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healthcare app development

How Apps are Changing Healthcare

There’s no doubt whatsoever in our minds that apps have already changed pretty much every aspect of modern life. In workplaces all over the world, apps are used to increase efficiency, speed up communications between co-workers, and reach out to customers and target audiences. In our social lives, we chat with friends via online mobile apps. We get our news from apps. We order our food from apps or check when the next train is coming, or look for our dream jobs from the safety of our mobile devices. The list goes on, and on, and on. There’s one profession and aspect of everyday life, however, which is being transformed by smartphone and mobile device apps in ways which, just ten years ago, would hardly be imaginable. The healthcare industry is one which is naturally open to innovation, progress, and precision, which makes it absolutely ideal for the ever-burgeoning app market. Individuals on both sides of the healthcare spectrum – that is, both healthcare professionals and their patients or members of the public – have recently been benefiting from a new wealth of healthcare-oriented mobile apps, which aim to speed up otherwise time-consuming processes, allow more transparency in the industry, aid with training, and much, much more besides. It’s an exciting new dawn for app developers, and it’s an aspect of app programming, design, and overall creation which is bringing out the brightest and best in the app market. Who knows what new innovation in healthcare apps may arise in the near future? Let’s take a look at the here and now of healthcare apps, and consider how they are transforming this most dynamic and ever-changing industry for the better. The Rise of Telemedicine There are thousands of apps which have been designed with one clear purpose in mind: to connect people and allow for greater ease of communication. Just think about it for a moment – when you want to meet up with your mates after work, are you more likely to phone them individually and have a conversation about it, or are you going to set up a Whatsapp or Messenger group chat, and sort it out via an app? Increasingly, most of us are opting for the latter. In the field of medicine, similar things are starting to occur. Telemedicine isn’t something particularly new; phone lines for doctors and remote diagnoses have been around for as long as telecommunication has. However, with the prevalence of and improvements made in messaging services and photo and video messaging, it has become a powerful force for good in the healthcare industry. With a dedicated telemedicine app, doctors and other healthcare professionals have the capability to chat to and offer advice to their patients remotely with the greatest of ease. What’s more, the rise in telemedicine has given many healthcare professionals the ability to work remotely, or set up more flexible schedules, meaning semi-retired doctors wanting to still lend a hand, or healthcare professionals taking time off to raise families etc can still get involved via online diagnoses or app-based advice giving. Improved Self-Diagnosis We’ve all experienced the fear we feel when we find ourselves experiencing unusual or unexpected symptoms, and don’t know what’s causing them. Whether it’s a blemish on the skin that wasn’t there yesterday, a persistent headache that won’t go away, or a pain in a certain part of the body, it’s only natural to want to figure out exactly what’s going on and find a way to make it stop. Healthcare apps are able to draw upon years of medical research, and set up complex algorithms and systems which allow patients to key in their symptoms, and self-diagnose their ailments with increasing accuracy. On top of this, the same algorithms and apps are massively helpful in triage situations, when doctors or nurses are trying to examine a patient’s symptoms and come to some sort of conclusion as what to do next. Accessible Patient Data on the Go As everyone knows, apps are fantastic for storing and calling up data at just the push of a button. Gone are the days of overflowing doctor’s filing cabinets, spilling out with mountains of paperwork concerning a lifetime of patient records. Apps are replacing the need for handwritten data, and are also replacing the need for carrying such sensitive paperwork around with you while visiting patients or moving from one ward to another. With the right app loaded with the right information, healthcare professionals are able to call up a specific patient’s medical record in a matter of seconds, saving precious time which might end up being absolutely crucial. Emergency Notifications Push notifications and other types of app notifications are used for countless different reasons, and app developers and users alike love them, as they boost engagement and keep people informed as to any key developments the app feels they would benefit from knowing about. While most of us might get regular notifications telling us an old friend is trying to get in touch with a message, or that our regular coffee shop has a great offer on, just imagine how useful it would be for doctors, who would get notifications informing them of an emergency which needs their attention! This has proven to be particularly useful for nurses and doctors working as part of a bank, or agency staff who are continually on call. No matter where they are or what they are doing, a notification on their smartphone has the potential to inform them that they are needed at a certain address or hospital, allowing them to get there quickly and get on the job. It’s no exaggeration to say that push notifications on mobile apps are saving lives as you read this! The Dawn of AR for Surgeons and Other Medical Professionals Make no mistake, the virtual reality world is more than upon us, and VR and AR (augmented reality) is transforming the medical community as much as it is transforming a whole host of other industries

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How Can HealthKit and Google Fit be Used for Healthcare and Fitness App Development?

