount of data generated at each front. However, there exists a communication gap between these different fronts. The data is siloed and not put to good use.

The cost of disparate systems thus refers to the shortfalls or risks the industry has to face due to a system of unconnected tools. Data security risks, inefficient workflows, and overly complicated IT management are some of the issues faced today.

With well-designed integrated healthcare solutions, these obstacles can be knocked down to bring in true interoperability. Healthcare leaders working with supply chain teams can help cleanse and standardize data to ensure efficient data management. It can also lead to a seamless customer experience and an advantage over competitors. It is safe to say that an integrated health solution is no longer a luxury for modern healthcare companies, but a necessity.

Features of a Good healthcare Integration Software

Integrated health solutions are based on collaboration and communication. Addressing the needs of patients is at the center, with benefits to the healthcare providers as well. Let us look at some of the defining features you can expect from good healthcare medical solutions.

Healthcare integration solutions require features that enable the functioning of pharmacy, lab, and telemedicine, as well as business expansion. A good healthcare system that is built around customer convenience will have five panels. They are:

  1. Patient Panel
  2. Pharmacy Panel
  3. Doctor Panel
  4. Lab Panel
  5. Super Admin Panel

Let’s look at what features each panel has.

1. Patient Panel

This is the part of the software that is visible to the patients. The user interface contains the different operations such as:

  1. Search doctors based on the different parameters like specialty and charges before fixing a consultation
  2. Book a video consultation at a convenient time with a doctor of choice
  3. Super fast search without browsing the whole catalog or search via voice command
  4. Return partial or full order according to the requirement and ask for a refund
  5. Search and book lab tests or packages according to the test name or category and book a sample collection from home or an appointment.
  6. Option to book a Home visit or clinic visit with ease and manage appointments

2.  Pharmacy Panel

The pharmacy wing of the healthcare facility uses this part of the app where they can take care of transactions relating to the pharmacy.

  1. An abandoned cart report lets you follow up on items with added discount
  2. Order return or refund and directly transact the money to the customer
  3. Manage orders by assigning orders to pharmacists and tracking order status
  4. Create multiple sub-admins with restricted access for better management
  5. Simple and clickable banners for higher engagement and click-through rate
  6. Reports and analytics for insights on customer spending patterns, pharmacy performance, product performance, and more

 

3. Doctor Panel

This part is the user interface for doctors, where they can carry out day-to-day activities.

  1. Manage profile with details like qualification, specialty, awards, and clinic details
  2. Update availability schedule standard availability time or manually change
  3. Detailed Dashboard with details on appointments, follow-ups, and consultation
  4. Cancel the appointment with reason and the patient will be notified immediately
  5. Create and share medicine order for patient use
  6. Notifications for new appointments, follow-ups, and consultations

 

4. Lab Panel

The lab panel is designed for the use of lab admins who head the activities.

  1. Content Management of test fees, lab profiles, test requirements, and services
  2. Manage multiple Labs from a centralized location
  3. Dashboard for a better view of all bookings including scheduled and canceled
  4. Manage packages and modify them to cater to the customer
  5. Reports and analytics with insights on lab performance, customer purchase patterns, and product performance.
  6. Simple and clickable banners to improve click-through rates and engagement.

 

5. Super Admin Panel

This is managed by the administrative office of a healthcare system giving them overall visibility and control.

  1. Manage doctors and lab from a single dashboard
  2. Manage lab tests and packages, and combine them according to customer needs
  3. Manage multiple pharmacies for smooth handling of all facilities
  4. Manage products, modify or promote products for better sales
  5. Manage orders, track orders and solve order-related queries
  6. Get a better view at a glance of follow-ups, consultations, history, and other details.

Final Thoughts

Integrated health solutions are the most logical way forward for modern medicine. It incorporates the best technology to give the user and customer satisfaction. If you are convinced that your healthcare facility can benefit from using feature-rich integrated healthcare solutions, EMed HealthTech is your perfect choice.

At EMed HealthTech, we build custom all-in-one integrated healthcare platforms, which include telemedicine apps, online pharmacy, and diagnostic lab apps along with an array of features tailored to meet your business needs.

If you’re ready to enhance your business with world-class integrated healthcare solutions, get in touch with us for a custom quote today!