The Dawn of Healthcare’s Digital Transformation

The healthcare sector was once the sole domain of highly qualified experts. Advances in technology have enabled a digital transformation in healthcare, as professionals and patients alike enjoy better results with the use of digital healthcare solutions. These solutions are on track to improve the patient experience, as 88% of healthcare technology experts and leaders surveyed by Deloitte reported that it is the main focus of their investments.

Also, the research by Deloitte demonstrated that around 92% of healthcare units expect to achieve better performance from the patient-centric business development model.

By 2025, the world’s digital healthcare market is expected to be worth $504.4 billion, according to a research report by Global Market Insights, Inc. It’s a clear sign that the healthcare industry is recognizing the revolutionary potential of digital transformation solutions for healthcare. It is also a sign that the industry is seeking technological solutions that can help drive digital transformation in the healthcare industry.

For every healthcare professional, whether a doctor, nurse, hospital administration staff, or any other caregiver, it’s vital to keep up with the ongoing digital transformation. This article examines the importance of digital transformation, its benefits for all stakeholders, and the future technologies and trends that are leading digital transformation in healthcare.

What is Digital Transformation in the Healthcare Industry?

Before we begin to understand the scope and potential of digital transformation in improving healthcare services, we need to define it first. Put simply, digital transformation in healthcare is the practice of using technology to actively add value to patients and healthcare organizations in a way that maximizes benefits for both.

The key point to note is that digital healthcare is meant to maximize benefits. It is a thoughtful, structured application of technology to healthcare problems. For example, Googling your symptoms to misdiagnose yourself before a doctor’s visit doesn’t count as a digital healthcare transformation!

Solutions like WebMD turning people into unqualified doctors are a prime example of technology working at odds with the directives of digital healthcare. It just makes the treatment process more inefficient. Instead, better examples of digital transformation in healthcare would be health wearables and patient portals that provide useful information for both the patient and the doctor.

Like every other sector, healthcare can benefit greatly from a digital transformation. The recent COVID-19 pandemic showed the urgent need to develop infrastructure to support telehealth and other remote, virtual healthcare solutions. Also, as the internet and electronics become a more significant part of everyday life across the world, digital healthcare solutions can now be delivered to more people than ever before.

The examples given above, of patient portals, health wearables, and telehealth services, are just some of the ways that digital transformation is going to change the healthcare industry for the better. An increase in automation, on-demand medical services, and advanced disease history analysis can also be expected as new technology continues to influence the healthcare industry.

Key Drivers of Digital Transformation in Healthcare

Change never takes place in a vacuum, and a range of factors has also influenced healthcare’s digital transformation. To learn why there is this industry-wide shift toward digital healthcare solutions, we must examine the causes of its rising popularity. These are the key drivers of digital transformation in healthcare:

New and Emerging Technology

The last year has been an exciting one for technological breakthroughs. A world seamlessly interconnected over the internet has never seemed more within reach. Healthcare digital transformation services like artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and big data hold great promise to bring positive change. Here are just a few examples of the ways technology is going to accelerate digital transformation in healthcare in the near future:

AI

The most obvious use of AI in digital healthcare services is for automating record-keeping tasks while eliminating human error. But AI can also be used in predictive diagnostics and creating personalized patient treatment plans. Another way AI will transform digital healthcare is through the widespread use of AI healthcare chatbots.

IoT

The use of IoT devices has many possible applications in the medical context. Firstly, health wearables that collect important biometric data will provide the basis for real-time, accurate patient profiles in the future. Also, hospital environments will soon be filled with IoT-connected devices, making operations much more efficient with a steady stream of real-time data and insights.

Robotics

The development of medical robots that can perform complex yet precise actions will revolutionize surgery. Surgeons will be able to perform advanced procedures, even remotely, by using specialized robots.

3D Printing

3D printing has made the possibilities for creating prosthetics and custom implants almost limitless. It’s an exciting design technology that has found a fresh purpose in digital healthcare transformation.

The technologies listed above are only a few examples. Others include big data (helps in creating patient profiles and providing treatment options), cloud computing (remote healthcare services), and blockchain (verified electronic health records). As innovation continues, new and exciting possibilities for digital healthcare transformation continue to emerge. 

Evolving Patient Expectations and Demographics

The point of healthcare is to deliver medical services to patients at their location. And since most patients are also online, it’s time for healthcare to go digital. There are over 5.3 billion internet users worldwide, and it’s safe to bet that they will all need to access medical services at some point. 

Many healthcare consumers already use the internet to research medical facilities and doctors or book medical appointments. The demand for telehealth services began to spike during the pandemic but has continued to rise steadily even after it abated. 

According to data from Insider Intelligence, 21 million U.S. adults used telehealth services in 2019, before the pandemic. In 2023, the number of U.S. adults using telehealth services had climbed to 64 million! When you consider the total number of internet users in the U.S. (318 million), that’s almost one in every five people who used telehealth in 2023. 

Younger demographics like Millennials and Gen-Z are more likely to adopt digital healthcare solutions, and as these groups continue to age, the demand for digital transformation in the healthcare industry will continue to rise.  

Updated Regulations and Incentives

As more patients turn to digital healthcare and more providers offer digital healthcare solutions, it is becoming more standard for authorities to regulate its adoption. Many governments worldwide, from the U.S. to Europe and Asia, are offering incentives to their healthcare providers to accelerate the digital healthcare transformation.

Benefits of Digital Transformation in Healthcare

Government grants and other incentives are not the only reasons why embracing digital healthcare transformation is a good idea. Using digital healthcare services is a win-win situation for patients and providers alike.

Digital healthcare solutions benefit doctors, hospitals, medical institutions, and every other type of healthcare provider in the following ways:

• It optimizes workflows by eliminating paperwork, making data more accessible, and reducing the time needed for patient examination
• It allows for more effective remote communication between doctors and patients
• It enables efficient communication and data exchange between medical staff
• It creates a secure database for electronic medical records

Patients benefit from digital healthcare for the following reasons:

• They can gain access to personalized healthcare services
• They can track important health metrics in real-time
• They get easier access to their personal health records
• Digital healthcare solutions make scheduling appointments convenient

Healthcare Digital Transformation: Challenges and Barriers

Despite the clear benefits of digital transformation, the healthcare industry still lags behind many others when it comes to adopting digital technologies and services. 

Let’s examine the most prominent hurdles to digital transformation in healthcare.

1. Data Privacy and Security Concerns

Patient healthcare data is one of the most sensitive forms of data available. Therefore, concerns about data privacy and cybersecurity regarding digital healthcare are expected. 

While many of the administrative enterprise resource planning (ERP) software available in the market today can be applied to healthcare scenarios, most fail to meet the strict security requirements. Choosing the right digital healthcare solutions that comply with regulations and protect patient data is a critical decision.

2. Healthcare Organizations’ Resistance to Change

Doctors work in one of the oldest professions in human history, and many healthcare organizations have a legacy that spans decades, if not longer. Such institutions are naturally resistant to change, especially the kind of transformative, organizational change that digital transformation in healthcare promises to bring about.

3. Interoperability Issues

As a byproduct of healthcare organizations’ resistance to change, digital healthcare solutions also face the challenge of interoperability issues. Legacy systems and newer digital applications are not always compatible. 

Also, the current landscape of digital healthcare is full of many different platforms, and exchanging information is not always a streamlined process.

4. Staff Shortages

Traditionally, IT and healthcare were two different areas of specialization with minimal overlap. Digital healthcare transformation has completely changed that paradigm. Doctors and other healthcare providers need to update their skills to include proficiency with digital healthcare solutions, and barring a few outliers, that change is only taking place gradually.

How to Overcome Challenges to Digital Healthcare Transformation?

The challenges mentioned above are not the only barriers to accelerating digital healthcare transformation. Other challenges include data silos within platforms, outdated payer models, and difficulties in coordinating a distributed workforce. Overcoming these challenges requires commitment and effort.

One of the most effective ways to ensure digital transformation takes root in a healthcare organization is to appoint a chief technology officer. This individual can champion the adoption of new technologies while also working to find digital healthcare solutions that align with the organization’s vision and mission. 

Giving staff the required training, creating infrastructure for patients to use digital healthcare solutions, and tracking new advancements in health tech are also essential to promote digital transformation in the healthcare industry.

Key Technologies in Healthcare Digital Transformation

The healthcare industry needs to take advantage of innovative technological advancements in order to evolve. As mentioned earlier, emerging technologies like robotics and 3D printing promise new methods of delivering traditional healthcare services. 

But along with changing the way things used to be done, digital healthcare solutions also offer entirely new approaches to healthcare that traditional methods lack. Let’s take a look at the most important ones.

Telehealth and Telemedicine Solutions

The scope of telehealth and telemedicine is vast and has a broad range of applications. Most excitingly, it is on course to completely reshape doctor-patient interactions in the future. It also will allow patients in remote areas virtual access to services they may not have been able to reach otherwise.

Electronic Health Records (EHRs) and Health Information Exchange (HIE)

Patient information is crucial for diagnosing and treating illnesses. Digital record-keeping platforms like EHRs and HIEs have made it easier for healthcare providers to find the data they need to devise efficient and optimal treatments. Patients can also look up relevant information whenever needed, thanks to this development.

AI and Machine Learning (ML) Applications

Non-human healthcare providers may not be far off in the future! The power of AI and ML technologies has made predictive medicine, diagnostics, and even surgery much more convenient. From helping doctors with AI-assisted treatment plans to providing patients with information via chatbots and patient portals, AI and ML technology has added a new dimension to healthcare data.

Healthcare IoT

Using machines to provide healthcare services is not new, but devices capable of internet connectivity have entirely changed the game. Doctors now have access to an unprecedented amount of granular data thanks to specialized healthcare wearables and medical devices with digital twins that help optimize hospital operations.

Future Trends in Digital Healthcare Transformation

The shift toward digital healthcare solutions will continue in the coming years. The benefits and increased efficiency they provide are simply too obvious to ignore. As the healthcare sector becomes more accepting of digital solutions and services, the following trends are sure to gather momentum.

Continued Growth of Telehealth

The shift toward digital transformation in healthcare will continue in the coming years. Many more patients will start using telehealth solutions as more healthcare organizations set up the appropriate infrastructure. Investing in telehealth is a good way to bring any healthcare organization into the future. 

Personalized Medicine and Genomics

Automatic, AI-enhanced analytics and detailed EHRs will play a significant role in devising patient treatments in the future. AI is also powering breakthroughs in gene sequencing, which can be used to recommend personalized medicine to patients based on their genetic profile.

Blockchain in Healthcare

While most often thought of in relation to cryptocurrency, private blockchains can actually serve an important purpose in digital healthcare. The viability of blockchain technology as a way to safely store encrypted data on a private network makes it a perfect fit for the healthcare sector’s need for secure digital archives.

Patient-centric Care Models

Digital healthcare democratizes access to medical services. As digital transformation in healthcare continues to change the industry, more patients than ever before will benefit from a range of services that were earlier out of their reach. Smart patient portals will also let patients access their records and information more easily, giving them a sense of control over their own treatment.

