Mobile apps are being considered by healthcare organizations to provide superior healthcare software development services across borders. In recent years, mHealth applications have grown in popularity as they redefine healthcare. They are now the key forerunners in extending the reach of the medical and healthcare industry.
According to research, the mHealth market size was estimated at USD 58 billion by 2023. It is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 30% from 2021 to 2030. Statista predicts that mobile health will surpass $189 billion in 2025. We'll explain the benefits of mobile apps in this blog and show you why it is worth investing in providing more patient-centric healthcare. Does that sound good? Let's get started!
What Are Healthcare Mobile Apps?
They enable medical and public healthcare practices to provide innovative and new ways of delivering healthcare outside of traditional care settings. They are also a resource that can be used to improve the productivity of healthcare professionals and patient outcomes.
You can classify them into the following categories:
- Apps that provide clinical reference and diagnostic information: These apps help doctors and practitioners manage their clinical practice and medical exams.
- Telemedicine apps help provide virtual patient care from licensed doctors and practitioners.
- Health management apps: Helps people assess their health conditions, such as diabetes and mental health. They can also check cholesterol levels, heart rate, etc.
- Apps for Wellness & Fitness: These include apps to track nutrition, apps to manage stress, apps for sleep, and apps that can help individuals live healthier lifestyles.
A blog highlights the importance of creating a modern mHealth application to better serve patients. We have made this blog insightful and informative to read.
Benefits Of Healthcare Apps
Mobile health apps are the future of healthcare. Whether you're a patient or a doctor, you will enjoy the countless benefits that they offer in your daily life. Take a closer look at these advantages;
Better Patient Engagement: Quality care and patient safety is more important than ever in today's patient-centric world. MHealth apps help patients get the most out of their healthcare by facilitating communication between providers and patients, providing personalized experiences, and sharing information. Patients can monitor and access their medical records/prescriptions details at home without having to visit the hospital.
Reduce The Risk Of Misdiagnosis: Manually managing patient records (electronic health records) is prone to diagnostic errors and inaccurate data and takes a lot of time. The health apps eliminate all these potential problems that could prove fatal to the patient. The app helps to store a digital report of a patient's medical condition. This helps doctors prescribe the right medication with the correct dosages and chemical compositions. This data is useful in situations where a patient switches from one healthcare provider or clinic to another.
You Can Access Immediate Care Anywhere And Anytime: Mobile health apps allow patients to schedule appointment management, send messages, and connect with care providers 24/7 via telemedicine. To avoid unnecessary offline visits, patients can ask questions via video call, chat, or phone. The process is made super-efficient.
Pay Without Hassle: In the past, dealing with hospital bills was a tedious process that both patients and staff had to go through. People no longer need to stand in long lines for hours just to pay their bills. The app integrates a highly secured payment gateway that allows users to securely make payments instantly with just a few clicks. Apps allow users to select their preferred method of payment, pay online with a debit or credit card and connect (if necessary) to their insurance company.
Prescription Alerts Improved: Many health apps allow you to set up electronic reminders, which alert patients of their upcoming appointments, medication renewals, and other important information. Patients can take more control of their treatment without having to worry about missing therapy sessions. Automated reminders improve the patient experience by eliminating a large portion of repetitive and tedious administrative work.
Enhanced Data Management: Every day, healthcare organizations handle a large amount of personal data. It is important to organize the information properly. Integrating healthcare apps with EHR allows them to automatically collect valuable patient information from wearables or connected devices. It allows healthcare providers to build a complete profile of every patient and be HIPAA compliant.
IoT Implementations Can Enhance Medical Environments: IoT-connected healthcare applications such as wearables like fitness bands and other wirelessly-connected devices like blood-pressure & heart-rate monitors, glucose meters, and more provide real-time monitoring, which allows doctors to collect accurate data about their patients in any location or at any time. Healthcare professionals are increasingly using connected devices to monitor patients' health. These devices include ultrasounds, thermometers, and electrocardiograms. By tracking patients' health data, healthcare professionals can make better decisions about their care. Data collected by IoT devices in healthcare allows doctors to make informed choices and provide exceptional care.
