The healthcare software market has been booming over the past few years, and it’s still evolving at a magnificent rate as more and more technologies are developing.
The industry is diverse, with specialists focusing on everything from electronic health records (EHR) to treatment systems, billing services, and patient monitoring devices.
By 2023, the demand for healthcare software development will be larger than ever, but it’s not easy to get into the industry or create successful software solutions; competition will still be fierce, and newcomers will have to work hard to stay ahead of competitors.
“Technology-driven innovations in healthcare will have the great potential to significantly enhance patient care, make it possible to deliver more convenient and personal care, and generate annual revenues from $350 billion to 410 billion dollars. Additionally, the telemedicine market is predicted to exceed $130.5 billion by 2025 and even higher in the future.”
If you want to stay up to date on the latest trends in the healthcare software product development industry or wish to venture into it, this post is a must-read for you!
This guide explores today’s healthcare software development industry and offers a peek into what is expected in 2023.
Table of Contents
Healthcare Software Development – An Overview
In the past decade, healthcare has been one of the fastest-growing industries in the world. Healthcare software is getting more and more complex as technology continues to evolve.
As healthcare software development is at the forefront of this change, the software development industry is growing rapidly, with an average growth of 8% year-over-year.
We expect this industry to grow exponentially in the next five years as healthcare professionals and patients widely adopt the technology. Healthcare software developers are in demand as more and more hospitals and clinics upgrade their systems to comply with the latest digital standards.
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Types Of Software Development In Healthcare
With the healthcare industry relying increasingly on data and technology, hospital software development will continue to be in high demand. In the following section, we’ll explore the different types of software development in healthcare that are evolving to satisfy the demands of an ever-changing industry.
Medical Practice Management Software
We all acknowledge the increasing need to provide cost-effective care. It is especially true in an era where the population is rising and people are living longer, so it’s essential to ensure our resources are spent as efficiently as possible.
The trend of analog to digital transformation has created a need for medical practice management software that can help doctors, nurses, and other care providers better manage their workflows.
Also Read: Digital Transformation in Healthcare
Medical Practice Management (MPM) software can help as it is designed to streamline tasks and connect providers with patients using information systems and patient management tools.
Medical Practice Management Software manages patients’ records, appointments, finances, and accounts.
Electronic Health Record Software
Healthcare providers are demanding better and more efficient software solutions to help improve patient care. Electronic Health Records (EHRs) and other types of software can play an integral role in this process.
Electronic health record (EHR) software is a system that keeps track of a patient’s medical history and treatment. It can also be integrated to manage other aspects of the healthcare process, like billing and staffing.
For example, the implementation of EHRs has been shown to improve the quality of care by helping clinicians get a complete picture of their patients with just one click. In addition, these solutions can help reduce medical errors by making it easier for clinicians to access vital information at any given time and location.
Some EHRs are standalone systems with their databases, while others share information with other programs, such as laboratory or pharmacy management systems.
E-Prescribing Software
As the electronic medical records industry continues to grow, so does the need for E-Prescribing software.
These systems can also transmit medical records, lab test results, and other information. Additionally, e-prescribing software may include the ability to sign all documents electronically with digital signatures.
Electronic prescribing software has a lot of benefits, but it also comes with challenges, such as technical support and workflow challenges.
The approach is much more efficient than previous methods of filling prescriptions and reduces paperwork for pharmacies. Moreover, it allows pharmacists to access medication history without contacting the physician or waiting for an office visit.
With e-prescription software, pharmacists can also track what medications have been prescribed and when patients last took them.
Urgent Care
Smartphone adoption is rising, and many healthcare providers are now turning to digital platforms. Urgent care software is one of the more popular digital initiatives with several advantages over traditional methods.
These services are experiencing a significant rise in demand, and also the number of urgent care centers is increasing to meet the demand. It has created a need for urgent care software that can be accessed across multiple locations.
Urgent care software is useful for all staff members, from doctors and nurses to office staff and technicians. It should have features that allow for better communication with patients.
Mobile apps and web-based systems enable patients to take advantage of digital appointment scheduling, extended hours, and remote monitoring.
Hospital Management Software
A hospital management software is a system that automates a hospital’s or other healthcare facility’s administrative and clinical processes.