As new trends in digital healthcare continue to emerge, the industry must be ready to respond. The ability to adapt to changes and adopt emerging technology will become one of the hallmarks of successful digital healthcare providers in the coming years.

Steps to Implement Digital Transformation

Any healthcare organization considering a digital transformation should not attempt to do so without a clear strategy. Digital healthcare solutions can drive major changes, but only when paired with an effective plan. 

If you are considering embracing digital healthcare transformation, use a step-by-step approach as outlined below.

1. Assess Current Systems and Needs

Before adopting any new healthcare technology, reviewing your organization’s existing tech stack is essential. Ask yourself and other stakeholders questions about how they use the current solutions and applications, why they use them, and which areas the solutions are failing.

2. Develop a Digital Strategy and Roadmap

Once you have an idea of your current situation, it’s time to plot your next steps. Your digital strategy and roadmap should have an overarching vision, as well as Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that can be tracked using easily available metrics. By breaking up your healthcare digital transformation into stages, you can gradually bring about large-scale change in your organization.

3. Select the Right Technology Partners and Solutions

Most healthcare organizations might not have an experienced IT officer to help formulate a digital transformation strategy. It is imperative to find the right transformation partner who can help curate a selection of digital healthcare solutions that maximize benefits for your organization and its patients.

4. Pilot and Implement Digital Initiatives

Test out any digital solutions in pilot programs before implementing them widely. Identify the correct use cases and experiment with different solutions and platforms before making a final decision.

5. Monitor and Evaluate Progress

Digital healthcare transformation is an ongoing process. The best way to ensure results is to closely monitor new digital healthcare applications in action and periodically evaluate their effectiveness in achieving the desired results. 

Every transformation strategy should remain agile and be able to pivot to new solutions if earlier ones fail.

Summing Up

To successfully become a digital healthcare provider, most organizations will need a guide. The digital transformation consultancy Intellectsoft has the experience to help medical providers accelerate the adoption of digital healthcare services and technologies. With extensive experience in the healthcare industry, including designing medical data systems, hospital task and management systems, and dental clinic software, Intellectsoft seeks to reimagine how providers and patients approach healthcare.

The post Guide to Digital Transformation in Healthcare appeared first on Intellectsoft Blog.

Increased awareness and regular health screenings are the staples of a prevention strategy, but their possibilities have quite defined limits. Beyond those limits, it all boils down to extensive data and our ability to maximize its practical use. As modern medicine advances, our prevention potential has become larger than ever. Advances in research and technology keep providing us with cutting-edge tools for the early detection of diseases, from personal cases to pandemic outbreaks.

This shift toward data-driven prevention is changing the way healthcare works. It’s based on predictive models programmed to collect and analyze provided information and use it to calculate potential outcomes. That way, it helps both patients and healthcare workers, paving the road toward a more resilient society. 

What is Predictive Analytics in Healthcare?

Predictive analytics uses technology to improve individual and overall community health and establish more efficient, cost-effective healthcare systems. The method takes full advantage of advanced data analysis techniques, using deep learning, machine learning, big data, and AI to interpret even the most complex datasets.

While still considered a very innovative approach, this in-depth assessment model is quickly becoming a cornerstone of contemporary healthcare. It offers transformative capabilities to all facets of the industry, from patient care to hospital management to global health maps. In other words, it marks a transition from a reactive, treatment-based approach toward a more preventive one.

What does that mean? In the healthcare sector, prevention and timely interventions can pull the line between life and death. Using information collected from a variety of sources, the analytics models push that line further away. Those sources include EHRs (electronic health records), wearable health devices, family history, and genetics. On a broader scale, the models also involve ethnic predispositions and socio-economic data. Put together, they generate a network of indicative cross-points ready for further interpretations.

It is now clear that predictive analytics requires vast amounts of data. It relies on statistical algorithms, machine learning, and data mining to process and decipher all types of relevant facts. Personal medical histories and current conditions play a key role in individual cases, but other factors, such as global health trends, also contribute to the results.

As noted before, this kind of analysis has a much broader application. Beyond individual medical care, it plays a crucial role in public health management, where global population health data aids in preventing or handling massive outbreaks. Correctly identified health trends within communities directly promote efficient public health interventions.  

How to Use Predictive Analytics in Healthcare

We can separate healthcare predictive analytics into three main categories:

1. Prevention & early diagnostics 
2. Impact on personalized treatment plans
3. Hospital resource optimization

Prevention & Early Diagnostics

Diagnostics is the area where the predictive models make a significant difference. Data-driven methods are taking diagnostics a few steps beyond the conventional approach, lifting the focus from traditional, limited, test-based analytics to put it in a broader perspective.

In the simplest words, such models allow doctors to identify the patient’s “bad potentials”— all those things that could induce severe health problems in the future — and react early enough to stop the possibilities before they become a reality and develop into serious illnesses.

Take widespread chronic diseases as an example. Let’s say, diabetes or heart conditions. An analytics model would access your medical history, habits, and lifestyle, as well as genetic information for hereditary factors. Based on collected and researched information, it accurately computes your prospects of developing (or avoiding) such disorders. In return, the doctors can recommend suitable preventive measures, from lifestyle changes to specific treatments. 

Impact on Personalized Treatment Plans

Following the diagnostics, the predictive models make it possible to tailor a custom treatment plan for each patient, maximizing its effects. Personalized treatment strategies are particularly effective in fighting cancer and chronic conditions where “one size fits all” doesn’t always yield the best results.

A good example here would be the impact predictive analysis can make on treating patients with cancer. Based on the patient’s history and genetic map, the oncologist gets a clearer picture of the treatments with the highest healing potential. Along with the increased chances of success, the method also minimizes the risk of unwanted side effects.

Or, imagine a scenario where the model analyses a group of patients with a high risk of Type 2 diabetes. In addition to common data, it will take into account specific indicators typical for that condition, such as subtle changes in blood sugar levels that might not be alarming at first. The next step would be developing personalized prevention plans to prevent the development or progression of full-blown diabetes, reducing also other possible consequences like kidney failure or vision problems. 

Hospital Resource Optimization

Efficient management is one of the columns of a successful healthcare business. Predictive analytics has an important application in this field, aiding in patient inflow forecasting and tactical resource allocation. 

For instance: By basing predictions on data, you can navigate the effective response to seasonal flu outbreaks. This includes staff shifts, number of beds, equipment, and medication inventories. Optimizing resources leads to better patient care and reduced waiting times, bringing a myriad of additional benefits. 

Examples of Predictive Analytics in Healthcare

A group of scientists from Johnson & Johnson and Stanford University conducted a study to examine the effects of machine learning combined with real-world healthcare data. They applied a predictive analytics model to bariatric surgery.

Their study focuses on using laparoscopic metabolic surgery (MxS) for treating Type 2 diabetes (T2D). While this surgery can often lead to diabetes remission, patients have shown different responses to the treatment. To address this, researchers developed an open-source predictive analytics platform. The intention was to predict which patients are most likely to stop needing diabetes medication after MxS — a sign of improved diabetes control.

In their methods, the researchers selected patients from two large U.S. healthcare databases who met specific criteria. All subjects underwent MxS between 2007 and 2013, were over 18 years old, and had a diagnosis and treatment history of T2D. The main outcome they looked at was whether these patients could stop taking diabetes medication between one and two years after surgery. To predict this, they used a logistic regression model, taking into account factors like demographics, medical conditions, and treatments.

The results showed that out of 13,050 patients in one database and 3,477 in another, a large percentage (about 71-73%) stopped needing diabetes medication after surgery. The predictive model was accurate in both databases.

Aligning with many similar healthcare predictive analytics use cases, these findings demonstrate how implementing such models helps providers make better decisions about patient treatment.

Pros and Cons of Predictive Analytics in Healthcare

In terms of efficiency and cost-effectiveness, predictive analytics helps healthcare systems reduce unnecessary treatments and hospitalizations. Focusing on prevention and early intervention can lower healthcare costs for providers and patients alike.

The Pros

From the patient’s perspective, the benefits of predictive analytics in healthcare are vast:

• Tailored treatments and care plans based on individual health data, leading to better outcomes and patient satisfaction.
• Identifying potential health issues early allows for timely and often less invasive treatments.
• By providing insights into health risks and treatment effectiveness, the doctors encourage patients to actively participate in their healthcare decisions.
• Fewer hospital visits, lower treatment costs, and reduced physical and emotional stress for patients.

Adding to the benefits for patients, predictive analytics also offers significant advantages for healthcare providers:

• Optimizing hospital resources, such as staff scheduling, bed allocation, and medical supplies, ensures everything is available when most needed.
• Predictive analytics help avoid excessive procedures and tests.
• Making more informed decisions leads to better patient management and treatment strategies.
• Predictive models can identify potential complications or readmissions, allowing healthcare providers to mitigate risks.
• The overall efficiency of healthcare operations enhances workflow and reduces administrative burdens.

The Cons

Without a doubt, predictive analytics in healthcare offers numerous benefits, but there are also several challenges and drawbacks to consider:

• Predictive analytics in healthcare requires access to large amounts of personal health data. This raises concerns about patient privacy and the security of sensitive information.  
• The effectiveness of predictive analytics heavily depends on the quality and accuracy of the data used. Incomplete, inaccurate, or biased data can lead to incorrect predictions, potentially impairing medical advice or decisions.
• Some concern that predictive analytics might perpetuate existing biases or inequalities in healthcare. 
• Healthcare providers may become overly reliant on predictive analytics, potentially overlooking the importance of clinical judgment and patient-specific factors.
• Predictive models can be complex, and their results might be difficult for both patients and some healthcare providers to interpret. 
• Developing, implementing, and maintaining predictive analytics systems can be expensive and resource-intensive.  
• Predictive analytics in healthcare must navigate various legal and regulatory frameworks, which can be complex and vary across regions.

Predictive Modeling in Healthcare

Healthcare predictive analytics software uses statistical techniques and algorithms to dissect historical and current data. Patient medical histories, various records, and demographic information help identify patterns and correlations that might otherwise pass below the radar. 

Apart from anticipating individual patient outcomes, they can also forecast broader health trends, like the possible outbreak of infectious diseases or the future demand for specific healthcare services.

Incorporating the global perspective, predictive analytics in healthcare extends its benefits beyond individual healthcare to influence large-scale health trends and global health management.

• Predictive analytics in healthcare projects enables health organizations to monitor and predict disease trends on a global scale. This is crucial for anticipating and managing outbreaks of infectious diseases, such as flu epidemics or pandemics like COVID-19.
• By analyzing health trends and patterns, predictive analytics can inform public health policies and planning. Governments and international health organizations can use this data to allocate resources, plan vaccination drives, and implement preventive health measures.
• Predictive analytics in healthcare projects fosters international collaboration in healthcare. That leads to coordinated global responses to health crises, benefiting healthcare systems worldwide.
• Predictive analytics can help identify regions or populations with inadequate healthcare access.
• Insights from predictive analytics can navigate the focus of medical research and development efforts toward conditions that pose the greatest global health risks.
• Prepared for emergencies, health organizations and governments can efficiently organize and respond.