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There Are 5 Ways That Mobile Healthcare Apps Can Enhance The Patient Experience
The hospital used to be a place that was intimidating and uncomfortable for patients. It was difficult to understand treatment options, consult doctors and run around in a stressful environment. The scenario has changed today. Healthcare has begun to focus on digital solutions, which not only transform the patient experience but also improve medication adherence rates and outcomes.
Healthcare professionals are seeking ways to enhance the patient experience by implementing various engagement strategies and meeting the expectations of digitally-savvy patients. Reserchers says that it is time for healthcare facilities' digital strategies to be extended and improved. Report states that the patient experience is a top priority for healthcare providers. Accenture's survey also revealed that 82 per cent of medical professionals consider patient experience and engagement as critical for growth and profit margins.
Making Inroads Into Patient Care
A positive patient experience is dependent on clear communication. By giving patients a greater sense of control, they can also improve their satisfaction and outcomes. Implementing engagement strategies to personalize communication and encourage decision-making can improve the patient's experience. Engaged patients to adhere more to their medication and healthcare regimen. According to research, improving healthcare effectiveness by focusing on the engagement of patients can lead to better outcomes, better experiences, and lower costs.
Access to the appropriate tools and technologies is essential for successful patient engagement. Initiatives in the healthcare sector concentrate on enhancing the patient experience by utilizing mobile apps to give personalized communication. The future of digital healthcare services is mobile apps. It Resercher says that patients want easy-to-use tools from their healthcare providers. Mobile apps can be an effective way to engage and educate patients about their journey.
Here are some key statistics:
- Nearly 93 per cent of healthcare professionals believe that mobile healthcare apps can improve patient outcomes.
- Nearly 89 per cent of doctors will recommend mobile healthcare apps to their patients.
- More than 75% of people are interested in using mobile health apps as long as they meet their needs.
Mobile Apps Improve Patient Experience
The interaction and communication that a mobile health app offers are one of the features most underutilized. Doctors can communicate effectively with their patients using push notifications, feedback in the app, and SMS. To increase patient volume, healthcare facilities can send notifications to patients about upcoming appointments and health camps.
By connecting patients with staff, healthcare facilities can improve patient experience and engagement. Not only will this help patients receive quicker responses, but it will also reduce downtime. Additionally, feedback from within the app can refine what features patients want in a healthcare app. It is a great opportunity to integrate patient feedback into the newly-improved digital experiences to show a hospital's commitment and receptivity to its target customers.
Here are some ways that mobile apps can improve patient experience and engagement:
- Mobile Applications Provide Transparency: From waiting rooms to check-out, apps on mobile devices can guide patients through each step of their journey. Making wait times accessible to patients before entering urgent-care facilities can have a huge impact on their experience and satisfaction. In many hospitals, patient satisfaction surveys have shown that waiting times are a major factor in patient dissatisfaction. In the study, patients also insisted that their doctors keep them updated at all times. Mobile applications are one of the best ways to help patients. Apps can allow patients to choose the closest healthcare facility and the one with the shortest wait time estimate in an emergency.
- They Give Patients Access To Vital Information: Patients are not always given the resources they need safely and efficiently. Your patients may then resort to online sources that are not recommended by their doctors in order to find answers. You can give pregnant mothers booklets on 'what to expect'. These booklets can be helpful to a new mother in the event she has a query, but they are not always readily available. An app could be very useful in this situation. Apps can be a great way to provide instant access for patients when they are in need. One of the key factors to a high score in patient satisfaction is being able to provide answers quickly.
- They Bridge Emotional Gaps: A mobile healthcare app that is intelligently designed can help you bridge emotional gaps between staff and patients. Patients will feel empowered and more connected to their healthcare decisions. Mobile apps allow healthcare providers to improve the overall wellness of their patients without extra effort or time. Patients will also be able to congratulate themselves for their progress by setting healthcare goals and monitoring them.