As people are growing more conscious about maintaining their health and fitness, more numbers of health apps are getting downloaded both from Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Google and Apple have locked horns on various occasions and today their two of the most popular healthcare platforms HealthKit and Google Fit will come to the center stage to take this competition further. Apple had introduced HealthKit during the launch of iOS 8, whereas, Google Fit was released near about four years ago in October 2014. However, before we can go into the details, let’s share a few statistics to indicate how the demand of health and fitness apps have augmented. According to a research by Accenture, the global health market is expected to grow up to $37 billion by this year in 2018. Both Google and Apple are prepared to serve their users with two advanced platforms. However, there is the difference between the two. So, first have a glance at Google Fit followed by HealthKit. Google Fit Google Fit is the health platform launched by Google, which primarily makes use of your Smartphone’s sensors to monitor various activities such as jogging, running, walking, swimming and cycling automatically. It is more than a useful health tracking platform allowing the users to track their fitness goals such as weight reduction, burning of the calories etc. You can monitor the results of each day, week or month. You can download it from Google Play Store for free, however, if you have an Android Smartwatch, then it will already be inbuilt there. Apple HealthKit HealthKit was initially announced by Apple Inc. at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2014 and released with the launch of iOS 8. It is also a healthcare platform, which basically collects and records from the different health and fitness apps so that it becomes accessible to the end users. The HealthKit has been developed in such a way that it establishes a connection between two health apps (heart monitoring and diabetes track) to work together to send the data to one another for optimal patient care. This data is direct, can be sent to the doctors directly through another app so that doctor can check the progress of health. The data can be accessed remotely. But here lies the major difference between the two platforms. While Google Fit is mainly concentrating on tracking the health activities, Apple’s HealthKit focuses on monitoring the medical parameters such as tracking the cardiac-related activities, keeping an eye on the blood pressure level. Healthcare and Fitness App Development Using HealthKit and Google Fit Now let’s know some details how you can actually develop a health and fitness app with the help of these two vital healthcare platforms. It can be discussed under various parameters wherein one would also analyze the key differences in their approach. App Designing When we take a peep at the designing of Google Fit, we can see a simple and user-friendly design that draws the attention. But the drawback is that every time the user wants to avail any information he has to swipe the screen. In addition, if you do not wish to work out along with phone, you can use the option of Add Activity from the menu button. This allows you to choose the activity you prefer. You can know the previous day’s data, a week or month on both apps as well as website. It also provides the graph details and you can even add another chart for monitoring your weight and heart rate. The HealthKit is just worth its name and it offers the same details as Google Fit. But it is somewhat more complex as compared to other health and fitness apps. However, the users can easily monitor all the available data on one screen only comparing them to get the results of the health report card. Based on the outcome they can decide whether it is the right time to consult the doctor. You also get other useful insights such as information on food and alcohol intake, monitor sleep patterns etc. You can also keep a watch on other important factors like measuring your body height and weight and decide what strategy to adapt to remain fit. It also maintains the data of your medical record as well. Some of the Esteemed Partners or Clients If you are planning to develop fitness app with either of these two arch competitors, then you must take a note of which brand is associated with which healthcare platform. To speak off Google Fit, it prides itself to have on the board partners like Adidas, HTC, and Asus etc. and is constantly on the hunt for the new ones. On the other hand, HealthKit is having Nike and Fitbit as its valued clients and it has also teamed up with Mayo Clinic, the leading healthcare organization in the United States. It is also adding more partners on that list. The Privacy and Security Features Data Privacy and Security wise, HealthKit is a better option. You know that iOS has always excelled Google in security matters. The Google Fit has certain limitations; for instance, Google Fit is just a health and fitness tracking app; it does not offer you any help on monitoring the medical parameters. You are also not allowed to use this platform along with any other medical device under the Section 201(h) of the Federal Food Drug & Cosmetic (FD&C) Act. The HealthKit has much better security features and it can only be operated on the latest versions of the iPhones. The advanced models have fingerprint sensors to identify the user and since the data collected in HealthKit is mainly medical records, it is stored in a highly protected place with a number of backups. It also follows the strict guidelines of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of USA. Type of Data Recorded in Both Well, both the popular healthcare platforms record and store data for the information of the user and monitor

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Healthcare App Development Trends to Watch Out

