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Gone are those days when patients had to run towards clinics, hospitals, and healthcare centers for checkups and treatments. Gone are those days when we had to wait in long queues outside hospitals for making an appointment. It is the era of internet and smartphones. Mobile apps are transforming the healthcare sector at a fast pace. But, why does the healthcare industry need mobile apps? How can healthcare mobile app development bring revolutionary change in the entire medical industry?
Need for Healthcare Mobile App Development
Being one of the most vital industries of the modern world, the healthcare sector has come a long way. From chemotherapy sessions to routine checkups, doctors are working hard to save lives. Then why do people need mobile apps when doctors are there to save them?
A recent survey conducted in the US in 2017, shows that 71 percent of adults are willing to use an app for health emergencies. Also, more than 50 percent of patients use one or two health apps to manage their health conditions.
Why are most of the people ready to use mobile apps for emergencies? Why are healthcare mobile app development services, increasing at an exponential rate? Is the healthcare industry incapable of providing the best services without mHealth apps? What are the challenges the industry is facing currently? Let us have a look.
Problem 1: Overloading of Data
Handling, storing and managing innumerable names, medical histories, treatment techniques, and other data is hectic. It gets even worse when the healthcare providers or doctors can’t store and retrieve this information. It can lead to dangerous consequences for both patients and doctors. Mismanaged systems that are overflowing with data can cause a lot of trouble. It can result in missing of diagnosis or even failures in treating patients.
Problem 2: Accessing Medicines and Healthcare at Distance
People from remote areas face problems while accessing healthcare services and medicines. Improving telemedicine is one of the biggest challenges faced by the healthcare industry. A countless number of hindrances have been there in the progress of telemedicine. Video services and wireless connectivity are necessary for today’s 21st century. Reaching remote locations is an obstacle without GPS service. Availability of professionals in different time zones is also vital to aid patients.
Problem 3: Medicine Timetables and Appointments for Patients
Continuous appointments and medicine schedules are a headache for both doctors and patients. The U.S. healthcare system loses more than $150 billion every year. Why? This is only because of the inefficiencies in dealing with patient appointments. Also, health institutions are never serious about chronic patient cancellations or rescheduling. It is a challenging task for healthcare service providers. There are always testing times for healthcare providers to keep up with the responsibilities of patients.
Problem 4: Communicating Information About Patients
Do you know, almost 80 percent of serious medical errors occur because of miscommunication? Misunderstandings between caregivers during the transfer of patients results in serious consequences. This can lead to delays in treatment or increased length of stay in the hospital. In fact, improper communication is a roadblock for the medical industry.
All these problems faced by the healthcare industry are never-ending. Yet, digitalization has been the only helping hand of the healthcare industry.
How are Mobile Apps Revolutionizing the Healthcare Industry?
Thanks to the digital community and healthcare mobile app development services. There are various apps, Cloud-based services, and other AI and IOT technologies now. How are such mobile apps aiding the healthcare industry? Keep reading to know more.
1. Remote Healthcare and Real-time Health Monitoring
Accessing test results, appointment information and immunization history at the same time can be a cumbersome process. Often patients also fail to understand doctor’s prescription or their techniques of diagnosis. That is why patient care app development has come to the aid. Apps like the ‘MyChart’ and ‘Doximity’ are big saviors. Searching doctors online and fixing appointments are so easy now. MHealth apps are a cure for all as they allow patients to keep in touch with their doctors. Pre-diagnosis and preventive care of ailments become easy for doctors. They also boost diagnostic accuracy and enhance the efficiency of the medical practitioners.
It is easier to watch patients with chronic diseases through real-time health monitoring. Treating patients with Alzheimer’s disease, Arthritis, and Cancer is more effective now. By providing passive and direct patient care, doctors have remolded the healthcare industry. No doubt Doctor on demand app development service has saved a lot of time and money.
2. Electronic Medical Records and Data Management
A robust Data Management system should be the most important part of any medical system. Need to create one? Of course, an easy-to-use graphic user interface (GUI) is a priority. But, the ability to operate across different mobile platforms will be helpful. Medical professionals can have better access to medical manuals, records, and budget allocation.
Plus, they can also get rid of the clutter and waste created by heaps of paper documents and manuscripts. ‘Practice Fusion’ is a popular Cloud-based EHR (Electronic Health Record) platform. EHRs are useful for doctors and patients as they simplify complex work. They also help to reduce Data Management costs.
3. Tracking Personal Physical Health and Nutrition Data
93 percent of physicians consider mobile health apps beneficial to improve patient health. mHealth apps help people to manage their health and promote a healthy lifestyle. People can gain access to useful information about wellness and nutrition whenever needed.
This is why the top categories of mHealth apps for Android and iOS focus on three main categories. These include weight loss, exercise, and fitness. Mobile apps, wearables, and fitness trackers have become a necessity for people nowadays. Women’s health is also a hot topic. Free mobile apps like ‘Sprout Pregnancy’ help women to check due dates and diet plans. The ‘Clue’ and ‘PDLover ‘ are other mHealth apps that aids in keeping track of menstrual cycles.
4. Affordable Insurance Costs and Easy Payment Integrations
Insurance companies worldwide handle patient’s medical expenses on a regular basis. Why are companies like United Health Group, and AXA the best? They have helped people through their affordable health insurance plans. Many of them also offer apps that make the process of searches for genuine providers easier. Besides, they have a list of healthcare providers affiliated with them. One can refer to those based on the location and specialty too.
What else can be better? In some places, people can prescribe medicines online via apps. Patients can order medicines and save their precious time and energy. With easier payment options, one can pre-book appointments or even pay bills.
Signing off…
Healthcare mobile app development has revolutionized the healthcare industry. We are not far from the day when we can see a happier and healthier world. mHealth apps are set to help patients and doctors in many ways. Mobile technology has helped doctors to treat patients in a time-bound manner. This streamlines processes and enhances the experience of the patients.
Day by day, companies are searching for innovative ways to help health professionals. One such way is through better medical app development services. Now, healthcare providers can take advantage of the real-time information for improving processes. But, they should do this without compromising privacy, laws, and regulations. Are you prepared for this revolution?
Image Credits: Solulab