Hospital management software streamlines workflows, increases productivity, reduces errors, improves data quality, and increases patient safety. With its implementation, hospitals can focus more on providing care to patients and managing their facilities rather than manually managing paperwork and updating records.
The software can be configured as a stand-alone or integrated system with other hospital systems and functions such as registration, billing, lab management, and reporting.
The software collects data from various sources, including patient records and financials. This data is then processed by algorithms to generate analytics that enables staff to make better quality improvement and cost reduction decisions.
Healthcare CRM
Creating a software package to streamline your company’s workflow is an excellent way to enhance productivity and provide your clients with a better experience. An example of this type of software would be a CRM system, which is intended to keep track of customer information and interactions.
It enables healthcare providers to gain more insight into who their customers are, what they need, and how they can be helped.
Leveraging the power of a Healthcare CRM makes the healthcare industry more efficient and effective – staff can better coordinate all aspects of their jobs, from scheduling appointments to following up with patients. Eventually, they are less likely to forget important details or steps.
Read Also: RPA in Healthcare Industry: Applications, Use Cases and Benefits
Custom Software Development for Healthcare
Custom software development is the latest approach to designing, coding, and testing a new software program to meet an organization’s specific needs. It is much faster than buying off-the-shelf programs and can be more cost-effective. And the best part is customizing healthcare software to suit the industry’s requirements.
With this type of customized healthcare software development, healthcare providers receive a product tailored to their business needs. And with an expert team on board, you can get started asap! You can hire software developers from a reputed development firm for a smooth hospital software development process!
Significant benefits of custom software development for the healthcare sector:
- The software will be tailored to your specific needs. Such customization will make the software better suited to your practices and more efficient, saving you time and money in the long run.
- It’s scalable. Systems can be updated without purchasing new software or adding more equipment.
- It’s reliable. There are fewer chances of failure and cyber attacks because there are fewer bugs in the code.
Nearshore Software Development for Healthcare
Software development is a critical component of the success and growth of healthcare organizations. It can also be one of the most costly parts of operations if not appropriately managed. Nearshore software development is a new way to improve efficiency and productivity within the healthcare industry.
A nearshore model offers several benefits as compared to traditional offshore software development models.
Nearshore development is typically less expensive than an offshore or on-site model because wages, taxes, and other expenses are lower in Eastern Europe or Southeast Asia than in Western countries like the U.S., Canada, Australia, etc.
You may want to consider some benefits of nearshore software development.
- The first benefit is that nearshore development is less expensive. The company can save money by outsourcing the work overseas.
- The nearshore development has an impressive turnaround time. Medical software developers in nearshore teams deliver new products every 6 weeks, three times faster than offshore teams’ typical 12-week turnaround time.
- Better communication. You won’t encounter extreme cultural differences, and language issues as the nearshore destination is geographically close to your region.
Why does the Healthcare Industry need Software Development?
Healthcare in the 21st century has changed drastically. With the rise of social media, online retailers, and modern technology, patients are now living longer and are more involved in their own healthcare than ever before.
In 2019, the global digital health market was worth $175 billion, and by 2025, it is expected to reach $660 billion.
According to Statista, investor interest in the digital health industry has significantly increased, with an estimated US $21 billion in 2020; however, in 2010, only 1 billion dollars were invested in this sector.
There are many reasons why the healthcare industry relies heavily on software and technology to operate efficiently and effectively.
Check out the most common ones and why it’s time to bring software development in-house.
Lower Costs
One of the essential reasons is cost savings. The software helps to reduce costs by decreasing medical errors and improving efficiency. If a doctor or nurse has a question about a patient’s medication, they can look up information from their computer instead of having to page someone else in the hospital. It not only saves time but also reduces staff workload and lowers costs.
Boost Revenues
The healthcare industry is booming, with over $3 trillion in annual revenue. But providers are struggling to survive due to the increasing population, high costs, and a lack of affordable care options. One way they can increase revenues is by using software that automates their processes and empowers employees to become more efficient.
Improve Patient Relationships
Technology has improved our living standards in so many ways, and there’s no better example of this than how it’s improved patient care. With an electronic medical record (EMR) system, doctors and nurses can quickly review a patient’s history, allergies, and medications, which is a much better alternative to flipping through pages of paper charts.
