Software Development’s Impact on the Healthcare Industry 
Published: 2021-02-24 15:40:43

Software development and technology advancement have crept their way into almost every industry across the globe and have massively radicalized the way businesses perform and function. Bespoke software development largely comes hand in hand with businesses that want to evolve with the increasingly digital world we are moving into. This has created a demand for generating dynamic software solutions at a fast pace. 

As face-to-face interaction has dwindled (for obvious reasons) over the last year, more and more of our human contact takes place virtually. Everyday occurrences that we would’ve perhaps taken for granted, such as GP appointments and hospital consultations, have moved into a digital format. Unless a physical checkup is deemed necessary, majority of doctors appointments now take place via video or phone call. The healthcare industry has been quick to adopt advancing technologies throughout the covid-19 pandemic, in a bid to still deliver high quality care to patients. 

As we live in an already very smartphone-centric environment, the development of software and mobile applications that will help support the healthcare industry seems like an only natural progression. 


**1. A Digital Transformation**

Gone are the days of holding patient records on paper and sorting them into filing cabinets. The advancement of software development within the healthcare industry has opened the door to an entire ecosystem to be created within specific sectors, paving way for better documentation accuracy and high quality services. 

Bespoke healthcare apps have already made a big impression and will continue to greatly assist professionals in a vast range of areas within the wellbeing sector. Specific software has already been developed to aid patient data management, tracking of appointments and consultations and patient recovery. Of course, there is likely to be many challenges and uncertainties surrounding the progression of a digital makeover in the healthcare industry – whenever any change is made, there’s always likely to be teething problems. Despite living in a booming digital age, many would still prefer for certain interactions to happen in person, especially within the older generations. There is still a fear and stigma surrounding aspects of interacting virtually with others via smart devices. Perhaps interactions that concern health and wellbeing should still take place in person, but with the way the world has changed in regards to the Covid-19 pandemic and the implementation of the ‘new normal’, it seems increasingly more likely that more elements of the healthcare industry will move into a virtual setup. 

Healthcare facilities and sectors considerably vary, depending on the service they offer and their capacity. Because of this, blanket software solutions cannot be created in terms of ‘one size fits all’, as each wellbeing service would need a software system to perform in a different way. This is where bespoke software development comes into play and can offer a highly effective solution. From GP surgeries to being discharged from hospitals, designing simple, user-friendly platforms that can be used by both professionals and care receivers in the healthcare industry. In the long haul, this could help tackle and keep track of specific tasks that may otherwise be overlooked. This could include optimize the way patient records are stored and processed, enabling better communication between facilitators and patient, reducing expenses and in turn, form individual health plans. Apps such as myGP and Patient Access have already been developed and address some of these areas; in particular, both applications allow patients to remotely schedule doctors’ appointments without directly contacting their GP surgery. They also allow users to keep track of prescriptions, receive messages from healthcare professionals and view test results.  

In some ways, moving certain aspects of the healthcare industry into digital formats gives both patient and wellbeing professional more freedom and control over care received, as well as being able to access specific data, such as medial history as soon as it’s required. Data security will be a prominent factor to consider, but individuals will no longer be reliant on gaining access to their own personal information through external parties and instead be able to retrieve it as a time more convenient to them. We already rely heavily on apps on our smartphones for so many things, from mobile banking to online dating – so an app or piece of software designed specifically for our healthcare records seems sensible, right? 

**2. What are the advantages?**

There has already been a huge advancement of healthcare software. Systems such as Medical Practice Management Software (MPMS) and Electronic Health Recording Software (EHRS) have already been implemented throughout the industry. Although these are just a couple of software solutions that have been applied, they have already drastically altered the way information is recorded and accessed within the healthcare industry. 
MPMS allows medical professionals to keep track of and update patient information, as and when it’s necessary. As this data is stored electronically, it can be easily retrieved by those granted access to it, instead of depending on an external party to manage it. It also means patients do not need to keep track of medication and prescriptions, as these will be processed automatically when renewals are due. 

EHRS can be used as a more in-depth patient record database. Through this system, specific information can be recorded such as medical history, allergies, lab results and demographics. Instead of documents and paperwork being  kept on physical files about individuals, this digital data management system offers a much more efficient process of information recording and in turn, will improve patient care. 

Healthcare software solutions are evolving at a fast pace and subsequently creating a higher end patient experience. People are becoming accustomed to accessing information quickly, whether that be through social media or instant messaging, at a click of a ‘button’ on their smart device. So why should accessing healthcare services be any different? Essentially a greater transparency will be created, improving quality of service and boosting patient satisfaction rates. Individuals could be granted better discloser, connection and communication via instant push notifications on mobile apps, instead of waiting days or even weeks to be contacted about specific medial information. This could create a better awareness of what is taking place within the healthcare system, but also allow tailored patient plans to be created and released more effectively. Instead of being sent from pillar to post to receive medical information, it could be accessed from one unique location.

A digital transformation could also influence a vast improvement in the control and security of patient data management, but also create a wellness centered approach through software development, with the aim of improving the overall accuracy of treatment and medical support. 

**3. Looking into the future** 

Healthcare software development already has a main focus on task-orientated solutions, and this is a trend that will continue moving forward. As always, there will also be a large consideration for client satisfaction and the delivery of accurate results and information. 

Despite the element of human contact being removed, a digital traverse will more than likely create a strengthened, human-centered approach. This will be very important, considering the human interaction element will be removed as the healthcare industry progresses to digital. This will be achieved through unique, individual patient portals and experiences, such as those on myGP and Patient Access. These software solutions will allow private access to treatment plans, medication information and online professional consultations, all without having to leave your home or take time out of the office. These solutions will provide quick, easy access to a multitube of vital information. 

So who will these healthcare software solutions affect? Predominantly, doctors’ and healthcare practitioners will be able to control the automation of medicine and prescriptions, as well as provide personnel communication. Patients will have better control of arranging appointments and receiving results at a quicker speed. Clinics may also have the ability to control finances and order equipment more effectively, whilst monitor service quality and data flow. Other factors could include providing GPS navigation to specific locations in hospitals, the sending of push notification reminders for appointments and medication, and file sharing through electronic libraries that could be potentially accessed globally in an emergency. 

Creating a better service delivery through healthcare software development will allow greater brand management and build a value-based system, improving the reputation of healthcare services and providers. Cutting-edge technology will help reshape the industry, whilst also reducing the workload and resources used. Especially in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, healthcare systems will need extra support to maintain and continue to provide high quality services, whilst also dealing with new and unprecedented challenges. Bespoke software solutions will allow the industry to keep up-to-date with quickly changing technology trends, whilst continuing to help support those who require healthcare services.

If you’re looking for an experienced team to design and develop your next piece of software, [get in touch](https://cleversoftwaregroup.com/contact-us) !

Phone: 01425 837290 
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*To view the original blog, please click [here](https://cleversoftwaregroup.com/think-tank/softwares-impact-on-the-healthcare-industry).*