Healthcare
Table of Contents
Healthcare is one of the most essential and impactful spheres throughout our history. Because of its vital role, we create and implement countless technological innovations specifically for it. The latest advancements in software development are no exception. Read our article and gain insights on software development in healthcare, its types and solutions, and what are the trends to follow that lets your medical organization stay competitive.
Healthcare, or medical software development, is the process of building IT solutions for clinical and wellness organizations. Such solutions aim to help healthcare providers digitize certain aspects of their operations for enhanced efficiency and better patient service.
Early medical systems took their roots in the 1960s. It was then when the rise of computing technology happened, and hospitals started to use basic programs for administrative tasks. Several decades later, first-generation Electronic Health Records (EHRs) emerged in the 1980s and they have had a major impact on the way organizations keep track of their patients’ records.
Further technological advancements spinned the wheel of healthcare digitization revolutionizing almost all aspects of health management.
Patient data storage, treatment planning, medication management, and health information exchange — today’s medical software landscape is diverse, with various products and platforms catering to the different needs of the medical treatment industry.
Numbers speak louder than words. The healthcare software market has been experiencing steady growth. It was estimated at $28.66 billion in 2022, and is expected to reach $77.43 billion by 2032. The adoption of EHRs, telehealth and custom telemedicine apps, and other e-helper tools has become crucial for healthcare providers due to the range of benefits it brings to them. Let’s explore the major ones.
With the rise of technology, more people are using digital tools in their everyday lives, and healthcare doesn't want to be left behind. The major advantages that healthcare software brings to organizations include:
In large hospitals and medical centers, where processes are intricate and data management is extensive, software applications help to keep everything in order. Imagine the complexity of coordinating patient care, managing diverse departments, and handling vast data. Modern healthcare software addresses these demands, reducing the need for manual data entry and processing.
Healthcare organizations with complex infrastructure and operating across various facilities rely on software for seamless integration across diverse locations. You can centralize your data management across multiple locations and departments while creating a unified repository for all your patient data, administrative data, and other critical information.
You can manage the complex pharmaceutical supply chain, optimizing inventory control, logistics, and distribution processes. This helps prevent shortages, reduce waste, and enhance overall productivity.
Healthcare software automates routine tasks such as billing, appointment scheduling, and patient communications, allowing staff to focus on patient care. Tools like scheduling software optimize the use of facilities and staff, reducing wait times and improving resource allocation.
As digital transformation has taken up the healthcare sector, paper records have become oblivion. Modern healthcare software ensures accurate and up-to-date patient information, enabling better diagnosis and treatment. Integrated systems allow healthcare providers to share patient data easily, improving coordination across departments and ensuring comprehensive care.
With that being said, medical software lets you keep patient records organized, schedule appointments smoothly, and even handle billing – making life easier for healthcare professionals and patients alike.
Now, let's explore the most popular types of medical software implemented at a large scale in every organization, whether a small local hospital or a large healthcare organization.
The most common types of software development in healthcare are Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems, patient portals, telemedicine apps and platforms, medical billing software, Health Information Exchange (HIE) platforms, and remote patient monitoring systems. Each of these systems is made to serve a particular aspect of the healthcare process.
Electronic Health Records systems are like digital versions of your paper medical charts. ERP's essential function is to centralize a patient's health-related data, store it securely, and provide easy online access for doctors and patients in one system.
EHR app usage reached 89% in hospitals, with the market value of EHRs forecast to reach $47.2 billion by 2027, indicating a widespread integration of digital patient data management.
EHR software functionality:
Digital portals and mobile apps are like personalized healthcare companions for individuals. As a patient, you can view your medical records, schedule appointments, and get in touch with your doctor. For organizations, using patient portal software in their practice is a big step in making healthcare more patient-friendly and efficient.
Patient portal functionality:
Telemedicine has achieved an adoption rate of 80%, emerging as the preferred channel for prescription care and managing minor illnesses in 2022. Telehealth platforms are like virtual clinics, enabling remote consultations and monitoring. A telehealth app will create a personalized and user-friendly virtual experience for your patients that matches your requirements and aligns with your security and regulation standards.
Telehealth app functionality:
Pharmacy management software is an online platform that lets you streamline and optimize the myriad tasks within your pharmacy. It can be anything from inventory tracking and prescription processing to billing and patient information tracking.
