Telemedicine apps are gaining popularity due to their convenience and accessibility to healthcare. If you are a startup looking to build a telemedicine app, you may already have an idea of how expensive this can be. Considering your limited budget, we can offer some suggestions to help you save time and money. However, first, we will explain telemedicine, the key features that should be present in a telemedicine app, and the development process.
What is Telemedicine?
Telemedicine is the delivery of healthcare services remotely via digital platforms, including mobile apps, video calls, and phone consultations. The primary purpose of telemedicine is to provide patients with access to healthcare services without requiring a visit to a clinic or hospital. It is beneficial for patients located in remote areas or underserved communities. Additionally, telemedicine is also used for routine check-ups and in the effective management of chronic conditions.
Furthermore, telemedicine app development involves creating a digital platform that connects patients with doctors and is accessible to the public. These platforms enable patients to consult their doctors virtually, facilitate secure messaging, and provide doctors with easy access to medical records, thereby making healthcare more accessible.
Features of Telemedicine Apps
Telemedicine has revolutionized the healthcare world, and the following are some essential features that should be present in these apps.
- Video and audio consultations
- Appointment scheduling
- EHR access
- E-prescription
- Multiple payment methods
- Push notifications
- Multi-platform access
Now that you know the essential features to include for increased app engagement, it’s time to explain the process of developing telehealth apps.
Process of Developing a Telemedicine App
Telemedicine apps are now the cornerstone of the modern healthcare system, as they bridge the gap between providers and patients, while also providing support for continuous and accessible care, which is vital for underserved populations. You may have encountered a lengthy process for its development, but let us inform you about the six-step process that most telemedicine app development services follow.
Step 1: Planning
The first step in the app development process is planning, which involves translating ideas into a tangible plan. You have to determine the following things in the planning phase:
- Features and functionalities
- Navigations
- Theme and UI/UX
- Platforms and technology stack
- Third-party integrations
- Compliance requirements
- Monetization strategy
In this phase, don’t forget to determine the project milestones and timelines to keep the development on track.
Step 2: Design
The second step is the design phase, where the design team begins developing the app’s user interface (UI) and user experience (UX). They establish the wireframes, prototypes, and mockups to visualize the app’s user flow and layout. In this phase, everything is done keeping user needs in view, and a few things that the company mostly forget but should be included are given below:
- Branding (colours, visual style, typography).
- Responsiveness and compatibility with various devices.
- Platform-specific guidelines.
Once everything is done on the design side, it’s now time to bring the design to life through coding in the development phase.
Step 3: Development
The development begins once the design phase ends. In this, the developers build the app’s frontend and backend. At this stage, developers implement coding to make features such as user authentication, video calls, and messaging functional.
The development team ensures that the app is secure, responsive, and compatible with all devices and operating systems. Here, the developers also make sure that third-party integrations are working smoothly.
Step 4: Testing
This is one of the most crucial stages in the telemedicine app development process, ensuring that the app functions smoothly, securely, and as envisioned by the client. In this phase, the quality assurance teams perform different types of testing, as given below:
- Functional testing
- Usability testing
- Performance testing
- Security testing
The purpose of doing all these tests is to ensure the smooth functioning as well as to:
- Identify bugs
- Find UI consistencies
- Look for performance issues
- Checking functionalities
- Assessment of user flow
In addition to all this, the testers also check how well the app responds under various conditions, including different screen sizes, platforms, and operating systems such as iOS and Android. The testing teams share feedback with development teams to identify and resolve bugs, as well as further enhance the software. Furthermore, combining automated testing tools with manual testing can accelerate the process and help identify common issues more effectively. Once the developers have successfully resolved all issues, the next stage is deployment. Additionally, a UAT (User Accessibility Test) is conducted to ensure the app’s smooth functioning.
Step 5: Deployment
This stage involves releasing an app on multiple platforms, including the Apple App Store and Google Play. Before the launch, the developers must make sure that all store requirements are met, such as:
- Metadata
- Screenshots
- Privacy policy
- Versioning
At this stage, the backend services and databases are deployed to live servers, and performance is closely monitored to identify any unexpected issues that may arise. The startups here can conduct a soft launch or beta release to gather user feedback and make final adjustments. Furthermore, the deployment also includes things such as:
- Setting up analytics
- Crash reporting
- Inclusion of support channels to monitor usage
This stage focuses on transitioning the app from development to real-world use, making it accessible to users.
Step 6: Support & Maintenance
This is the final stage in app development, which supports the maintenance phase, and its purpose is to ensure the app remains functional and up-to-date. The primary focus of this stage is to collect user feedback and address any issues to prevent potential errors. Furthermore, regular updates are installed, and security patches are included to ensure the app’s security. By and large, the apps are always in need of ongoing support, which involves following things like:
- Monitoring server uptime
- Data backups
- Managing APIs
Remember, this phase is not a one-time task. In telemedicine, the safety of patient data is crucial; therefore, measures such as regularly applying security patches must be implemented to ensure the protection of sensitive information.
Now that you are familiar with the development process, let us provide you with some valuable tips to help you, as a startup, develop a telemedicine app.
Pointers for Startups
Before you start looking for telemedicine app development services, be sure to read these pointers that can be useful in developing telehealth apps.
#1. Develop a minimum viable product (MVP) for your telehealth app to gather early user feedback and refine it over time. It is not smart to go all in at the start.
#2. Select a scalable technology to support future features and user growth.
#3. Ensure to prioritize the user experience for both patients and providers.
#4. It is smart to integrate high-impact third-party APIs.
#5. Ensure that you plan for ongoing feedback.
Conclusion
Developing a telemedicine app for startups can be challenging, particularly if they have a limited budget. However, careful planning to integrate features and security measures effectively can help save money and time. Furthermore, the user-centric approach and continuous feedback loop can help you increase engagement and gain valuable user insights, ultimately meeting the needs of healthcare. In a nutshell, when developing telehealth apps, startups must strike a balance between functionality, security, and scalability, as these factors ensure a competitive solution that effectively serves users.
