Top 7 Features Patients Want in Healthcare Mobile Applications

The past few years have radically changed both the needs and expectations that patients have for healthcare web and mobile applications. Technology adoption was already increasing rapidly and the pandemic just sped that adoption—extending into last movers like the elderly. Additionally, the pandemic forced requirements like virtual treatment. These requirements aren’t going away any time soon and patients now expect applications to help them be better connected to their care. While EMRs are serving this function for large hospitals, all other healthcare providers, like visiting physicians, nursing, homecare and physical therapy, are scrambling to meet these new demands.

At SharpQuest, we’ve worked with many healthcare companies in recent years to develop web and mobile applications to advance patient care and meet patient requirements. Looking across the many projects we’ve done, here are the top features and requirements that patients are wanting and that have had the biggest impact when implemented.

Feature #1 – Clinician Contact

This requirement is part technology and part process. Patients want to be able to have the contact information for their clinicians and be able to communicate with them directly. But the reality of clinical care is that the clinicians are often busy with other patients so there needs to be a way to route more urgent communications to other clinicians so that patients feel prioritized.

Feature #2 – Digital Education

Patients don’t want to have to search for information on their condition, nor do clinicians want them to receive misinformation. By including helpful videos, articles and treatment plans in their patient app, patients are more educated, and treatment is more productive. This is especially true for home treatments or exercises where activity can be both encouraged and tracked in the app. Not only does this improve care, but it reduces costs for printed materials.

Feature #3 – Patient-Friendly Experience

With the elderly population becoming more comfortable with mobile devices, it is critical that healthcare companies adapt the user experience to meet the needs of this demographic. From larger buttons to zooming tools, focusing on a simple, yet powerful experience is delighting patients of all ages.

Feature #4 – Medication and Supply Tracking

With many care programs, there are prescribed medications, recommended supplements, medical equipment or supplies. These items may come from multiple vendors, but patients want this information centralized within their healthcare mobile app. Integrating this information and providing a simple interface cuts down on complaints, service calls and makes clinician visits more productive.

Feature #5– Virtual Visits

The pandemic made virtual visits a must-have for healthcare. And it is not just a short-term need. Patients suffering from illnesses or physical disabilities that make in-person care difficult can greatly benefit from virtual visits. In some cases, it may also be important to enable multiple users such as additional clinicians or caregivers and family members. This is a high impact way to keep patient care happening despite restricting circumstances.

Feature #6 – Private and Secure

Whether it be text communications between patients and clinicians or virtual visits, it is critical that these communications are HIPAA compliant. Patients are more aware than ever of data privacy issues, and they want to know that their information is secure in your healthcare mobile application.

Feature #7 – Sharing Care

In many healthcare situations, patient care doesn’t just involve the patient and clinician. This is especially true in hospice and homecare where caregivers and family members demand access to care plans and clinicians. Patients want the ability to control what information is shared with which family members and caregivers; so that all can be informed and involved appropriately. Using technology to extend care makes for an improved experience for all involved.

Now is the Time to Get Patients the Mobile App Features They Need

Healthcare companies have a unique opportunity to use mobile applications to improve patient care. Willingness to use mobile apps has never been higher across patient demographics. So much so, that the existence of healthcare mobile applications is making a competitive difference in referrals and revenue.

For all of the healthcare companies we’ve worked with , mobile applications are improving clinician productivity and patient care. Some are even disrupting the way healthcare is provided, truly delighting patients with new ways to get care.

At SharpQuest, we have unique expertise in healthcare and backend operations, making mobile and progressive web applications that truly improve healthcare processes and ultimately patient care. Check out some of our healthcare projects and watch videos from our satisfied clients here. You can also contact us to schedule a consultation with our Healthcare Project Lead here. We’ll help you efficiently seize the opportunity to better meet the needs of patients and help your business grow.