For decades, even centuries, science and technology have been substantially changing the medical field and healthcare industry. From inventions that help save people’s lives to telehealth apps available from every spot in the world, the creativity of the world’s best engineers and developers has revolutionized the way we approach healthcare. What are the most popular options created by the companies that offer healthcare software development services?
This article will specifically focus on software, particularly the solutions that hospitals and clinics commonly use. This is a critical aspect of modern healthcare, and we will take a closer look at the impact and benefits it brings to both patients and physicians.
The Importance of Healthcare Software
Software used in medical facilities plays a very special role; it streamlines processes, improves efficiency, and, most importantly, leads to a better quality of patient care. The use of various types of software in healthcare brings many advantages, and the constant evolution of technology in this industry lets us benefit from faster and more accurate diagnoses, better access to prescriptions, and much more.
The importance of healthcare software cannot be overstated, as it is a high-impact solution to many problems faced by the medical field. Healthcare software also helps in reducing medical errors, enhances communication, and allows for better tracking of patient data.
Not every custom software development company can provide the specialized solutions needed for the medical field. Those who can do so are extremely valuable partners in improving healthcare technology and, therefore, changing the way patient care is delivered.
Let’s look at some of the most popular healthcare software options available on the market today.
Electronic Prescription Systems
This popular software option that is present in many healthcare facilities is a secure and efficient way for healthcare providers to electronically fill and send prescriptions to pharmacies and patients, minimizing the paper trail and potential human errors associated with handwritten drug prescriptions. Additionally, it shortens the time patients have to wait for their prescriptions to be filled, increasing patient satisfaction. Medical staff can also track and view past prescriptions, reducing the chance of unwanted drug interactions or overprescribing.
EPS applications come in many different forms, with some integrating with other medical software for better data management and some being more simple, standalone systems. Like all healthcare apps, they are certified and regulated to ensure security and patient safety.
Telemedicine Apps
Telehealth grew in popularity and availability during the COVID-19 pandemic as a way for patients to consult with healthcare providers remotely without the risk of exposing themselves to the virus. Simply put, they are applications meant for communication (text, audio, or video) between patients and medical professionals, providing a convenient and safe way to address non-urgent medical issues.
They are extremely common now, and it comes as no surprise, seeing as it is not only a convenient option but also a great way for underserved populations to access healthcare services that could have been previously unavailable. Telemedicine software also reduces the strain on healthcare facilities by allowing some of the patients to receive care remotely, freeing up resources for those who require in-person treatment.
Electronic Health Records
One of the key systems for managing patient information in healthcare settings is the Electronic Health Record (EHR) system. EHRs are very popular due to their multifaceted benefits, such as better data keeping, increased efficiency, saved money, and more. These systems allow healthcare providers to easily input, store, and access patient data, which is crucial for providing proper care. Another benefit of electronic systems meant for such information is increased security, as EHRs often have robust built-in security measures.
Electronic Health Records also allow medical facilities to send and exchange patient data, which is extremely useful, for example, in cases of patients transferred from one hospital to another. The data is also kept up-to-date, and the risk of lost or misplaced files is greatly reduced.
Electronic Medical Records
Similar to EHRs, electronic medical records (EMRs) allow for storing and managing information in digital format, making it easily accessible to healthcare providers. An EMR system, however, uses information from just one provider and does not necessarily support the sharing of data with other healthcare facilities.
Because EMRs focus on individual clinics or hospitals, it is useful at streamlining processes within a specific healthcare setting. This can improve the general workflow and efficiency of medical facilities, putting emphasis on internal operations. Healthcare charts and patient records can be digitally accessed by doctors and nurses, reducing the time spent searching for specific information and allowing more time to focus on patient care.
Medical Diagnosis Software
This type of healthcare software still has limitations and cannot be fully relied upon. It uses digitally stored patient data, such as medical history, list of symptoms, medicines taken, and more, to assist healthcare providers in making diagnoses. It can also provide estimates, for example, about the patient’s chances of full recovery based on the data about the severity of their condition.
Medical Diagnosis Software usually uses powerful algorithms to analyze the data and provide suggestions. However, a final diagnosis should always be confirmed by a healthcare professional, and the software should never be the only source of diagnosis or any medical decision.
Will Medical Facilities Rely on Healthcare Software More in the Future?
It is highly possible, if not inevitable, that hospitals and clinics will have to rely increasingly on medical software in the future. As technology becomes more advanced, healthcare systems will likely become incorporated into most aspects of patient care, diagnosis, and treatment. Software tools will only become better and more accurate, allowing the medical staff to focus on things that cannot be done by machines, such as providing intensive in-person care.
Hopefully, this will lead to more adequate and accurate healthcare delivery, higher levels of patient satisfaction, and a reduction in medical errors and misdiagnoses. The future of healthcare is in the hands of innovative software developers who can create cutting-edge solutions that will enable humans to get better, smarter care.