Main functionality includes:
Medical CRM software helps healthcare organizations assemble, track, and analyze their customer data. It consolidates patient information from various sources, providing healthcare teams with a comprehensive view of the patient’s medical history, which aids in more informed decision-making. CRMs can provide valuable insights for marketing campaigns, and streamlining the workflow. Overall, such software adds to a better customer experience and satisfaction.
Medical CRM functionality:
HIE platforms are like secure bridges connecting different healthcare systems and helping doctors share information. Only authorized healthcare professionals can access and use it. By having access to a patient's complete health history, doctors can make more informed decisions about their care. For example, they can avoid repeating tests that the patient already had.
HIE functionality:
For keeping tabs on patients' health from a distance, remote patient monitoring solutions are designed to check specific health parameters and provide doctors with real-time data. It's like having a personalized health tracker for each patient.
Functionality:
Software development in healthcare offers a diverse range of features, and the beauty lies in the ability to assemble them by selecting only essential ones for your organization. This modular approach ensures that you can not just address your immediate needs but also plan a roadmap for the future. You can scale seamlessly across departments and enhance different aspects of your healthcare facility.
Healthcare software is a dynamic field. Emerging technologies are rapidly penetrating the healthcare sector, changing the landscape of medical care. So, what IT trends will shape the healthcare software development industry in 2024 and beyond?
AI software is making a significant leap in healthcare bringing in smart chatbots and virtual assistants. Such software tools are gaining popularity, particularly due to effective patient engagement. By 2026, the global healthcare AI market is expected to reach $45.2 billion, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 44.9% from 2021. These AI tools enhance the overall healthcare experience by reducing the burden on administrative staff.
A study by Accenture estimates that AI applications, including Machine Learning (ML), could save the U.S. healthcare economy up to $150 billion annually by 2026. It opens up more opportunities for advanced data analysis and predictive analytics to let doctors foresee patient outcomes and potential health risks. ML algorithms can analyze medical images more accurately and faster than humans which improves diagnostics through image and pattern recognition.
Virtual Reality (VR) assists doctors with medical training through immersive, hands-on experiences without the risks associated with real-life training. In therapeutic settings, VR is proving beneficial in pain management and rehabilitation. By 2032, the global market for VR in healthcare is projected to reach $ 38.46 billion, highlighting its growing importance.
Augmented Reality (AR) is another trend gaining traction, particularly in enhancing the experiences of healthcare professionals and patients alike. AR apps find their application in surgery assistance and patient education where digital objects are overlaid onto the real-world settings to visualize procedures, treatment outcomes, and before-after results.
Telemedicine has seen unprecedented growth, especially post-pandemic. Both healthcare providers and patients recognize its benefits, such as time savings and better engagement when an in-person visit is not an option. According to McKinsey, telehealth utilization has stabilized at levels 38 times higher than before the pandemic. This trend is likely to continue as telemedicine platforms become more feature-rich.
The concept of personalized medicine is on the rise. By analyzing patient data, including genetic information, healthcare providers can offer treatments specifically designed for an individual’s unique biology. This approach improves the effectiveness of treatments and reduces the risk of adverse effects. The market stats prove that. The personalized medicine market is expected to grow to $112.8 billion by 2026, driven by advancements in genomics and biotechnology.
3D printing is another technology making waves in healthcare, particularly in medical training. This technology allows for the creation of highly accurate anatomical models for training, as well as custom-made prosthetics that improve patient comfort and functionality.
All these trends illustrate how healthcare software uses emerging technologies to constantly improve how we see medical care. From pioneers developing and testing these breakthrough solutions to early adopters starting to implement them in real practice, it’s a matter of time before we expect their mass application of new healthcare software on the governmental level.
If your healthcare company is looking for a healthcare software development company, then NEKLO is the right choice. Whether you're a large hospital with intricate processes, a specialized clinic with specific requirements, or a health system managing multiple facilities, we can ensure a solution tailored to fit your requirements and goals.
We can help you develop software for your healthcare organization that runs on the web in your browser or on mobile. Mobile app development is our area of expertise with native iOS and Android or cross-platform React Native, Flutter, and Xamarin stack.
US-based and operating globally, NEKLO spearheads digital transformation initiatives for businesses worldwide. We deliver software solutions complying with your market and legislation.
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