In addition to getting faster access to this valuable information, EMR systems allow nurses to spend more time with patients because they no longer have to enter the data manually.
Modernize Business Practices
In order to take advantage of the digital revolution, the healthcare industry needs software development. Software development can modernize business practices and make many processes more efficient, which will, in turn, improvise the quality of care for patients and save money for hospitals.
Better Efficiency
Healthcare providers are always looking for ways to improve efficiency. With doctors and nurses spending more time on administrative tasks than patient care, software development can help simplify day-to-day operations. For example, an integrated scheduling system can help reduce wasted time and make it easier for healthcare employees to work together.
“Traditionally, remote monitoring is seen as a short-to-medium term adjunct to regular care to empower patients for self-management following hospitalization. Long-term use is not usually feasible due to cost. However, based on our findings, we speculate that increasing the duration of the program to enable patients to develop self-competency may improve outcomes.”
– Dr. Stephen Agboola, Massachusetts General Hospital
Benefits of Software Development for the Healthcare Industry
Healthcare software has become an integral part of the industry and plays a significant role in managing patient care and operations within the healthcare environment.
From streamlining operations to making services more accessible, software for the healthcare industry offer multiple advantages.
Let’s explore the five main benefits of software development that healthcare professionals should be aware of regarding organizational success and patients’ well-being.
Improves Quality
Software development in healthcare can improve quality by streamlining processes, increasing efficiency, and improving patient outcomes. It does this by providing a better understanding and care to patients and helping eliminate errors made during medical procedures. It provides a consistent interface that is less prone to misinterpretation.
Reduces Risk of Medical Errors
By using algorithms to detect and prevent mistakes that humans often make, healthcare software product development helps to mitigate the risk of errors and improve patient outcomes. With the help of software for the healthcare industry, healthcare professionals can manage complex processes, such as medication management and clinical decision-making, with greater confidence and accuracy.
There are currently over 250,000 people who die each year due to medical errors illustrating how essential it is to have accurate and reliable records. One way software can help reduce medical errors is through electronic health records (EHR), which help track patients’ hospitalization and treatments.
Improves Accessibility
With an increasing number of patients, healthcare providers are looking for innovative ways to improve accessibility. The problem is that as demand increases, so does the staff workload. That’s where software development steps in.
Healthcare providers can access records from any location with medical records and patient information stored on a remote server. The software makes tracking information in urgent situations much more accessible and reduces the chances that crucial data will be lost in transit.
Saves Time & Money
Software is a powerful tool that can help reduce costs and improve efficiency in many hospital areas, such as billing and patient care. One way this happens is through automation. Automation allows us to turn manual processes into automated ones, saving on costs and time spent on those tasks. With technology advancing rapidly, it’s become even more essential to invest in software development.
Increases Collaboration
One way that software development can increase collaboration is by allowing team members to work remotely.
It can help to improve communication in a healthcare setting. With software designed to be intuitive and easy to use, it becomes easier for staff members without expertise in a particular field to understand and contribute. It leads to more collaboration between different groups and departments, improving patient outcomes.
Key Features of Healthcare Software Development
For many healthcare businesses, the software is essential in day-to-day operations, from patient and medical staff management to supply chain and inventory tracking.
Healthcare software developers have developed hundreds of programs that can streamline emergency response procedures or keep detailed records of controlled medications. But they are not all equal.
Check out the eight key features of Healthcare Software Development that you should consider when considering which companies and partners to work with in your next project.
Tracking System
Regarding the healthcare industry, accurate data can be a matter of life or death. Any software development you choose for your project must have a robust tracking system. It will allow you to keep track of all the different types and levels of data collected throughout the process.
Having an automated system also means less staff is required for administrative tasks like entering data or retrieving reports, which frees up valuable time for other things.
EHR Integration
EHR integration is the backbone of a successful healthcare software system. When an organization’s backend systems, such as the EHR, are integrated with the front-end software solution, data can be accessed seamlessly and quickly by all stakeholders in the healthcare process. The seamless integration also helps reduce data entry errors and improves patient care.