The Future of Predictive Analytics in Healthcare

The future of predictive modeling in healthcare is bright. New trends and technologies emerge daily, and that includes ever-evolving game-changers such as AI and machine learning. 

Look at them like your exclusive, genius assistants who can save copious amounts of time sifting through the data sheets. As they get even smarter, they can spot health patterns and predict issues more accurately, which improves the overall patient experience and boosts the clinic’s reputation in return. 

Moreover, the popularity of self-monitoring gadgets is on a constant rise. Wearable smart devices and health trackers are, more or less, a common thing nowadays, collecting and providing a lot of information in real time. It all becomes a part of big data to fine-tune the general predictions.

Another thing to look forward to is the impact of predictive analytics on precision medicine. The personalized approach puts aside the “cookie cutter” solutions, relying on data to pinpoint the best treatment solution for each person. 

There is also an ethical dimension. Excellent healthcare is not accessible to everyone. Predictive analytics can minimize the need for costly medical treatments in the person’s future, thus helping build a healthier, more responsible society. Subsequently, such an approach also takes away a part of the burden from the social security system, allowing for better budget optimization in return.

In short, the future of healthcare looks like it’s going to be a lot more personalized, predictive, and smart. After all, it’s all about getting the right treatment to the right person at the right time.

Best Practices for Healthcare Organizations

If you plan on venturing into predictive analytics in healthcare, here are key best practices to consider:

1. Prioritize data quality: High-quality, accurate, and consistent data is paramount. Regularly check and clean your data to maintain its integrity.
2. Organize extensive staff training: Ensure your healthcare staff are trained in using predictive analytics tools and understanding the insights they provide. Keep training up-to-date with new developments.
3. Collaborate across departments: IT and healthcare professionals should work closely together. This ensures technical solutions meet clinical needs and vice versa.
4. Adhere to privacy regulations: Always comply with legal standards like HIPAA and implement robust security measures to protect patient data.
5. Set clear goals: Start with specific objectives, like improving patient outcomes or optimizing resource use. This helps in focusing your predictive analytics efforts.
6. Regularly review and adjust: Continuously evaluate how well the analytics meet your goals and be ready to adapt your approach as needed.

Wrapping Up

Predictive analytics mark a significant stride toward advanced patient care and operational efficiency. As the technology continues to evolve, its potential to transform healthcare as we know it remains vast and deeply promising.

Expert companies such as Intellectsoft stand out in delivering healthcare IT infrastructure tailored to your needs, leveraging their extensive experience and global expertise.  As a committed IT solutions provider, Intellectsoft ensures thorough assistance at each stage. From initial discovery workshops to ongoing support, we honor our clients with well-rounded service and continuous guidance.

The post Predictive Analytics in Healthcare Industry appeared first on Intellectsoft Blog.

The need to create digital medical databases first came to light during the early 1990s. Medical workers recognized its capacity as a valuable resource for management and clinical research. However, due to privacy and other concerns, the innovation was adopted by many other industries before finding its way to healthcare.

So, What Is Data Warehousing in Healthcare?

Briefly put, data warehousing in healthcare is the most efficient file management system there is. It allows for storing, organizing, and handling vast amounts of information, from patients’ clinical histories and lab tests to insurance records and financial reports. It also minimizes the risk of human error and keeps the files secure.

If you are new to the world of digital data management, just imagine a giant, fully automated library that operates at light speed. Both comprise endless rows and columns of neatly stacked folders, color-coded and marked by letters, numbers, and signs.

The main difference between a perfectly organized physical library and a digital warehouse is functionality. The latter is capable of searching and integrating data from various sources all at once. Simultaneously, it performs complex analytics, supports administration, and helps identify weak links and areas with potential for improvement. 

Properly designed medical data software can compute and solve tasks within seconds, saving plenty of time you can invest in maintaining and improving the quality of service.

Good to know: Although they might sound synonymous at a glance, a clinical repository and a healthcare data warehouse are not the same thing. The clinical repository holds only clinical data, like patient records. Conversely, the data warehouse is a central repository that keeps, more or less, all kinds of files involved with the clinic’s operation.

Let’s now dive deeper into details and explore the benefits, features, and cost considerations of healthcare data warehouses.

Benefits of Data Warehousing in Healthcare

A healthcare data warehouse can be your most helpful tool for improving your medical business, making the best use of all information available. Centralized files and automated processing allow you to gain quick, sharp insights, optimize resources, and make well-informed decisions. 

Here is an overview of the most important advantages.

Improved Data Accessibility

We have already mentioned that a healthcare data warehouse resembles a giant library, which means all information resides in one place. Thanks to advanced organizing systems, it’s easy to find and use. A patient’s medical history, treatment records, and diagnostic processes, as well as administrative files—you can obtain anything within seconds. Such a rounded, encyclopedic picture allows you and your medical staff to provide the highest level of service in return.

In other words, by analyzing all available data, you can improve the accuracy of diagnosis and chances of therapy success. The ease of access also helps medical researchers to identify trends and develop new treatments.

Enhanced Data Analytics

The fans of Doctor House will remember how much diagnostics sometimes resembles detective work. A healthcare data warehouse is like a box of clues that pave the road to finding a reason why a patient is sick. The database contains details about the patient’s lifestyle, family history, habits and weaknesses, food and exercise info, allergies, and more. What’s best, it’s already completely set, systematized, and ready to use.

Through data analytics, you can track the clues and identify patterns that lead to the correct conclusions about patients’ conditions. 

Scalability and Flexibility

Many clinics and medical businesses start small but grow fast. When the patients become regulars, their files grow with every visit, and so does the clinic’s administration. Healthcare data warehouses can grow (or shrink, if necessary) to follow the development. Many tools can be added or omitted according to the ongoing needs.

The possibility of scaling the digital database means you can always have the product optimized to provide maximum convenience.

Data Security and Privacy

The patient’s privacy is holy to ethical practice. With that in mind, healthcare data warehouses are programmed to provide exceptional levels of data security. It involves applying high levels of protection against system breakdowns as well as hacker attacks.

Data warehousing in healthcare involves advanced and up-to-date security measures that keep all information safe from unauthorized access.

Streamlined Operations

The bigger the clinic gets, the more diverse services it provides, and your need for efficient data administration rises exponentially. A database warehouse in healthcare helps you optimize appointment scheduling, which will reduce waiting times and improve the patients’ experience in return. Moreover, it takes over the hassle of inventory management. Usage tracking makes it possible to alert the staff before a supply runs out and prevent shortages. And in terms of financial planning, the system can analyze the processes and patterns to identify the room for improvement. 

Due to its solution-oriented analytic capabilities, data warehousing pinpoints and optimizes every aspect of medical business. 

Predictive Analytics and Machine Learning

A giant, systematized database assists doctors in tracking down the underlying threats to the patient’s health. It recognizes potentially problematic habits, patterns, and genetic predispositions that might trigger a disease in the future. Knowing the risks helps you advise and take steps to prevent it from happening. On a larger scale, predictive analytics can also anticipate massively contagious outbreaks, such as seasonal flu, and prepare for it in advance. 

By collecting, organizing, and analyzing copious amounts of information, a warehouse database helps you prepare and react before the events occur.

Key Features of Healthcare Data Warehouse

Data Integration

Accumulating and integrating many kinds of data from diverse sources is fundamental for healthcare data warehousing processes. That includes:

• Electronic Medical Records (EMR)
• Electronic Health Records (EHR)
• Enterprise resource planning systems (ERP)
• Lab databases
• Public health databases
• …and much more.

Data integration enables keeping all valuable information in one place, which in return helps with overviews and predictive analytics.

Data Cleansing and Transformation

Just like any large, ongoing database, a healthcare data warehouse also needs occasional cleaning and decluttering in order to remain up to date. This is very important for several reasons, starting from removing duplicates, errors, and inconsistencies in available material that could affect predictions or test results. Moreover, the process identifies information holes and marks them for filling up. 

After cleaning, the data can be augmented, reorganized into a more optimized form, indexed, and sorted. 

Data Governance and Compliance

Data governance is the supervising element of a data warehouse in healthcare, a set of rules determining how to handle the content. It covers the whole information cycle, from creation to the moment it’s archived or destroyed. Moreover, as healthcare heavily relies on accurate, reliable information, data government also implements processes that will keep things relevant and establish through access control.

Data Security and Encryption

Apart from access control, extensive security measures involve:

• Encryption
• Firewalls
• Intrusion detection systems
• Regular security audits
• Staff training
• Regulation compliance
• Physical security 

A combination of advanced technology, robust backup and recovery plans, education, and physical server security creates an all-rounder network with high-security coverage. 

Data Querying and Reporting

Healthcare data warehouse models employ specific tools for querying and presenting information accurately. 

• SQL & Query Builders retrieve data necessary for a specific research
• Business Intelligence tools (BI) assist in visualizing maps of complex data
• Data mining tools are used for discovering patterns and relations in large data sets
• OLAP (Online Analytical Processing) supports data interaction for better analyses 
• Decision support tools integrate with warehouses to provide specific recommendations 
• Reporting software for creating formal tickets on patient’s care
• Self-serving analytics that aid non-technical users
• APIs & Integration tools responsible for real-time data processing and repotting 

These tools make it possible to efficiently retrieve, analyze, and report healthcare data, promoting informed decision-making and effective healthcare management.

Costs of Implementing Healthcare Data Warehouse

A range of small and substantial costs are involved between the initial setup and ongoing maintenance of a fully active healthcare data warehouse system. The final sum depends on many factors, starting from the size of the warehouse and its assets.

Costs of Initial Setup

• Hardware and infrastructure include the cost of physical servers and storage systems (this can be the most significant expense)
• Software licensing is the price you pay for healthcare data warehouse solutions, as they are
• Data integration covers the cost of integrating data from various sources
• Training & development is the price of educating and training your staff to use the new system properly 
• Consulting & expertise mark the cost of hiring external experts for planning and implementing the healthcare data warehouse.

Ongoing Maintenance Costs

Software updates and licensing are continual costs you will pay to your healthcare data warehouse vendors. Then, there is regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance and costs associated with managing, caring for, and updating the data.

Expect also ongoing expenses for data security, including regular audits and subscriptions. And finally, there is always staff training that will ensure the optimal use of all resources.

Return on Investment (ROI)

This is the sweeter art of the cake, which depends on several factors.

• Cost savings: Operational cost reductions
• Improved patient outcome: Adequate healthcare delivery often results in improved patient health, which can enhance the image and reputation of the health provider
• Efficiency gains: Time and resources saved by improved decision-making and streamlined administrative processes
• Revenue operations: New ROI opportunities generated through effective treatments and research opportunities

If you need a more precise estimation, you can compare the benefits to the total costs of installing and maintaining the data warehouse.

Healthcare Data Warehouse Case Studies

Mayo Clinics

Most renowned healthcare institutions worldwide use some kind of healthcare data warehouse model. Take, for example, the Mayo Clinic, which witnessed significant improvement in patient care efficiency, as well as in research capacities. Integrated records and research data streamline all processes, helping them deliver better experiences while boosting research capacities at the same time. 