Ever since the increase of Smartphones, the mobile applications have flooded the market. One of the prominent and visible growth has been in the healthcare industry, which has gone many a mile ahead of it stood a decade ago. In fact, according to a report, there are about 1,65,000 healthcare apps in the market that is twice the number, then it was two years ago. The report further states that out of the 1,65,000 apps, about two-thirds are basically focusing on general health issues and fitness level. Whereas the remaining are dedicated to offering specific health conditions and medications, pregnancy, mental health and others. We have had a few discussions in the past about the medical apps as well as health and fitness related apps. One is also aware that the market of the healthcare industry will continue to excel within the forthcoming years. In fact, it can be said firmly that the health apps have played a significant role in motivating people to stay a healthier and fit life. According to a study, about 52% of the users use their Smartphones to gather information on health issues while 50% have downloaded various health apps by 2017. Top Healthcare App Development Trends to Rule in 2021 Now, if these encouraging statistics have already inspired you and you are actually planning to develop a healthcare application, then you must not only focus on implementing the appropriate features, but also follow the latest trends to gain the top spot in the market. The Use of Blockchain Technology in Healthcare Industry Probably we have heard about the Blockchain technology a number of times and are aware of its strong connection with cryptocurrency, specifically the bitcoin. But the use and implementation of this advanced technology in the healthcare sector is something interesting to watch out for. One of the major roles that Blockchain technology will be playing here is recording and preserving the patient data in a much secured way. It is considered to be quite a hectic task, which will become easier with its deployment. In fact, one of the key reasons why most of the heath apps failed to get customer retention was that they did not provide a protective environment to safeguard data. Blockchain technology is highly secured that helps in data encryption, thus eliminating the problem to a great extent. The information can be accessed safely without the fear of getting lost or misused byanyone. Therefore, it has become one of the most popular trends of 2018. The Artificial Intelligence Vogue will prevail in Healthcare Artificial Intelligence is the modern technology that has put a number of sectors precisely on the driver’s seat including the healthcare industry. Since we are focusing on latest trends of health apps, so let’s take an insight of how AI will prove a huge booster for this sector. Artificial Intelligence will help in examining the patients more accurately and it will especially be a huge blessing where immediate medical treatment is required. The advanced AI solutions allow the computer systems will take self-decisions where no doctor or medical staff is available. The patients will not be required to visit the clinics and hospitals regularly and this in fact, will bring a great reduction in the cost of medical bills. The Artificial Intelligence (AI) technique will also reduce the amount of human errors. Yes, even doctors at times commit a mistake while diagnosing a patient or during the treatment. AI will make the complex and life risking surgeries easier and will help in faster recovery of the patients. It must be noted that some of the renowned tech giants such as Microsoft, IBM and Google has already started their research on different medical fields. For Instance, IBM is working with CVS Health to improve treatment of chronic diseases. The Telemedicine Services will get a Huge Boost There is no doubt that telemedicine has brought an emphatic revolution in the healthcare sector. According to a survey, about seven million users are expected to get connected with this technique and it also says that the market estimate of telemedicine will increase to $36.2 billion by 2020 from $14.3 billion in 2014. Yes, the patients are becoming more and more aware of telemedicine and even the medical practitioners are of the view that it offers fast and better outcome in treatment. In fact, more people are getting satisfied by using the services. It has also brought a significant reduction in the number of hospital readmission. Indeed the patients are not finding any major difference in the virtual appointment with the doctor or visiting the clinic personally. The telemedicine can be a great asset in the remote areas where medical facilities are not accessible properly. It has also led to cost saving as well. Incorporating the Internet of Things in Healthcare The Internet of Things (IoT) or the virtually connected internet technology is influencing a number of industries. The healthcare industry will scale towards new level with the help of IoT connected devices in 2018. The health apps linked with IoT will take care of comprehensive healthcare and comfort of the patients. Moreover, it will also be useful in getting access to valuable patient information and monitor his progress. The Internet of Things can simply get connected with a number of highly advanced devices and medical equipment to carry out better operation during the treatment process. The details of the reports that you will receive will be much more accurate and refined. In addition, the patients can also conduct a self-analysis of their health. They can maintain a better fitness regime and also know what the correct dietary plan to follow is. The Cloud Based Technology will be Ruling If you ask any of the healthcare professional, one of the daunting tasks is none of course than storing the patient’s data or documentation. However, with the advent of the cloud based solutions, much of these tasks would get simplified than ever before. You can store the Electronic Health Records

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The Advantages of Mobile App for Healthcare Industry