Reminders & Scheduling
In the healthcare industry, patients must get reminders about upcoming appointments. It can be challenging for nurses and physicians to manage their time, so having software that can help them schedule appointments and find an open spot at the right time is a great asset.
The software should also have reminders for upcoming events and tasks that need attention. For example, if someone has an appointment in five minutes, the app might remind him with a notification or sound.
Physician Information
A physician information system includes a variety of functions, including patient registration and scheduling, medical records management, billing, and clinical documentation.
It also provides integration with outside systems such as electronic health records (EHRs), laboratory systems, radiology systems, pharmacy management systems, hospital information systems (HIS), and more. The feature is designed for healthcare providers in the clinic setting or hospital environment.
Electronic Medical Records (EMR) Integration
Electronic Medical Records (EMR) are a way to store medical information digitally. EMRs allow doctors and other healthcare providers to access a patient’s medical history quickly and easily, saving time, money, and lives. They also make it easier for patients to manage their personal health care by giving them easy access to their records.
“In 10 years the electronic medical record will be the minor player, in terms of where a person’s health history lives. Most of that information will be kept on the phone or in a secure cloud, and the patient will be highly engaged with collecting, curating and sharing that data. Most doctor visits will be like calling up a YouTube meets virtual human docs and there will also be an aspect of virtual reality.”
– Leslie Saxon
Social Media Log-In
Having a login system is vital for any healthcare software, but it’s essential for the ones that are meant for use on multiple devices.
For example, if an app is available on Android and iOS, there should be an option where people can log in or sign in using an email address or Google account. In this way, people don’t have to create an entirely new account just because they’re switching from one device to another.
Patient Dashboard
A patient dashboard is a web-based interface for patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers that provides a centralized view of the patient’s health. It can be used by patients to see lab results, schedule appointments, and monitor their health and by caregivers to track their loved ones.
Patients should be able to access their own data and share it with family members and care providers. The dashboard should also provide an easy way for providers to input information about prescriptions or other treatments.
Easy Patient Registration
Ease the burden on staff members by implementing a patient registration system that provides information about a patient’s health history and automatically fills out their forms.
Any healthcare software must provide easy and efficient patient registration. It is essential for healthcare providers, as well as patients, who need to be able to register themselves quickly, so they can receive the care they need.
Read Also: Cloud Computing in Healthcare: How is it Impacting the Healthcare Industry?
Top Healthcare Software Development Trends for 2023
If you are willing to develop healthcare software for your business, you should know about the top healthcare software development trends for 2023 today.
Blockchain Technology
Blockchain technology can help with many of the problems that currently exist in healthcare. It is a decentralized digital ledger that records transactions in chronological order and is capable of storing any type of data, making it perfect for keeping track of medical records.
Blockchain offers a secure way of storing sensitive patient data because it creates an unbreakable record of information that cannot be altered. The blockchain network also helps reduce the cost of transactions since third-party intermediaries, such as banks or payment providers, do not need it.
Cloud Technology
Cloud technology has helped the healthcare industry to become more efficient, more collaborative, and more accessible. In a world where time is one of our most precious resources, cloud technology has enabled doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers to work from anywhere with an internet connection.
They can connect to their data and work on it from just about any device – laptop, tablet, or smartphone- making it possible for them to be productive outside of traditional office hours.
IoT Integration
The adoption of the Internet of Things (IoT) is becoming one of the critical healthcare software development trends in the coming years. The IoT trend is expected to gain momentum as more people use and become familiar with IoT devices like smartwatches and fitness trackers.
In turn, this familiarity is expected to lead them to use these devices as a measurement tool for their health, leading them to connect with physicians and other providers who are monitoring their progress.
The market size of the global IoT in the healthcare market will reach $534.3 billion by 2025 and will be increasing at an exponential rate in the coming years. Huge investments in implementing IoT in the healthcare sector are driving the market. Let’s examine the growth of IoT through the US market breakdown:
AI/ML Modules
AI and machine learning modules are becoming more prevalent in the healthcare field. AI is applied to many applications, from diagnosis and treatment plans to surgical assistance and automatic documentation. Technology is helping clinicians find diagnoses faster than ever by using algorithms that can process data much more quickly than humans.