After a while, the clinic reported notable improvements in treatment outcomes and patient health in general. Over time, thanks to data cleansing and predictive analytics, they also registered cost savings.

Kaiser Permanente Southern California (KSPC)

KSPC is one of the largest healthcare providers in the USA. They developed and maintained a medical research data warehouse for over a quarter of the century, extending it largely in 2006. Data integration greatly enhanced their preventive care measures, improved vaccine strategy, and helped them manage chronic diseases effectively. 

The application of a digital warehouse at KSPC made different study approaches possible by supplying specific data-based material. One such study explores the volume, patient characteristics, and age-adjusted prevalence of selected medical conditions.

The results showed patterns and age-related prevalence in obesity, asthma, atrial fibrillation, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesteremia, and hypertension, also noting the period when they escalated above the average. More detailed results of the study you can find here.  

Best Practices for Implementing Healthcare Data Warehouses

1. Begin with clearly understanding your goals and reasons for installing a data warehouse. 
2. Set the targets in most fields, from improving patient care to streamlining operations. 
3. Ensure data quality—it’s a healthy basis for all functions.
4. Establish strict protocols for data cleansing and validation. 
5. Choose a scalable system suited to your present needs and flexible enough to grow smoothly.
6. Maintain a strong focus on data safety and implement robust security measures.
7. Ensure compliance with healthcare regulations.
8. Involve end users in the process and collect feedback to make the end product more user-friendly.
9. Don’t skimp on training that will help your staff make the most of the software possibilities.
10. Set aside resources and make plans for ongoing maintenance that will keep the system at its best.

Wrapping Up

Implementing a data warehouse helps you centralize and streamline the management of all business and medical data necessary for successfully operating your clinic. Moreover, the long-term cost saving, multi-level efficiency, and broad potential for advanced research make them an invaluable asset for any healthcare organization.

Established companies like Intellectsoft take pride in providing healthcare IT infrastructure based on extensive experience and worldwide expertise. Their approach goes beyond bare software development to strengthen the core of your healthcare services. As a dedicated healthcare IT solutions provider, they offer comprehensive guidance at every step, from discovery workshops to continuous support.

The post Healthcare Data Warehouse: Benefits, Features and Cost appeared first on Intellectsoft Blog.

Source: Electronic Health Records Market Analysis Report 2023-2027

The leaps in technology in artificial intelligence (AI) and the use of the Internet of Things (IoT) — allowing seamless sharing of data and processes between platforms —  have forced medical companies to reinvent the wheel for the better by looking for new and innovative solutions in their healthcare platforms.

Consider telemedicine, which has experienced a massive surge in popularity over the past few years. With improved accessibility and ease of use, the technology is expected to generate $240 billion in profit by 2032.

In this article, we’ll examine the landscape of software development in healthcare by defining it, breaking down its complexities and inner workings, and making predictions for the future. 

By the time you’re finished reading, you’ll appreciate what these platforms have to offer and clearly understand how to maximize them to make your healthcare organization more efficient in the future.

What is Healthcare Software Development?

In simplest terms, healthcare software helps organize and perform the countless interactions and administrative tasks that take place daily between patients, medical professionals, and health administrators. 

These platforms specialize in streamlining interactions, improving the quality of care, and ensuring privacy and accuracy of record-keeping in hospitals, clinics, research labs, financial service offices, and medical equipment providers.

Software development for healthcare systems establishes an ecosystem where healthcare services gain higher quality and accuracy.

Machine learning has accelerated the development of software for healthcare, with some of its many benefits, including making it easier to digitize patient records and diagnose illnesses. Of course, Big Data and e-health have also played a part in revolutionizing software development for healthcare.

Main Types of Healthcare Software Development

This technology is requested for maintaining clinical workflow and optimizing everyday operations. It assists in keeping medical records, setting appointments, managing finances, and accounting activities.

Electronic Health Record Software

The design allows the maintenance and management of patient data in electronic records. The reports stored include information about allergies, laboratory conclusions, the medical history of a patient, and demographic statistics. It’s worth noting that EHR can be integrated into an ERP system for healthcare, which will grant even wider functionality for any healthcare institution. 

E-Prescribing Software

The technology allows sending medical prescriptions directly to drug stores and pharmacies. It strengthens the connections within the healthcare industry and serves the patient’s comfort.

Urgent Care

This healthcare software category unites numerous apps that help patients get emergency aid without attending the doctor’s office.

Hospital Management Software

This set of technologies optimizes hospital management. These solutions assist in billing, assigning insurance, managing patient information, and administrative work.

Healthcare CRM

This software type works with customer management. The main task is maintaining better client relations —  meaning better care quality, contact management, and accurate performance reports.

Telemedicine Software

Medical professionals like doctors, therapists, or psychiatrists can examine and diagnose patients remotely using video conferencing and file-sharing tools with this type of software.

Laboratory Information Management Systems

A LIMS provides more accurate results in laboratory settings by managing samples, collecting data from those samples, automating workflows, and integrating instruments into the environment.

Radiology Information Systems

This medical imaging software is great for tracking patients and their images, scheduling appointments, reporting results, and invoicing. A RIS system improves the quality and speed of patient care and diagnosis in radiology departments.

Pharmacy Management Systems

A pharmacy management system will ensure a safe and well-run pharmacy by managing expired drugs, re-ordering stock, sending SMS reminders to patients, storing and backing up data on all customers, and many other beneficial processes.

Health Information Exchange Software

This software, also known as HIE, allows all medical personnel to safely and quickly share patients’ private health information with other organizations, resulting in faster, more efficient, and ultimately more reliable care.

Billing and Revenue Cycle Management Software

This software is designed specifically to track the billing and revenue across a patient’s life cycle, painting a complete picture of the cost of treatment for each customer.

What Do Healthcare Software Development Companies Do?

The greater demand for technological solutions in the medical sphere caused the appearance of narrow-specialized healthcare software development companies.

They assist non-governmental organizations, hospitals, and medical schools through various optimization services. At the same time, the requested enhancement range calls for finding a truly reliable software development partner.

From the standpoint of medical institutions, the reason to introduce IT solutions is mostly cost-oriented. Among all, a hired software development company should solve the task of greater financial efficiency through cost optimization.

Here, the technologies can provide data to control financial KPIs, emergency analytics, and client behavior. With these parameters, the spending on a healthcare software development company becomes justified.

Below are 3 types of services that healthcare software development companies offer.

Healthcare Software

All the technologies to assist data management and improve care quality, such as:

• Enhancing diagnostics.
• Intelligent imaging and radiology.
• Healthcare operations and resource management.
• Security and compliance.

Healthcare Apps

Using your mobile device to track your health can include:

• Telehealth and remote monitoring.
• Virtual assistants and chatbots.
• Personalized treatment through AI.
• Patient engagement.

Custom Solutions

Task-oriented software or a mobile solution designed specifically on the customer’s request addressing issues like:

• Digital transformations.
• Patient-centric approaches.
• AI and machine learning applications.
• Data exchanges.

Healthcare software development companies mainly focus on task-oriented solutions to provide the most accurate result and ensure client satisfaction. Nevertheless, the highest aim of any technological introduction is to establish an all-in-one healthcare ecosystem. And so, a high-end software development company always offers a comprehensive set of services for healthcare organizations — involving IT consulting, mobile/web development, cloud technologies, and IT outsourcing.

While there is still a lot of uncertainty and challenges around the digital transformation in the Healthcare Industry, our expertise allows us to consider a variety of technologies, use cases, and solutions for a software consultancy.

Intellectsoft has strong domain expertise for advising the right solutions to solve particular business challenges and avoid pitfalls while delivering and deploying them. Find these and other answers to your questions by getting in touch with our healthcare experts.

Cost of Software Development in the Healthcare Industry

If you’re in the market for healthcare software development, you can expect to pay in the ballpark of $200,000 for outsourcing to $388,000 or higher if you want all the work done in-house. Of course, these costs will differ based on your budget, timeline, and specific needs, which we’ll break down further: 

1. Type of Collaboration

Your first priority is to decide what type of team you want to work with. If you have enough resources, hiring an in-house team that will work by your side is an attractive possibility. 

The solution with the fewest headaches is to select an outsourcing team of software engineers who deliver software of the same quality as an in-house team but at significantly lower prices.

2. Team Composition

Another factor that shapes the development cost is team size and expertise. Consider that all the details, such as the number of employees, their experience and skills, and the technological stack of software developers involved in the project, might also affect the final price.

3. Project Complexity

The cost of your project will be defined by the type of software or medical website you want to develop. Such details as design complexity as well as the number of features that you want to include will play a crucial role in the final budget.

4. Development Timeline

This component is directly connected to the software development complexity. The more complex your software is, the more time-consuming and, respectively, costly your healthcare development project will turn out to be.

5. Team Location

If you opt for an outsourcing team of software engineers, the price will also vary depending on the region. If you want to get the best quality-price balance, it’s recommended to consider American destinations.

What is Custom Healthcare Software Development?

No two healthcare institutions are alike. That’s why custom healthcare software development services are necessary to hone in on clients’ specific needs. Among various advantages, it can help medical entities establish a secure and unified platform for storing medical information. As a result, each applicant can get results of higher inclusiveness, performance, and scalability.

In general, clients request custom healthcare software development when they need a specific solution to one of these problems:

• Optimizing the work with patient records.
• Facilitating communication between caregivers and patients.
• Encouraging collaboration between healthcare professionals.
• Integrating seamlessly with existing systems.
• Compliance with regulatory standards like HIPAA.
• Ensuring the smooth formation and interchange of individual health plans and strategies.
• Facilitating telemedicine and remote care.
• Providing a better accuracy of diagnoses.
• Cutting extra expenses.
• Incorporating new technologies like chatbots, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR).

You can request a custom solution if you have any of these requests.

SDLC in Healthcare

Here are the typical steps for leading the medical software development process (or software development life cycle):

• Requirements setting. Determining the organization’s needs and collecting the appropriate information.
• Prototype development. Conducting assessments and gathering details to propose a raw solution.
• Get feedback. Stakeholder involvement in the proposed solution is critical before moving forward.
• Design and programming. Establishing a technological solution.
• Software testing. Verifying the absence of errors, bugs, and other problems.
• Final adjustments. Validating the software solution and ensuring regulatory compliance before delivering it to a healthcare institution.

For custom software solutions, there is a slight change in the process:

• Select the target audience. Identify the tastes, preferences, and typical behavior of clients.
• Sketch the software architecture. Establish a detailed idea of healthcare IT solutions that meets the needs and demands of your target audience.
• Incorporate feedback. Make sure the solution fits the client’s problem before continuing.
• Elaborate UI/UX design. A customized solution requires closer attention to the usability and intuitiveness of an app.
• Protect the technology. Involve encryption for data protection.
• Ensure compatibility. Ensure the software can easily be incorporated into the IT infrastructure of an institution.

What’s the Future of Development in Healthcare?

Deloitte says the software development healthcare industry is on the verge of significant disruption. The focus will almost solely be open yet secure platforms, customer-driven care, and easy data exchange.