A dull and monotonous waiting hall, the long queues, desperation to get inside the doctor’s chamber, gloomy faces of ailing patients; this is the picture one would imagine maybe a decade ago while paying a visit to a hospital. However, in the recent times, the scenario has drastically changed and most of this credit goes to the mobile development industry for introducing the booming healthcare apps. We can put it like this that the healthcare apps have been the vital forerunner for transcending and reversing the condition of medical and healthcare industry. But, before we look into the key reasons on why healthcare apps have rather become a necessity, let’s have a glance at some of the important stats and facts. According to Statista, the healthcare sector will become one of the top revenue contributors and it is estimated to reach a figure of $58.8 billion in 2020 from $25.39 in 2017. The report by Research 2 Guidance indicates that there are 3,25,000 healthcare apps available worldwide and Android is leading the way forward in mHealth platform. Yet another survey from Accenture Consultants point out that the download in the number of healthcare app has doubled in the past couple of years. Healthcare Apps a Boon for Doctors and Medical Staff In the first instance, the healthcare apps have become a boon for the doctors, nurses and various other medical staff associated with the hospital. The apps help to update the doctors about the heath condition of their patients. In fact, according to a stat, 93% of the doctors believe that healthcare apps can bring improvement in patient’s health and 80% of the physicians are using the mobile technology to deliver the patient care. In fact even the prescription of the doctors have become digitalized, which means it can be accessed on your device. It helps them (medical professionals) to view all your reports through the app makes it easier to take quick and apt decisions in emergency cases. The information can be exchange within a wink of an eye. The apps help to prepare a customized approach for treating each of the patients because every ailing person needs a special care. HealthCare Apps are Blessing in Far Remote Areas Today’s is era of internet and with Smartphones reaching to every nook and corner, people living in rural and far-flung areas can also expect to get best health services. The on-demand apps helps them to book appointment with doctors and buy medicines online without having to travel to the hospital. In addition, they can also get information about important healthcare tips from time to time through push notifications. The Benefits Patients Receive from the Healthcare Apps The patients are the ones who receive the most benefits of the healthcare apps whether it is scheduling a quick appointment with the doctor, finding an appropriate specialist with hands on experience, viewing the medical test reports from labs online, purchase medicines and other products at affordable prices and so on. Besides that they can also have a video chat with the doctor and discuss their health issues face to face after paying a reasonable fee. The users can maintain a healthy diet by consulting the dietitian and nutritionists online. All these factors tend to enhance the engagement of patients more. Plus, they can also know which medicine has been prescribed for which disease and what its side effects are. The Internet of Things Collaborating with Healthcare Apps The Internet of Things or IoT is the buzzword today and this futuristic technology has rightly collaborated with the medical and healthcare apps to deliver out of the box results. According to a prediction, the IoT healthcare market is skyrocketing and will reach about $136.8 billion by 2021. There is no doubt that IoT is going to streamline the entire process. This driving technology has simplified the task of the healthcare professionals. They get to access all information and data on their smart devices as many of the advanced medical equipments are connected with the patient’s body to monitor the vital parameters. Apart from that, the IoT combining with healthcare has also initiated much better way to manage the resources. The medical staff can check their large stock of goods easily and maintain it systematically. Moreover, it has become easier to follow the instructions from the doctor and also helps to curtail the cost of overall treatment for the patients. The Emergence of New Business Models and Opportunities Not that the healthcare apps have also shown their special focus on doctors and patients, but it also has provided new business models and opportunities. The medical staffs no more use outdated practices but instead mobile apps such as RefferalMD for making the referrals. This is basically a cloud-based referral management system. They can also write the resourceful referrals, which in turn help the healthcare organizations to promote themselves through the upsurge in the patient information in digital form. In the recent times, the circumference of the healthcare industry has expanded by leaps and bounds and become much diversified. People download healthcare apps for various purposes such as to reduce weight, women’s health and pregnancy care, elderly healthcare etc, which creates new vibrant opportunities in the process. Reduces the Risks of Wrong Diagnosis During the earlier days, we heard a lot of cases where the patients had to even endanger their lives due to an error in the diagnostic approach. But the healthcare apps have nullified all such possibilities that became life threatening for any patient. Since the doctors receive an accurate report of the patient’s health condition, it helps them to prescribe the most accurate medicine with right dosage and chemical compositions. They can even store the patient’s notes with cloud facilities. Even the medical staffs can keep the record of the patients in more precise manner and enter the essential data without committing any mistakes. Reduction in Medical Bill and Expanses One of the major advantages of the healthcare apps have been the reduction of

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