In addition, AI can identify patterns in diseases that humans would never be able to see without spending a lot of effort or time.
Telemedicine
Telemedicine allows patients to connect remotely with their healthcare providers, such as a doctor or nurses. With telemedicine, patients can engage in a video chat with the doctor and get advice on various ailments. They can see them anytime, anywhere.
There are no geographical limitations. The technology is especially useful for patients living in rural areas or far from a hospital or clinic that offers care.
In 2019, the global telemedicine market was $41.4B, and it’s predicted to have a growth of 15.1% by 2027.
Patient-Generated Health Data (PGHD)
Many patients use technology to track their health data, from weight and diet information to symptoms and medication usage. As the amount of PGHD grows, this data becomes an increasingly valuable resource for researchers.
Patient-generated health data is also a boon for clinicians because it provides them with better insight into their patients’ lives and improves their ability to identify at-risk individuals.
PGHD is one of the most important developments in healthcare. Data such as blood pressure, heart rate, and weight are collected at home and synced with their healthcare provider’s software.
“We believe consumer health technologies — apps, wearables, self-diagnosis tools — have the potential to strengthen the patient-physician connection and improve health outcomes.”
– Dr. Glen Stream, Chairman, Family Medicine for America’s Health
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Process of Healthcare Software Development
Healthcare software can be essential to the success of modern healthcare organizations, whether they’re hospitals, clinics, or other facilities. The healthcare software can automate many of the tasks that would typically be performed manually by workers, including scheduling appointments and recording details of patients’ histories and current conditions.
Health software can also help patients better understand their health concerns, providing them with educational tools that are both convenient and reliable. But how does healthcare software get created? What’s involved in the process? Let’s check it out!
Step 1: Requirements Analysis
The first stage of healthcare software development is requirements analysis. In this stage, stakeholders are interviewed and asked what they want in the new software system. It is also where a project plan is created to help determine how much time and resources will be needed to make the desired product.
Some of these questions might include:
- What are we creating?
- What are we hoping it will do?
- How does this compare with what’s out there?
- What key features do you want or need?
Step 2: User Interface Design
The user interface is one of the essential parts of any software. It is how users interact with and control an application, so it must be designed carefully. The user interface also needs to be attractive, intuitive, and straightforward for people to use. When creating a UI for healthcare software, there are additional considerations because doctors and nurses will often use it on their computers in a clinical setting.
Step 3: Risk Assessment
There are many risks in developing healthcare software. Risk assessment is a process where risks are identified and prioritized systematically. Risk assessment takes into account both organizational and technical risks. It also determines how much impact each risk will have on your business.
There are two types of risk assessments: qualitative and quantitative. Qualitative assessments are based on expert opinion, whereas quantitative assessments use objective data for evaluation.
Step 4: Coding and Testing
Coding and testing in healthcare software development involve working with programmers, quality assurance engineers, testers, and subject matter experts to develop a plan for how the software will be created. It is an iterative process that involves a back-and-forth exchange of requirements, design, and code.
Quality assurance engineers ensure that quality standards are met throughout the process. Software testers work to identify errors in code before it is released to consumers. Subject matter experts make sure that coding aligns with established industry practices.
Step 5: Deployment & Training
Deployment and Training are two aspects of our software development life cycle that all healthcare professionals should be aware of. Deployment is when we go live with a new version of our application, and Training is when we train our end-users on the software. These two processes help ensure that our software continues to run smoothly even after new features and functionalities have been added or bugs have been fixed.
“It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.”
– Charles Darwin
Cost of Developing Software in the Medical Industry
Numerous factors determine the price of software in the medical industry, which makes it tricky to give a concrete answer to this question. The cost of developing software in the medical field can range from $50000 to $500000 depending on certain factors, such as the amount of staff required to complete the project and the amount of time spent in development.
Down below, we’ll dwell on these elements, so you can better understand how price is determined.
Collaboration Type
Firstly, it’s essential to figure out what kind of team you want to work with. If you have a lot of resources and enough finance, you can hire a team of employees who will work directly for you. However, finding an outsourcing team of software engineers who will deliver the same software quality at a lower cost is a good choice.