This direction especially strengthens the human-centered approach in healthcare, linking numerous solutions in the area, including optimization of treatment plans, easy tracking of health progress, and availability of online professional consultations.

From the business standpoint, this approach results in greater brand management, reputation increase, and better service delivery.

The key trends of software development in medical fields are:

• Focus on self-care and online communication (via a patient portal, especially). The focus should be accessibility and user-friendliness. The needs of specific demographics, such as the neurodivergent community, should be addressed.
• Involvement of blockchain innovation. This technology significantly contributes to sector democratization. Specifically, blockchain safely discloses internal operations, making the exchange more transparent, trustworthy, and collaborative.
• Expanded EMR software. In the new reality, each medical record will become digital and link all the specialties separated currently. 
• Telemedicine. This innovation creates close remote connections between physicians and patients, eliminating all the traditional barriers between them.
• AI. Diagnoses become more accurate, and you gain the ability to individualize treatment plans.
• VR/AR. Uses for this technology are endless, including training for medical professionals and patient education.
• Chronic disease management tools. Mobile apps or wearable devices to help our aging population could be a game-changer.

Even though the prospects of healthcare IT solutions seem bright, we still have a way to go. Any new software should vigorously address safety concerns since this is one of the most common hurdles for contemporary digital solutions. Also, the management of Big Data should be a priority.

Summing It Up

Intellectsoft offers high-quality assistance in designing and developing various kinds of healthcare software. By consulting with us, you can be sure the solution provided will serve you long, integrate into your digital ecosystem successfully, and manage the data accurately.

At Intellectsoft, we empower companies and their workforce with cutting-edge transformative solutions and data-driven insights. We’ve provided advanced digital solutions for various healthcare organizations, including the dental industry, where our software increased revenue and attracted new patients.

Are you and your organization ready to shift your mindsets and get the most out of our innovative IT solutions? Talk to our experts and learn more about the latest healthcare software technologies and how your business or project can benefit from them today!

The post Healthcare Software Development: A Complete Guide for 2023 appeared first on Intellectsoft Blog.

Hackers target confidential data because they profit from selling it. In 2022, the FBI registered a daunting amount of losses caused to US citizens and businesses by cybercrime activities: $10.3 billion. To put this in perspective, this sum was about 3.5 times lower in 2018 – $2.7 billion. Even more, in 2021, the losses were $6.8 billion, meaning they have grown by one-third over a year.

Source: The IC3 report 2022

According to the same report, the healthcare industry is the most common victim of cyber attacks. This industry has the perfect combination of valuable data and glaring security issues making it a gold mine for hackers. So why do healthcare institutions lose data (and money), despite strict security regulations, HIPAA guidelines, and other government-enforced measures? Let’s find out.

Why is Cybersecurity Important in Healthcare?

There are several reasons why there are so many cybersecurity threats in healthcare. Any confidential data can be used as leverage or for many criminal purposes, like extortion, identity theft, fraud, and much more. That is why such information is highly lucrative and draws a lot of hackers’ attention.

The healthcare industry deals with an enormous amount of private data on a daily basis. Digital technologies brought many benefits to the workflow in hospitals, most notably reducing the paperwork and organizing health records. Unfortunately, the same technologies created a lot of cybersecurity issues in healthcare. They allow criminals to steal and tamper with health-related data while keeping a low profile in a remote location, possibly from the other side of the world.

So, the healthcare industry had to acknowledge the vital role of cybersecurity and implement numerous measures to predict and fend off attacks. The government introduces and enforces many security regulations and standards that are mandatory. On their part, healthcare service providers usually implement additional security measures to further protect their businesses, clients, and related data.

Every data leak that occurs in a medical institution is a potential collective lawsuit from hundreds or thousands of patients. Such a lawsuit may ruin the reputation of the healthcare service provider and can easily destroy its future as a business enterprise. It also involves a huge fine which can be the final blow to the healthcare organization since many clinics and hospitals are already poorly funded. 

So, healthcare cybersecurity threats target persons and businesses, bringing potential reputational and financial damage. On a larger scale, they can also disrupt the workflows in one of the most vital systems of a state: the public health system. From this perspective, considering the utmost importance of the problem, developing effective solutions to healthcare cybersecurity challenges is a matter of national security. 

Top 3 Cybersecurity Issues in Healthcare Industry

There are dozens of security threat types. However, there are three main reasons why cyber attacks are successful.

1. Outdated Computer Systems

Though some people prefer the term “legacy systems,” they are just sugarcoating the problem. Due to budget cuts, some hospitals have to use decade-old computer equipment and software. 

First, it’s ineffective in terms of performance and power efficiency. More importantly, its creators abandon old software after it reaches the “lifetime” threshold. For instance, about 15% of computers worldwide used Windows 7 and 8 during 2022, which has recently dropped to about 4%. This is despite those systems having had no security updates since January 2020 (or January 2023, in the case of the Extended Security Updates program). 

The “it’s old, but it works” attitude is a massive threat to cybersecurity, especially in healthcare. Eventually, you have to part with some money for upgrades and new computers. Recycle old junk.

2. Phishing Attacks Are Getting More Sophisticated

The worst part is that attacks are getting smarter, but people remain the same. One of the main threats to healthcare cybersecurity is the human factor. 

Even after graduation, doctors must continue learning about new threats, cures, and practices. Sadly, the same approach is not as common in cybersecurity in healthcare. Every healthcare worker who has access to patients’ confidential information can become a potential intermediary for a data breach. Lack of security awareness, understaffing, and budget cuts are the weak points that ensure the success of hacker attacks.

Hackers constantly improve their methods and use new technologies. One of the most recent examples is using artificial intelligence to enhance their tools. For example, it can easily create compelling texts for phishing and other scams. Modern AI chatbots lack many basic security kill switches. The lack of control over AI and its potential use to assist criminal activities has raised much concern. It was expressed in the recent open letter signed by prominent digital technology scientists and entrepreneurs. 

3. The Growing Scale of Botnets and Ransomware

Modern botnets amass enough technical capabilities to execute DDoS attacks. Besides, botnets distribute malware that leads to data breaches and further expands them. 

During the COVID pandemic, massive hacker attacks targeted research facilities, vaccine manufacturers, hospitals, and even the World Health Organization and the HHS. Some of those attacks were successful and led to drastic results. Data was stolen or lost, surgeries were postponed, hospital operations were compromised, and many lives were endangered. 

According to the IC3 report, in 2022, Healthcare and Public Health infrastructure was the primary victim of ransomware. Another FBI report highlights massive attacks on healthcare payment processors in the same year. There is enough evidence to believe that the situation will remain grim with a slim chance of improvement.

How to Overcome the Main Challenges in Healthcare Cybersecurity?

Is there anything we can do about healthcare cybersecurity challenges? Yes, but the necessary measures require a lot of money and effort. 

Upgrade Equipment

Even if your old computers and servers are still in operating state, it does not mean they remain effective. At some point, equipment is no longer able to meet the growing requirements of security software. Get hardware that supports modern security protocols, encryption methods, etc. Not only will you reach a higher level of security, but also you will get a much more energy-effective infrastructure. This way, a higher performance-per-Watt ratio of modern equipment will save you money, so you will be able to improve your business, including its security, even further. 

Update Software

The same principle applies to software products implemented in healthcare computer systems. Old versions of anti-viruses, firewalls, antimalware, and other security solutions are usually discontinued and no longer updated by their creators. In fact, this leads to one of the most common and dangerous cybersecurity threats in healthcare. You have the illusion of being protected, but your systems have no real protection because old security software cannot deal with modern types of attacks. Buy new licenses and enforce automatic updates. No product is perfect, so let developers patch their software.

Train Staff

Employees have to learn how to handle new hardware and software. But they must also learn how to detect and ward off potential threats. Minimizing the impact of a human factor is essential for fighting cybercrime. These days, learning “digital hygiene” is as essential as learning basic health and safety rules. Trained personnel who know how to avoid and respond to most common computer-related threats, such as unsafe passwords or phishing emails, are vital not only to healthcare cybersecurity but to all industries that have integrated digital technologies into their workflows. 

Implement Constant Security Monitoring and Regular Checkups

Usually, modern healthcare institutions have a complex computer infrastructure with dozens of workstations and at least one server located on-site or in the cloud. These numbers may vary for small clinics or large hospitals, but the essence remains the same: a computer system with all its components requires a lot of setup and maintenance to remain fully functional and secure. Depending on the scale, you will need one or a few system administrators and digital security specialists to monitor and protect your computer network. They should also select the best-fit antivirus, data backup, and system monitor software for your business based on your system specifications and other key factors.

Enforce Multi-Factor Authentication

Various levels of access, permission rules, and authentication are the staples of digital safety, including healthcare cybersecurity. They are crucial for remote operations but are also essential for on-site work. Multi-factor authentication is a relatively simple but effective defense mechanism. Do not neglect it. Restricting access to your computer network from outside is another commonly used method of securing data. Also, assigning different access levels to workers depending on their positions and duties in a company is an excellent measure that has proven its effectiveness in preventing data loss and other security threats.

Enable Encryption of Confidential Data

Patients’ files and login credentials are often kept in plain text form. Avoid it. You should implement encryption protocols to secure data during storage and communication. This way, even if hackers manage to steal information, it will be nearly impossible to decrypt it in the foreseeable future, even with state-of-the-art tools. Even if hackers have the determination and resources to crack properly protected information, it will likely become outdated and worthless by that time.

Adjust Network Infrastructure

Adopt the modular structure to minimize the losses. When one compartment is compromised in a submarine, it is shut off, but the boat remains operational. The same principle may be adjusted to a computer network in a healthcare institution. If one module or segment fails, the rest must keep working. This approach ensures the uninterrupted operation of computer systems in emergency situations, which is vital for healthcare cybersecurity.

Hire Professionals

This is the crucial step that ensures the effectiveness of all the aforementioned steps. You need the experience and skills of professionals to deal with the current and future healthcare cybersecurity challenges. That’s why you should hire a team of experts who will consult you, analyze your needs, develop an efficient healthcare cybersecurity solution, and integrate it seamlessly into your business infrastructure. 

For example, Intellectsoft has a team of skilled specialists experienced in creating and implementing advanced healthcare IT solutions. We can provide you with a full range of consulting and software development services to protect your business against cybersecurity threats in healthcare. 

The list can go on and on. Those steps are just the basics. Cybercriminals are raking in billions of dollars every year, so they will not give up any time soon. It’s up to us to protect our private information and defend critical infrastructure. And since most attacks are focused on the healthcare sector, it needs extra defensive measures and fast. 

Conclusion

Only three healthcare cybersecurity challenges in 2023 may seem like not much, but any of them can cause irreversible damage to medical institutions, their medical staff, and, most important – patients. The growing scale of ransomware and botnets, together with AI-empowered and more sophisticated phishing schemes, require extra effort and quality from your entire digital infrastructure. Outdated legacy systems are more fragile compared to modern ones with blockchain-driven and microservice-based architecture. This is why your upgraded equipment should go hand-in-hand with updated healthcare software.