- The Apps Allow Chronically Ill People To Be In Control Of Their Health: This is one of the main benefits that healthcare apps provide. Chronically ill patients who use healthcare apps can monitor their health and communicate with their doctors about any concerns. Patients can track their progress and set goals for healthcare with an easy-to-use wellness app. It can be beneficial to the patients because they are able to get help sooner. Patients can feel empowered by meeting with healthcare providers. They will understand their condition and the treatment options available.
- They Provide A Digital Experience: You can improve the customer experience by using your healthcare app. Apps can be used to send out updates, such as discounts and new services. You can also arrange free healthcare camps. Apps allow you to send customized messages, like birthday or anniversary discounts or requests for hospital reviews. Apps make it easy to provide great patient service, as you can allow patients to chat with staff members when they encounter a problem. Patients can fill out a feedback form in the app to let you know which features they prefer.
Read More: Artificial Intelligence's Impact on the Health-Care Industry in the Future
Can Apps Help You Provide Healthcare Services?
Apps enable patients and doctors alike to do online consultations, make appointments, and view patient files and history, all at the click of a button. These apps are vital in providing healthcare to many people. This is especially true with the current pandemic that limits visits to local clinics.
Here are some examples of healthcare software development apps that can be used to assist healthcare providers with routine patient care.
- Instant Communication Services: All parties must be able to communicate effectively with each other in order to have a good professional or personal relationship. It is particularly true of healthcare providers and their patients. The patients must be able to communicate quickly and efficiently with their healthcare providers. They can quickly express their fears, concerns and needs and get them addressed. Any mobile application development company will provide a communication app that allows users to communicate effectively.
- Record-Keeping And Privacy: Apps are available from many services that enable the storage of patient data online. Apps for mobile devices allow doctors and patients to access the files immediately. Online patient records may pose privacy issues. These privacy concerns are known to mobile app developers. To protect patient records, they have created mobile apps as well as servers that are equipped with firewalls.
- Emergency Services: Doctors and other healthcare professionals have immediate access to patient records in times of emergencies. In an emergency, for example, it may be necessary to call a doctor immediately to examine the patient. The records of the patient can be sent easily to the doctor through the mobile application. While he is on his way to the hospital, the doctor can check in with the patient. It saves him time and enables him to better explain the patient's situation. Many healthcare providers can benefit from these services. Mobile application development services have been proactive in meeting the need.
- Consultations: A mobile application company that develops applications for healthcare providers can offer a valuable service. Online consultations and booking appointments are included. Video chat and phone calls are available to address minor concerns or illnesses. This service would allow more time to be spent on serious cases in the hospital. Online consultations and scheduling appointments are made easy with an app. This app also reduces human error and makes it easier for patients who are interested to know about the time slots available. Some apps let healthcare providers remind patients of their next appointment.
- Better Transparency of Services: Transparency must be a part of all services to inspire trust. The development of healthcare software is committed to addressing these concerns. The software allows patients to view their medical records as well as the comments made by their doctors. They can take control of their own health. All healthcare providers will be held accountable.
- Artificial Intelligence: AI is being used by companies to improve their products and services. Machine learning and AI are used by mobile app development services to improve the efficiency of their solutions and services. IT-supported health services can improve the user experience as well as provide data.
- Improved Customer Interaction: These apps reduce the need for customers to visit hospitals and doctors to receive every service. These businesses develop mobile apps that are technically superior and lower healthcare costs for customers. Customers are more likely to engage with the software because it is simple to use. IT advancements have enabled people to understand the basics of health care, which is an improvement.
- Placing Online Orders: Many companies offer mobile apps to order medicines online. It has many advantages, such as a reduced consultation fee and time-saving. These IT-powered applications follow medical principles. These apps also handle orders with extra caution because they can be dangerous.
Read More: 5 Ways Big Data is Transforming the Health Care Sector
What Features Do Patients Want In An App?
Mobile apps have brought patient-driven healthcare into a new era. Mobile apps in the wellness sector have grown rapidly over the past few years. There are currently more than 165,000 mobile apps for iOS and Android. Many healthcare facilities are taking note of the fact that patients are interested in apps that promote health and fitness.