Team Composition
Team size and expertise also influence development costs. The final price may also be affected by various factors, such as the number of employees, their experience and skills, and the technology stack medical software developers us in the project.
Project Complexity
Firstly, the software or medical website you want to create will determine the cost. Second, factors such as the complexity of the design and the number of features you want to include will affect the final budget.
Development Timeline
It is directly related to the complexity of your software development. The more complex your software is, the longer and more expensive your healthcare development project will be.
Team Location
If you outsource your software to an overseas team, the cost will vary depending on their location.
Read Also: Want to Reduce Software Development Costs Without Losing Quality? Here You Go!
Popular Examples of Healthcare Software
Healthcare software development companies are working hard to make the lives of doctors and hospitals easier. In addition to developing standalone software, these businesses also build software that helps healthcare providers stay in touch with each other and connect with their patients.
All of these applications do similar things – but the technology used to create them will vary from company to company based on what type of product it is and who it’s intended for.
Let’s discuss a few famous examples of healthcare software and its functionalities.
Nike Training Club
Nike Training Club provides real-time data on heart rate, distance, pace, time, and calories burned.
Nike Training Club offers guided workouts with audio coaching from Nike’s elite coaches.
Workouts are customizable to fit any skill level or workout length in running or walking.
3D4Medical
3D4Medical Anatomy is an award-winning Windows-based program with more than 400 anatomical structures that students or clinicians can examine to learn about their location, form, and function. It is used in over 1,000 hospitals worldwide.
Fitbit
Founded in 2007, Fitbit’s mission is to help people lead healthier and more active lives. As the world’s leading wearable technology company, Fitbit designs products and experiences that track everyday health and fitness.
By wearing a Fitbit tracker, users can monitor their heart rate, steps taken, and stairs climbed. The tracker also tracks sleep quality and offers insights into an individual’s physical activity levels.
Kareo
A clean and simple interface and a user-friendly dashboard make Kareo one of the best. It is an intuitive, easy-to-navigate system that is perfect for any medical practice looking for an affordable way to streamline their workflow and get paid faster. People can also use it as their own personal health records system too! Kareo is also HIPAA compliant, so the patients’ information is always secure and protected.
AdvancedMD
AdvancedMD is a full-service electronic health record (EHR) system for small and medium-sized physician practices. With AdvancedMD, clinicians can create an accurate, complete, and up-to-date patient record with just the click of a button. Other features include appointment scheduling, billing, and practice management tools.
Cerner
Cerner is the largest EHR system, with over 150 million patients. It offers a full spectrum of services and products, including:
- Clinical systems that help advance patient care across the continuum of care
- IT solutions that improve access to health data and drive sustainable improvements in healthcare quality
- Consulting services and analytics that facilitate better business decisions
- Market-leading information technology (IT) services
Also Read: Essential Features, Benefits, and Top Platforms for Pediatric EHR Spotlight
Headspace
AN advanced app, Headspace, is the best place to start if you’re new to meditation. Headspace has a variety of guided meditations for beginners and seasoned practitioners alike. It’s widely used for stress management, sleep quality, and general mindfulness.
Medisafe
Medisafe application offers the following features:
-Track prescriptions
-Get reminders for prescription refills
-Chat with the doctor or pharmacist
-Get medication reports and safety alerts from healthcare professionals
“In the next 10 years, data science and software will do more for medicine than all of the biological sciences together.”
– Vinod Khosla, Founder of Khosla Ventures
Read Also: Healthcare App Development 2022- Types, Trends, Features, and Cost
How Can We Help You Overcome the Greatest Challenge in a Software Development Project in Healthcare?
We are a leading software development company expert in providing high-quality assistance in designing and developing healthcare software. With our top-notch services, you’ll be provided with a long-lasting and valuable solution that integrates seamlessly into your digital life and effectively handles the information.
We are ready to develop healthcare software solutions for your businesses using the latest technologies like Java, Python, Objective C, and many more that offer multiple high-quality features to the end users.
We have created a smart iOS-based application, Posture Zone, that can detect structural imbalances and asymmetries leading to severe back pain and stress. The application can provide visual evidence of improvement.
Get in touch with us and find out how your business can benefit from the latest healthcare technologies in the long run!
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