To make sure these cybersecurity challenges won’t interfere with your business and your patients, you need to make sure that all specialists creating or upgrading your software are reliable professionals.

Being a software development provider since 2007, we have built from scratch and upgraded dozens of healthcare systems and ecosystems of different types and complexity – MVP, ERP, CRM, patient portals, and many others. As a company with 15+ years of solid experience in the field of providing digital solutions for businesses, from startups to enterprises, we understand the importance of solid healthcare cybersecurity and the intensity of the consequences a minor data breach may cause to the client’s reputation. 

We guarantee the highest quality of every finished project, and the fact that we have many recurring clients supports this statement. So, if you’re looking for a reliable team of professionals who will help you eliminate or overcome healthcare cybersecurity challenges, you’ve found it. Just get in touch with us and tell us what your business needs so that we can offer you the most effective and secure solution.

FAQ

I own a small clinic. Why should I spend my budget on cybersecurity?

If you want to avoid data leaks and subsequent lawsuits and fines, we recommend implementing at least a set of basic healthcare cybersecurity measures. Some hackers prefer attacking small companies because they are much easier targets than huge enterprises. And don’t forget that even the smallest healthcare business should follow the legal regulations regarding personal data. In other words, to run a business in the healthcare industry, it must be HIPAA-compliant in the USA, GDPR-compliant in the EU, PIPEDA-compliant in Canada, and so on. 

How to improve cybersecurity in healthcare in a cost-efficient manner?

It depends on the size of your business and how lucrative your data may be for hackers. If you are a small healthcare service provider, start with a basic set of measures to fend off the most common types of attacks. Then build up your security as your profits grow, and you have more budget to spend. This approach will allow you to create an all-around defense and then enhance it by implementing more advanced solutions.

There are too many steps to overcome security challenges. Which one is the most effective?

All of them are effective in combination. If you implement a single step from the list, it won’t be enough. The key to effective healthcare cybersecurity is to integrate all those steps in your business and make them work in unison. For this, you will need a team to analyze your business, design and build a software solution, implement it, and, optionally, perform post-release maintenance and staff training.

OK, I want to implement a healthcare cybersecurity solution in my healthcare business. How do I start?

You should start by contacting our managers. Here, at Intellectsoft, our experienced specialists will consult you, analyze your business, and suggest a custom software solution. When you discuss and finalize all the details, our development team will design, build, test, and deliver the final product with comprehensive documentation.

The post Cybersecurity Challenges in Healthcare Industry appeared first on Intellectsoft Blog.

You may find plenty of information on common mistakes to avoid in healthcare startups. However, in this article, we will cover mistakes that not only startups but also SMBs (small and medium businesses) and enterprises may experience. Our goal is to highlight what things you should keep in mind when working on your project to make it the strongest one on the market.

HealthTech Implementation Errors That Can Ruin Your Project

Compared to other industries, healthcare sets more strict requirements for businesses and products. They are primarily the result of the highly sensitive nature of information and the immense impact on health and lives, especially in the case of misuse or failure. That’s why mistakes in healthtech pose a much bigger threat to users and product owners. Therefore, it is vital to recognize and avoid as many mistakes as possible because the consequences of making them can be devastating in terms of business reputation and budget. 

1. Poor Marketing Research and Analysis

Sometimes, entrepreneurs invest a lot of resources to create a product only to discover that it doesn’t meet the needs of users. It is possible to make amendments and improve a product after the release, but in some cases, it may not be feasible because of the failed launch. This disappointing waste of time and money could have been easily prevented by thorough market research. 

So, even if you are 100% sure you have invented a brilliant software concept, do not rush blindly into production. Find out if users need your potential product, what problems it can solve, how it can outperform its competitors, and so on. This procedure is the basics of any business enterprise, and nevertheless, it gets overlooked way too often.

2. Lack of New Technologies

To be in modern business means to be ahead of your competitors or at least keep up with them. This means constantly learning about new technologies and how to implement them to your advantage. Even a well-designed cutting-edge product will inevitably become obsolete as time goes by. For example, old software is commonly monolithic, while today, the integration of a microservice-based architecture is among healthtech best practices. 

Ignoring the need for modern technologies is the path to failure and one of the biggest mistakes for a software product owner. In some cases, the poorly-planned development of a healthtech product may take so long that it becomes outdated right after the release. In other cases, product owners refuse to innovate their legacy systems due to the complexity or costs of the process.  

It is crucial to foresee and enable the possibility of easily updating a healthtech software product as a whole or at least its components. This can be done by implementing a modular structure of an application to facilitate updates and minimize system downtime. A well-designed healthtech solution should be able to adopt and use new possibilities provided by rapidly developing technologies, such as AI and ML.

3. Failure to Comply with Compulsory Standards and Regulations

The healthcare industry is among the most heavily controlled areas due to its key role in the life of a state. It has a lot of regulations because of its great importance, safety concerns, and potential consequences of accidents. 

Since healthcare is usually closely tied to insurance and financial organizations, many additional standards that protect personal information become involved in developing a healthtech solution. The full scope of applicable regulations depends on the type of software and will be clear for experienced developers and consultants.

This way, in addition to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), your software may also have to comply with such standards as the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA). If your product does not meet the data safety requirements enforced by the government, it won’t be allowed on the market.

4. Poor UI/UX

Convenience is one of the defining features of a good product. In healthcare, there are often situations when time is essential. Your product should consider such situations and allow fast and precise work. This is ensured mainly with the help of an intuitive UI, straightforward navigation, and foolproof design. Neglecting these components will make your software obscure and even frustrating for users, which will lead to a quick failure as a business product.

Skilled designers know the importance of UI/UX and the high requirements set by the healthcare industry. That’s why they focus on providing the best possible usability and accessibility and put extra effort into thorough testing. Sometimes, due to time and budget constraints, improved user experience comes at the cost of sophisticated design. As a business person, you should understand that it is a reasonable trade-off for a healthtech product.

5. Lack of Flexibility 

To survive in the business world, you need to evolve and adapt to changing conditions. This equally refers to business companies and their products. Your company strategy and software must be flexible to follow the continuous changes in healthcare industry trends. 

Flexibility also relates to the integration of your software into the existing healthcare systems. If you foresee and ensure such a possibility, your healthtech product will have a much wider reach, among other benefits.

Additionally, make sure you collect and analyze user feedback to improve your product. Listening to clients and making changes to meet their needs is a vital part of adaptability that ensures higher levels of user satisfaction and loyalty.

6. Disregarding the Importance of an MVP

It is unwise to disregard the range of benefits offered by a minimum viable product (MVP). Still, some entrepreneurs prefer to skip this stage, thinking that they save money and time this way. They fail to understand that an MVP provides faster time-to-market, helps to get funding from investors and to obtain early feedback from users – patients and medical workers. 

If you want to improve the future chances of your product on the market, invest in an MVP. The additional costs are far less than the potential price of failure if your healthtech solution bombs after the release due to insufficient analysis and feedback.

7. Underestimating the Role of Quality Assurance

One of the top priorities in healthtech is the protection of confidential information. The overall security requirements are also much higher than in many other industries. These are reasonable precautions, considering the importance and possible consequences of data breaches in healthcare systems. 

Lack of quality assurance may make your product vulnerable to data tampering, ransomware attacks, and other hacks. This will label it as unreliable and potentially dangerous, resulting in a business failure. 

You should also remember that people’s lives and health may depend on the quality of your healthtech software. Therefore, any flaw that results from poor quality is a potential tragedy and a lawsuit. Avoid it by ensuring the highest possible quality with the help of thorough QA practices.

8. Absence of Experienced Healthcare Consultants

Sometimes, a team of skilled software developers is not enough to create a high-quality healthtech product. While the team takes care of the technical aspect of the project, there are several other aspects that need attention. 

Many people forget the importance of having additional consultants, specifically medics and lawyers. These specialists provide vital insights on specific topics that are crucial for healthtech but may be outside of the expertise range of software engineers. This is especially true for legal advice and peculiarities of medical procedures relevant to the particular software solution.

Also, healthcare specialists are considered the target audience for healthtech solutions. They should be given an opportunity to test the usability, provide feedback that shows weak spots, and suggest improvements from the clients’ perspective.

9. Low Budget 

The insufficient budget usually reflects on the quality, functionality, and promotion of a software solution. This situation means that the lack of funds impairs all the components that create the potential for success. The time and skills of professionals are pricey, and you need to consider this fact in your business strategy.

There are several ways to raise additional funding for a software project. Make sure to try them all and get a sufficient budget for your healthtech solution. Recent statistics prove that the results may be surprisingly good, even for a startup. Spend time on a business strategy and find ways to save expenses without affecting the quality of your product.

10. Poor Usability in Emergency Situations

The healthcare system strives to ensure autonomous operation in all its aspects. When the lives of patients are on the line, such a trivial thing as the absence of an Internet connection must not interrupt the work of a medical institution. That’s why most healthtech software products are designed to remain operational during various emergency situations. 

For example, such emergencies may include periods of extremely heavy load, the loss of network connection, the use of backup power during blackouts, and more. A well-designed solution should retain at least part of its functionality at all times rather than become unusable when patients and staff need it the most. For this reason, the excessive reliance on web services that can be seen in many software products is among the biggest healthcare technology errors.

No patient would like to hear such excuses from the reception staff  as “Sorry, we cannot retrieve your electronic health record because Amazon Web Services are down” or “Sorry, we cannot schedule your MRI because our Google Calendar is not responding.” Make sure to build a sturdy and reliable software solution, and you will get a well-deserved appreciation for your efforts.

As you can see, most of the mistakes listed above can be avoided by choosing a competent software development team. Naturally, your business strategy and dedication are also important factors that can prevent fatal errors. Unlike many other industries, in healthcare, “fatal” may have a literal meaning in this context. That’s why you should take an extremely responsible approach: build a solid strategy, focus on quality, and do not rush the development process.

Final Words

The success of your healthtech product directly depends on the development team’s professionalism. Choosing Intellectsoft for healthtech development services will help you avoid the mistakes listed in this article, even if you choose us only for consulting. Since 2007, healthcare has become one of our domain expertise industries, and we have successfully delivered dozens of custom healthcare solutions for businesses of all sizes. 

In addition to understanding the peculiarities of the healthtech industry, we also offer bespoke-cycle development so that you will not have to pay for the services you do not need. Startups and enterprises often have radically different problems and needs, and knowing that, our specialists will offer you the most efficient and cost-effective solution. 

The only thing you need to do is to get in touch with us and tell us your requirements so that we can start turning your business idea into a successful and profitable reality.

The post 10 HealthTech Mistakes You Should Avoid appeared first on Intellectsoft Blog.

Healthcare is one of the oldest and most influential industries in the history of mankind. Due to its importance, many technological advances have been designed or adapted for this field. New technologies in software development are no exception. Here are a few popular types of medical software.  

Electronic Health Records (EHR)

EHR is currently the most widespread type of software used in hospitals around the world. It is an efficient modern alternative to hand-written charts that allows hospitals to store information in a more organized and secure way. Digital records can be shared across several healthcare providers, which is extremely convenient. 