App usage data shows an even more depressing pattern. It is odd that patients who had expressed a desire to use wellness and health applications have now shied away from them.
3 Features of Patient Desire in Healthcare Mobile Apps
- You can access your EHR/EMR.
- Book, cancel or reschedule an appointment.
- Refilling prescriptions is possible.
Only 11 percent of hospital applications offer the top three functionalities that patients want - the ability to access medical records, manage appointments and request prescription refills.
The focus of a great healthcare app is on functionality and usability for patients. It may seem simple, but the reality is that existing apps do not consider or apply these two components. Fewer than 2 percent of patients are engaged by mobile apps in most medical facilities.
The good news is that the data collected on app adoption rates and patient preferences has provided developers with a great opportunity to increase usage and adoption. App development can be a challenging process. However, promoting your app is a different battle. It is important to plan carefully before launching your healthcare app. You can advertise your healthcare app more effectively by following these tips:
- Provide patients with the features they want: Robust functionality may not be valuable for your patients. Not because doctors suggest them but because the apps are guaranteed to work. Ideal apps should offer real benefits for patients, whether it's helping them manage chronic diseases or adopting a healthier lifestyle. It is crucial that you clearly define your value proposition and what your app will offer your patients.
- Pay Attention to UI/UX: The time and effort that you put into developing features and functionality for your patients can be wasted if the interface and user experience are not friendly. Patients are used to the user experience of other apps they use, and these expectations translate to healthcare applications. Your app will be successful if patients can find and use features with minimal effort. The amount of time it takes a user to navigate through your app will directly correlate to how frustrated they feel. It is vital that your patients continue to use your app.
- Teach your staff how to drive the adoption of applications: Developing and designing a healthcare application is only half the fight. Although many marketing strategies are available to promote your healthcare app, your doctors and employees may be the most effective in driving adoption. Patients tend to listen when doctors make suggestions. Accenture found that 76 per cent listen to physicians when they recommend a mobile application. Your staff's support will allow you to drive organic adoption and give patients a chance to see the benefits of your app.
- Use Influencer Marketing and Social Networks: You can build a stronger relationship with patients if a well-known doctor or athlete endorses your application. You can get a celebrity to promote your healthcare app. Potential customers will listen to their advice because they trust celebrities when it comes time to try new products. Social networks, in addition to influencer marketing, can be used to drive adoption. It is important to have social tools within your app so that your users can share their accomplishments with their social circles.
Developers. dev's Team Perspective
We assist health startups as well as legacy health organizations in planning, designing & developing robust mobile applications. You may be a health professional, a company that provides healthcare, or launching an app with a large impact. Rishabh is your trusted tech partner for creating immersive healthcare apps that will create a positive experience for both doctors and patients. Learn more about our healthcare software services and how we can build innovative apps for patients, medical professionals, or internal hospital processes.
Success Stories
Case Study: Mobile App For Healthcare Staff Scheduling
Learn how the US healthcare organization, which operates in over 1000 hospitals, teamed up with Developers. dev for the development of a mobile medical staff scheduling application to streamline employee management. The solution is designed to optimize, automate and manage the staff scheduling process across different medical facilities.
Value Delivered:
- Staff schedules are 80% optimized & automated.
- Internal communication improved by 50%.
- Employee engagement and morale increased by 40%.
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Final Words
The rise of mobile apps has been phenomenal in the healthcare sector. Investing in mobile health will boost the revenue and reputation of your medical business. Entry into the mobile medical app market is difficult because it requires a deeper understanding of back-end development standards and security. We hope that you understand and agree with us that health apps are essential for any medical ecosystem in order to better prepare for the future of delivering multidisciplinary and collaborative healthcare services. We can assist healthcare providers who are looking to create a mobile app.
Healthcare IT solutions have seen significant advancements. This technology may raise some safety issues, but it is still relatively new to many countries. Nevertheless, the benefits of this technology outweigh its risks. The mobile app makes it easier to access healthcare services in many parts of the world.
