Healthcare software development is a complex and multifaceted process. A development team must integrate advanced technologies and ensure that there are no flaws in the security aspect, while meeting stringent regulatory requirements.
But what lies at the heart of any healthcare software? Which systems form the core of modern healthcare software, and why does developing the full potential of personalization for individual healthcare providers come with its fair share of challenges?
Let’s find the answers to all these questions!
Without these core systems, your software won’t work
Most health custom software development projects start with the electronic health record system, or EHR.
Your healthcare software can’t work without an EHR system. Is responsible for the digital storage, retrieval and management of patient medical records. It also ensures that patient information is accessible to authorized personnel in real time offers better coordination of care.
Here are some examples of what the electronic health record system works with:
- Patient history and demographics
- Lists of medications and allergies
- Laboratory test results
- Radiological images
- Image billing
- Billing information
Practice management systems
A PMS is another pillar of healthcare. This system helps healthcare providers manage the day-to-day operations of their practice, whether it’s appointment scheduling, billing, or administrative tasks.
Clinical decision support systems
Today, CDSS uses artificial intelligence to assist you in making informed clinical decisions. The primary function of a CDSS is to analyze patient data and provide recommendations based on evidence-based clinical and practice guidelines. A CDSS in your healthcare software also works as an alert system for potential problems, such as drug interaction issues.
What has room for customization?
Before we continue with the fundamental and virtually immutable elements of healthcare software, it’s worth mentioning that customization is key in this industry. Only with customization can you meet your specific needs as a healthcare professional.
Moving from smaller to larger elements that you are free to shape, we have a user interface. When it comes to the user interface, you usually have a lot of room to customize the look of your system based on your workflow and preferences.
Then, the reporting tools. Some data must always be presented in reports, but overall it can be developed to meet your specific analytical needs.
You can also have customized solutions in terms of integration with existing systems. These can be laboratory information systems (LIS) or pharmacy management systems for seamless data exchange.
Important! Specific security protocols and regulatory standards will vary based on the information you collect, the country (or countries!) in which you operate, as well as other categories you may refer to.
In healthcare software, there is a standard or protocol for everything
Data standards, along with interoperability modules and other protocols, are what make your healthcare app consistent and accurate.
ICD-10 and SNOMED are two key standards used around the world.
The ICD-10, or International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, is often described as a coding system. Classifies diseases, symptoms and procedures to ensure documentation and reporting are precise. It is something that keeps all detailed patient records, health statistics, billing, and clinical research accurate.
SNOMED CT is a clinical terminology system. Covers diseases, procedures, results and medications. It is also used for detailed and precise coding of clinical information and ensures interoperability between different healthcare systems.
HIPAA and GDPR compliance forms
Compliance modules are modules that ensure compliance with stringent regulations. These modules incorporate various features that maintain privacy, security and data integrity.
For HIPAA compliant application development, the software must:
- Encrypt data at rest and in transit
- Implement role-based access controls
- Maintain detailed records of all data access
- Anonymize patient data for research and analysis
Complying with the GDPR means:
- Monitor and manage patient consent for data processing activities
- Provide mechanisms for patients to request deletion of their personal data
- Facilitate the secure transfer of personal data to other systems
- Include automated systems to detect, respond to and report data breaches within established timeframes
Protocols for interoperability
For interoperability, we have standardized protocols such as HL7 and FHIR. Both ensure that health data is shared and understood across different platforms, but each protocol has its own unique quirks.
Health level seven (HL7) establishes a framework for exchanging, integrating, sharing, and retrieving electronic health information. It supports a wide range of healthcare workflows through its messaging standards. To date, HL7 has version 3 as its most rigorous framework. Version 3 includes a Reference Information Model, or RIM, for more complex data representations and interactions.
Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) comes with a set of “resources,” or rather data structures, that represent granular clinical concepts, such as patients, encounters, and observations.
FHIR works seamlessly with web-based protocols, such as RESTful APIs. This means that the integration of web applications, mobile apps and cloud services is seamless. FHIR resources can be exchanged in both JSON and XML formats, which adds flexibility and compatibility with various systems.
What makes development so complicated?
The more customized your healthcare software solution is, the more difficult it will be to develop. Custom solutions must still be integrated with various existing systems, must meet all relevant regulatory requirements, all while protecting every bit of information from breaches and cyber attacks.
Yes, developing this software in-house is daunting. This is primarily why many healthcare providers find it beneficial to partner with a custom healthcare software development team. Their experience facilitates development and ultimately offers you an effective and ready-to-use solution.
The problem is that customized solutions in healthcare software have the greatest chance of success. Only custom solutions address unique workflows and provide specialized functionality that standard software cannot offer.
Conclusion
Modern healthcare software is as useful as it is complex. But it’s all of these systems combined that provide us with highly functional software that improves patients’ lives and makes it easier for doctors to provide care.