The main advantage of digital health records is the reduced paperwork and easy transfer of data across different medical institutions. Patients do not have to fill in the same information in a paper form whenever they come to a new clinic that belongs to the same healthcare provider network. Electronic health records are also potentially more secure in terms of protecting confidential data, especially in comparison with hand-written paper charts. This is ensured by government-enforced regulations, such as HIPAA compliance, as well as advanced digital security technologies.  

EHR is helpful in the case of an emergency when a patient is unresponsive and doctors cannot obtain information directly from them. In such situations, medical staff can use accessible information on a patient’s ID to try and retrieve their health records, including medical history, known allergies, and so on. 

Electronic Health Records, especially when they are implemented with the help of blockchain technologies, greatly improve the safety and security of patients’ data. This type of medical software prevents data tampering and allows using encryption and backup means for additional protection of confidential information. 

Another important benefit of EHR is that they allow further processing of digital information, for example, for scientific research or statistics purposes. This process takes place with patients’ consent, and data is depersonalized and analyzed in bulk.

Telemedicine Software

Telemedicine uses computer networks to arrange communication between patients and doctors. Traditionally, it was implemented in the form of email communication and phone calls. These days, thanks to digital technologies, patients and doctors use web or mobile apps to have online consultations as text, audio, or video chats. The communication is usually encrypted to maintain confidentiality.

The increasing demand, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, spurred a great growth of web and mobile applications for telemedicine. There are many situations where patients cannot visit doctors and vice versa. Video conferences held with the help of appropriate software proved to be an effective solution to this problem.

Doctor appointment scheduling software is often considered a part of telemedicine. It may be a separate app or a module integrated into a complex management system. In any form, it allows users to choose a doctor and schedule an appointment without visiting a clinic. More often, such applications also have additional functionality, such as billing and video conferencing. Telemedicine applications also allow patients to attach their test results or other relevant files to their chats with doctors. 

Some telemedicine apps combine features of social networks and marketplaces. For example, they may contain doctors’ biographies, their specializations, awards, descriptions of expertise, and other career highlights. Such showcases allow patients to make a better-informed decision on choosing a particular medical specialist. 

As a rule, a telemedicine software product comprises at least two apps – for doctors and clinics, and for patients. These apps have different functionalities and access permissions but are connected to a common data platform. This way, doctors have a clear view of their schedules, and hospital management staff observe the workload of every individual doctor and department. In their turn, hospital clients are allowed to see only free spots and the part of the schedule related to them. Patients and doctors receive notifications to remind them of planned appointments or any other relevant information.

E-prescriptions Software

Electronic prescriptions are another attempt to reduce paperwork and introduce the benefits of digital documentation, similar to electronic health records. This type of software allows improved control over the process of prescribing and obtaining medicine, making it much more difficult to forge receipts. 

In some cases, e-prescription software allows patients to order the required medicine online. It improves convenience for people with low mobility and other conditions that make it difficult for them to go to a pharmacy.

Hospital Management Systems (HMS)

Hospital management systems are large software suites that usually comprise several modules with different features and levels of access. Often, they are used as core frameworks that integrate various types of software mentioned in this article into one infrastructure. In such cases, an HMS may contain: 

• EHR database;
• Appointment scheduling module;
• E-prescriptions;
• Integrated CRM system.

In some implementations, a hospital management system offers essential functions for hospital administration. These functions are usually aimed at automating routine processes, such as patient room management, inventory tracking, billing and accounting, operating room scheduling, and many others.

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software for Medical Institutions

CRM software is often used in clinics to optimize their communication with patients. This way, clinics may gather, store, and analyze information about their clients in an effective automated way. As a result, patients get personalized services and a better customer experience.

Usually, CRM systems interact with electronic health records since they both deal with the same information. Using this data, CRM software can provide automatic notifications to clients using their email addresses or phone numbers. Overall, the purpose of CRM is to improve customer satisfaction and streamline mundane processes. 

Health Tracking Software

This type of software gained popularity thanks to the various types of smart devices. Health tracking involves measuring vitals or other health-related characteristics of a person using a range of electronic devices. They include various wearables, such as fitness trackers and smartwatches. 

Health tracking software is commonly used for monitoring blood pressure, oxygen saturation, heart rate, glucose level, and other health indicators. Such applications are usually installed on smartphones or tablets and provide convenient notifications whenever the user’s attention is required. Overall, they offer quality-of-life improvements for people with such conditions as diabetes or asthma, as well as post-op patients and elderly people.

Keeping track of glucose and calorie consumption is essential for many patients who must keep a strict diet. A combination of custom software and IoT technologies is very convenient for this purpose.

Medical Imaging Software

Medical imaging software takes signals from an MRI or CAT machine and converts them into a visual representation. Modern versions of such software implement AI and machine learning technologies for automatic analysis. Additionally, new imaging technologies create high-resolution images and 3D models that can be closely inspected by specialists. 

For example, this can reduce the chance of misdiagnosing and improve the accuracy and speed of diagnostics. The combination of medical imaging software and electronic health records allows doctors to visually track the progress of a disease by comparing several images taken at different stages of treatment. 

Additionally, imaging technologies can have other purposes in healthcare. For example, models created by medical imaging software may be converted into educational materials and used in medical training software. These models also help to improve tissue printing technologies, which are believed to be the nearest future of medicine.

Medical Research and Analytics Software

Large amounts of information regarding medical cases can be processed into a valuable source of scientific data. To do so, patient’s data is depersonalized and subjected to several stages of analysis and classification. After that, the obtained structured data is integrated into relevant databases. 

Such scientific databases also require specific management software to keep them organized and accessible for research. Database management software should perform duplicate removal, regular updating, and other maintenance procedures.

Medical Training Software

The newest digital technologies offer incredible opportunities for medical training. The use of virtual reality and augmented reality has revolutionized the approaches to education. Specialized software allows medical students to study highly detailed 3D models of organs and systems of a human body in a healthy state or afflicted with various diseases.

Virtual reality has found an impressive application in surgery training. Today, thanks to VR/AR equipment and software, medical students can practice their surgery skills in a simulated environment. 

Exercising and Rehabilitation Assistants

This type of software is especially useful in combination with health tracking and telemedicine applications. Many patients need guidance and motivation to exercise at home, for example, if they cannot go to rehabilitation centers for every session. This is the case for postoperative patients or people with different disorders that lead to obesity. 

Rehabilitation assistant software can contain different exercise programs developed by doctors for various health conditions. Additionally, such assistant apps may be adjusted for every patient individually by their consultant physician. The integration with smart devices allows patients and their doctors to track their progress and vitals during exercising. 

The psychological aspect of such apps is also highly important. Some people are shy by nature and dislike gyms or socializing in general. Others may feel uncomfortable in public because of their appearance, for instance, if they have scars or extra weight. Rehabilitation assistant software may become a life-changer for them, preventing patients from giving up and encouraging them to exercise. 

The Importance of Medical Software

There are many other types of healthcare software that did not make the list, such as robotic surgery software, medical billing software, and so on. The industry of healthcare has many challenges, and software developers are doing their best to provide effective solutions. Here are a few examples of how specialized software benefits doctors, patients, and healthcare institutions:

• Optimized hospital management processes
• Better customer experience for patients
• More secure handling of confidential information
• Convenient appointment scheduling
• Ability to consult with doctors using video calls
• More accurate diagnosing and reduced chance of human errors
• A whole new level of interactive medical training
• Quality-of-life improvements for patients with low mobility and other conditions

The advances in medicine and software development will definitely lead to new types of healthcare software. The existing types and applications will also improve to offer even more advantages and adapt to the changes in respective fields.

Conclusion

Due to the constantly rising demand, developers keep creating and improving various types of healthcare software. Their advantages are highly appreciated by hospital management, medical staff, and patients. 

At some point, every provider of medical services needs one or several customized applications to optimize and promote their business. These days, even small clinics require at least a CRM system and EHR software to offer a competitive level of service.

Intellectsoft specializes in providing customized IT solutions for healthcare. Our specialists have built significant expertise in this field and take a personalized approach to every case. Contact us and tell what medical software solution you want to create.

The post 10 Most Popular Types of Software Used in Healthcare appeared first on Intellectsoft Blog.

EHR is only one of plenty of healthcare solutions available today. To see how technologies change healthcare and explore the latest statistics — read our article about digital transformation in healthcare.

In this article, you will get an extensive overview of Electronic Health Record Systems integration. You are going to find out what an EHR is, what benefits it brings to healthcare providers, and why its integration is crucial for institutions. Moreover, we will take a look at the main challenges of integrating EHR and how to avoid them and get the most out of this system. Let’s get started!

Overview of an Electronic Health Record System

Before diving deep into the topic, let’s get a clear understanding of what EHR is.

An electronic Health Record or simply EHR is a digital version of a patient’s medical chart. With this system, all access to data is automated to streamline the hospital’s workflows. EHR usually includes the following data:

• Demographics
• Treatment progress notes
• Medical history
• Medication history
• Allergy data
• Core vital signs
• Health issues
• Immunization records
• Laboratory test results
• Radiology reports

The statistics down below will be proof that EHR systems integration is inevitable in the future of any healthcare organization.

EHR integration is the process of implementing the advanced digital technology that aims at simplifying access to patient’s health data. It might also imply connecting the newly integrated EHR to other applications and systems that a healthcare provider uses. The expected outcome of integrating EHR is to enable seamless data sharing and access across devices and systems.

6 Reasons to Integrate EHR system

Now, let’s take a closer look at the main reasons companies should integrate Electronic Health Record systems.

Enhanced Safety and Security

The importance of safe and secure digital environments is undeniable for the healthcare sector as institutions store tons of sensitive information. All data stored by the hospital has to be protected and encrypted to prevent data breaches, cyber-attacks, and unauthorized access. EHR systems have advanced security features and HIPAA compliance that will enable a top-notch level of protection for all data stored by your institution.

Streamlined Hospital Workflows

Electronic health record system is an advanced digital platform that makes it possible to automate, facilitate and streamline all hospital workflows. From now on, it will be possible to reduce manual paperwork, track and manage all patient data digitally, and so much more. In its turn, the system will save staff time and resources, reduce error risks, as well as cut down operational costs as well. If hospitals choose to integrate EHR, it will all lead to better and more effective patient care delivery.

Easy Medical Data Sharing

EHR makes it possible not just to easily share all healthcare data within one hospital across departments but also share it across other hospitals if needed. It’s worth noting that data sharing is one of the main reasons businesses opt for EHR system integration. It can be extremely helpful if one patient is under the supervision of multiple doctors. The process of data sharing is extremely convenient and secure and physicians can access and share records regardless of their location for efficient collaboration with other specialists.

Improved Work Efficiency and Productivity

As you can see, EHR systems are extremely helpful and positively transform the daily workflows of hospital professionals. Obviously, it results in improved productivity as they no longer have to deal with time-consuming tasks. Now, they can fully focus on what’s important for them and their patients. All important data is centralized and it’s going to be possible to access health records and communicate with doctors, pharmacies, and insurers. Also, it can help hospitals retain their employees as less paperwork will create better work satisfaction.

