With the healthcare industry constantly evolving and the world relying more and more on technology, the demand for software development in that industry is growing. However, there are many challenges that developers and software providers might face when creating their products, and some are more difficult to overcome than others.
Before you delve into the world of custom healthcare software development, it is important to be aware of the most prevalent challenges. We have prepared a short list of the problems typically encountered in the industry so you can have a better idea of what to expect and how to navigate them.
Why is Healthcare Software Development so Challenging?
The field of healthcare software development presents unique challenges to professionals, mostly due to the sensitive nature of the data it deals with and the complicated regulatory environment surrounding the industry. With strict regulations like HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) in place and the need to ensure top-notch user privacy and data security, healthcare software developers must navigate a lot of complexities to ensure compliance while also delivering high-quality products.
Additionally, the technology used in healthcare is constantly changing, requiring developers to keep up with the latest advancements in order for their software to work effectively.
Most Common Challenges in Healthcare Software Development
Whether you provide web application development services or specialize in mobile apps, there are dozens of factors you need to consider when working on your software, as well as many challenges you will likely face due to the constantly evolving laws and regulations regarding healthcare.
Regulatory Compliance
This is one of the most important aspects of healthcare software development, as failure to comply with the laws and regulations can be disastrous and result in severe fines or legal consequences. HIPAA, FDA, and ISO13485 are the three main regulations and regulatory bodies in the US that developers have to adhere to when creating software meant for the healthcare industry.
As a developer, you are obliged to ensure total compliance with these regulations to protect patient data and ensure their safety when using your product. It is a big responsibility to stay up-to-date with any updates or changes to these regulations, so if you do not want to risk facing legal consequences, you need to prioritize it.
User Experience
Regardless of whether the software solution is made for healthcare professionals, patients, or caregivers, ensuring a seamless user experience is crucial for not only its success but also user satisfaction. A number of accessibility laws and guidelines, including WCAG and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, have to be taken into consideration by software providers.
A recent WHO study shows that healthcare digital solutions are not always accessible to all, so it is crucial to prioritize user experience to ensure everyone can easily navigate and utilize the end product. Making your software compatible with assistive technologies such as screen readers or magnifiers can be a key factor in improving accessibility for all users. Additionally, consider extra accessibility testing.
Data Security
Health-related data is considered to be highly sensitive and must be protected with the highest level of security measures. Developers need to be aware that even the slightest breach in security could have serious consequences for patients and care providers alike, and can be a literal case of life or death. Therefore, simple solutions like two-factor authentication or basic encryption are not enough.
Advanced security measures are a must. Thorough risk assessment is a big part of ensuring data security in healthcare systems, so do not forget about that when conducting testing. Regular audits and updates to security protocols are also critical for staying ahead of the growing wave of cybercrime and online medical fraud.
Scalability and Flexibility
A healthcare organization can grow quickly, especially in cases of unexpected healthcare crises, and the COVID-19 pandemic was a prime example of this. Knowing that a small clinic can suddenly experience an influx of patients, it is important to ensure that your software offers them enough scalability to handle increased data and/or traffic without compromising efficiency.
Scalable architecture allows for seamless expansion and flexibility, so it is definitely worth building your product with scalability in mind from the very beginning. This will not only support the organization’s growth but also enhance its ability to adapt to new technological advancements in the future.
Cross-compatibility and Interoperability
Healthcare software, when used by hospitals and other medical organizations, is often required to be compatible with other systems and devices that may already be in place. This ensures a smooth data exchange, reducing errors and improving overall patient care. If it allows for future integration with emerging technologies, it is even better.
While it is difficult to design a solution that is compatible with every other healthcare software available on the market, make sure yours is at least able to integrate with the most commonly used ones. If it is a custom-made solution, make sure you know what other apps and devices your client is using.
Competition and Product Viability
As with any type of software, the key to success is beating the competition and keeping your product relevant and viable. With a growing number of healthcare solutions on the market, it may be challenging for your product to stand out. Remember to conduct proper market research before launching your software to ensure it is worth investing in and taking the risk.
Assess the viability of your product by analyzing the market demand, potential competitors, and unique selling points. Seek feedback and reviews from early adopters, conduct extra testing, and make sure to continually refine and improve your product based on what the users need and demand.
Healthcare Software Development: What Lies Ahead?
While it is true that healthcare software developers are facing a number of challenges when creating their solutions, the potential for innovation and improvement is vast. Properly designed, implemented, and maintained digital healthcare solutions have been revolutionizing medicine and health for years and will surely continue to do so.
The future is bright, and the possibilities are endless, as long as the developers are willing to address the issues that this specific industry faces and adapt to new technologies and regulations.