Better Patient Outcomes

Taking into account that EHR improves diagnostics and minimizes all redundant administrative work, it will enable medical staff to spend more time with patients. By offering better patient service, healthcare organizations will also significantly improve patient treatment outcomes. In addition, easy access to healthcare data from any device will also help offer faster urgent healthcare services to ambulance patients.

Patient Engagement

The EHR system means access to health records not just for the doctor but also for the patient. With this platform, patients can see their health records from the comfort of their homes which means they are more engaged in their treatment process and are less anxious because they don’t have to wait until the next doctor’s appointment to know the results. It gives them more freedom and the feeling of being in control of their healthcare process.

Top 5 EHR Integration Challenges

It goes without saying that there could be several problems in EHR systems integration and your company has to be ready not just to benefit from its features but also to face and effectively address potential issues. Down below, we will briefly describe all the main EHR integration challenges you might encounter during healthcare software development and usage.

Privacy Concerns

Data privacy is one of the major concerns when it comes to digitizing. The same concerns can be applied to EHR integration. The system contains plenty of sensitive data and personal information. Healthcare records are prone to data breaches according to the latest research.

Solution: While integrating your EHR, pay extra attention to the security measures applied. Opt for cloud-based HIPAA-compliant platforms that can protect all the data and ensure the highest level of safety.

EHR Implementation Costs

It’s worth noting that digitizing your business always requires a lot of financial resources. Therefore, you have to be ready that the process will be pretty expensive. However, taking into account all the benefits this is a worthy investment in your future growth.

Solution: You need to adjust your annual budget beforehand to make EHR implementation happen. Even though the process is pricey, it can significantly save your budget in the future as doctors will be more efficient and patients more satisfied.

Current System Compatibility

If you made a decision to integrate EHR, be ready to face compatibility challenges. Interoperability of EHR with other systems your hospital uses is extremely important. Since most hospitals use multiple platforms, it’s possible to encounter problems with their compatibility.

Solution: Contact your software development partner to seek advice regarding the compatibility of your systems with the future EHR you create. They can offer you a solution that will minimize the risks.

Employee Training

Another challenge that accompanies EHR integration is employee training. When you introduce the newly adopted system to your colleagues they will have a lot of questions and it’s going to take time to teach them how to use it properly.

Solution: Request your software development provider to dedicate their time and resources to assist your hospital in the transition to a new system and provide additional training to leave no questions to those who will use EHR in the future. As an option, write a guide that will serve as a helping point to coworkers.

Workflow Interruptions

Some healthcare organizations still rely heavily on their paper documentation and introducing EHR can gravely interrupt old workflows. Another possible drawback is that not all hospitals have enough computers to provide each doctor with the required hardware.

Solution: It’s obligatory to keep EHR implementation in mind when setting up the workflows. Chances are high, you will have to adjust them a lot as well as update records accordingly to make everything fit the system you are planning to introduce. For some clinics, it will mean minor changes and for some of them, it can mean starting from scratch.

Consider Intellectsoft Your Trusted Partner

If your business needs to integrate EHR systems, don’t hesitate to consider Intellectsoft your trusted software development partner. For more than 15 years, our company operates on the market and offers outstanding digital solutions to our clients all over the world.

Feel free to check out our healthcare IT services and dental software development services to see what makes our company stand out among the competition. Intellectsoft’s professionals can create any type of software that your company needs.

Although our expertise includes extensive experience collaborating with medical and dental companies, we have experience working with fintech, construction, hospitality, and automotive companies.

Contact us to discuss your ideas and technical requirements and we will provide you with more information regarding our future collaboration.

In addition, take a look at the list of full client success stories to see what challenges our clients were facing and what solutions we created for them in order to help them overcome issues and grow their businesses through effective digitalization.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, Electronic Health Record integration can make a big difference for a healthcare institution. Reasons to implement machine learning in healthcare as well as practice management and EHR systems are infinite as these technologies are aimed at facilitating many internal processes.

Intellectsoft’s team has accumulated our best practices and experience with clients to give you insights not just on the advantages of integrating EHR but also on the main challenges related to this process as well as solutions that will help you on your way. It’s time for your company to make your first step toward a more digitized and patient-oriented business that will grow exponentially. EHR is a system that has the potential to fully transform and automate your healthcare business and take it to a whole new level.

The post Electronic Health Record (EHR) Integration: Main Reasons and Challenges with their Solutions appeared first on Intellectsoft Blog.

The technology applications based on AI and the Internet of Medical Things are used to catch signs early to prevent disease progression, provide better support for staying healthy, encourage healthier behavior, etc.

Another promising area of the health industry is global augmented reality along with virtual reality and their market size is expected to cross $9.5 billion by 2028. Besides 3D cinema, real estate, education, video games, and entertainment devices, AR and VR technology is used to benefit human health helping both patients and doctors.

The healthcare industry is becoming more technologically advanced as time goes on and there are a plethora of other prominent medical technology trends that are changing the future of the healthcare system. According to Verified Market Research, the global healthcare market is estimated to arrive at $665.37 billion by 2028.

Having brought a crucial transformation in the medical sector, mobile apps enable healthcare specialists to reach the patients and provide them with quick solutions anytime and from anywhere. Today, there are more than 350,000 medical applications including health as well as fitness apps available in major app stores.

ePharmacy market becomes increasingly digital and its value is projected to reach more than $206 billion by 2028. Let’s delve into online pharmacy app development now and find out a set of relevant features of the pharmacy app that meet all customers’ expectations and needs.

What Is an Online Pharmacy App?

An online pharmacy app is a software that ensures fast search, selection, and order of medicines and subsequently safe and timely delivery that drastically maximizes the convenience and better customer experience and saves time along with effort. This electronic service is available through a pharmacy marketplace or branded online pharmacy app.

The first option is an easy-to-use platform, which connects healthcare providers and pharmacies allowing them to sell the medicines. With the marketplace, users have a choice and can compare prices offered by different pharmacies that have registered on the platform and then order from the most favorable one.

By choosing a marketplace, startups can skip developing their own application but at the same time attract customers, increase profit, and grow their brand fast.

But transforming your pharmacy into a digital business with an app that allows customers to buy medicines online seamlessly enables a strong connection between the pharmacy and its clients as the pharmacy app development that based on the branded name, and plenty of branded style elements result in a product that improves company recognition, scales business, and boosts sales.

Why Is an Online Pharmacy App Important?

Mobile technology is growing exponentially and solving a myriad of healthcare tasks by providing apps that enhance doctor-patient communication, efficiency, quality of the service, and other benefits including online pharmacy app development solutions.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people throughout the world stopped going into stores and traditional pharmacies and turned to online pharmacies.

Access to digital care options due to the pharmacy app development gives users more personalized services and the opportunity to track necessary medications, increase their compliance, find the most reasonable prices, attractive offerings and discounts, and order fast delivery.

5 Main Benefits of Pharmacy App Development

Here 5 key reasons why a pharmacy mobile app is a good idea for your business:

• Enhanced Client Experience

Convenience is one of the most critical aspects of any mobile application including pharmacy mobile apps. It makes things easier for the patients by enabling them to order prescription refills through the Internet from the comfort of the home anytime they want.

Besides, some pharmacy apps play well with multiple profiles and let users manage prescriptions for all family members from a single account. The family sharing feature means you can view the order history like medication dosages, Rx numbers, dates, etc.

• Time-efficiency

The pharmacy apps drastically streamline and simplify communication by linking patients directly with their trusted pharmacists, allowing them to take and send photos and message their providers through the app’s inbox. Apparently, pharmacy apps save time and effort for patients and automate many of the manual and repetitive functions, such as the patient record-keeping process, that help lower costs and enable deeper patient care.

• Improved Patient Engagement & Retention

Your branded pharmacy application is a real chance to build a strong connection with your customers and maximize the interaction with them through emails, push notifications, news, reminders of drug reorders, and regular texts that inform users about hot discounts. Besides, providing customers with different payment methods in your app also adds to the positive experience and loyalty.

With the continual data insights gathered from the app, businesses can build more successful marketing and product development strategies, better serve customers, improve clients engagement, and increase revenue.

• Strong Brand Identity

With technology as a key enabler, companies keep their online presence, which adds fuel to the overall image of the brand. With the app, users have around-the-clock accessibility to your services. Moreover, if the application is convenient, well designed, simple, and user-friendly, the customers will keep it installed all the time and will check the updates and news on a regular basis, which contributes to creating a trustful relationship. Additionally, you can employ referral marketing and incentives to clients to boost your brand recognition.

• Easy Marketing and Increased Sales

As we can see, there are many significant benefits companies can gain from the pharmacy app development, and the next advantage is the opportunity to promote a brand by offering the content in a way that suits user preferences.

The push notifications are tied closely to the phone device and usually don’t go unnoticed, therefore utilizing this advertising strategy will boost sales, especially if you consider consumers’ data like when they are most open to notifications and then send a message.

7 Core Features Of a Successful Pharmacy App

Once you have the basic concept of your application, you need to decide the exact functionality of the future product before the on-demand pharmacy app development starts. To create an innovative, cutting-edge, successful, and user-friendly app that will meet clients’ needs and drive revenue, you should consider the following features:

1. User Profile

Although an average user is likely to skip the registration process, it is quite crucial to create a profile that displays personal data including name, age, sex, etc.

2. Prescription Upload

This feature significantly saves time because users don’t need to upload repeat prescriptions and pharmacists can access them from their devices.

3. Medication Information

The more information provided, the easier it is to make the right choice. The information about the medication should include full drug description, manufacturers, price, image, and it is also advisable to add the review section.

4. Fast Search

The fast search with an advanced filtering system (types of medicine, dosage, price, etc.) helps customers find quickly the most relevant medication.

5. Order Tracking

Real-time delivery tracking is a critical component of a pharmacy app because it helps users monitor the status of their package. The usage of tags like ‘delivered’, ‘in progress’, ‘delivery delayed’ gives more valuable information as the status represents the current progress.

6. Making Online Orders

Filling a virtual basket with the necessary medicines with just a few clicks and then making an order over the Internet is one of the must-have features of the pharmacy application.

7. Payment Options

In addition to the payment option that requires users to choose whether they make payment on delivery or in advance online, the pharmacy app developers should empower the application with a variety of payment methods: credit/debit cards, wallets, bank transfers, and more.

Wrapping It Up

Apparently, the COVID-19 pandemic including social distancing has reinforced the need to accelerate digital transformation in the healthcare industry, which results in the development of healthcare IT solutions and software services that drastically optimize workflows and provide the best patient experience possible.

The use of phone devices has revamped the face of medical services around the world making healthcare more accessible, faster, and better.

Our team, at Intellectsoft, focuses on assisting companies to improve operational efficiencies and streamline the workflow by delivering reliable IT services and innovative approaches like online pharmacy app development solutions.

Get in touch with our experts to find out more about the topic and how our pharmacy app development services can help you improve your working processes, accelerate your sales, and increase revenue.

The post Online Pharmacy App Development: Key Features to Make You Stand Out from Competitors appeared first on Intellectsoft Blog.