The demand for healthcare mobile app development continues its rapid increase in 2021. It’s part of an overall trend of technology innovations and app development processes impacting the medical industry. Everything from smartwatch heart monitors to internet doctor-patient visits is transforming the medical community.
Not surprisingly, the COVID-19 pandemic also contributed to a significant increase in the use of telehealth, such as the virtual doctor visits mentioned above. Notably, the patient-centric healthcare app market is expanding at a near-exponential rate as the sector creates applications.
Considering the massive amount of smartphones in usage across the globe, expect a continued exploding demand for medical mobile apps for virtual care.
This expanding market creates a lucrative opportunity for companies and mobile application developers looking to engage patients better and those finding ways to help providers work more efficiently. With telehealth and related services likely becoming the new normal, this growth isn’t expected to abate for years, if ever. Let’s take a closer look at the reasons for the growing demand for mobile healthcare applications and the business processes it involves.
A recent study from Allied Market Research provides meaningful insights into the reasons behind the growth in demand for patient-centric mobile apps and digital health technology. The study predicts a market worth $4.7 billion in 2019 will grow to $64 billion by 2027! The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over this time is a stunning 37.2%.
As highlighted earlier, multiple factors contribute to this explosion in demand for healthcare mobile apps. Of course, the continued proliferation of smartphones plays a role. Smartwatches are also increasingly becoming a platform for monitoring patient data in real-time. Experienced developers easily target both types of mobile devices with apps for a variety of healthcare use cases.
The increase of telehealth services in the wake of COVID-19 also plays a major role in the higher demand for healthcare mobile apps.
Doctors meet with patients over video using a smartphone or tablet, while also accessing patient health data generated by a smartwatch or similar device. Additionally, an emerging patient-centric ecosystem allows individuals to manage their own healthcare with an easy-to-use mobile app.
In addition to telehealth, COVID-19 also influenced the emerging demand for these patient-centric apps due to the closing of gyms and other fitness-related facilities. Faced with any lockdown situation, users leverage apps for various healthcare purposes, even beyond typical doctor-patient interactions. Ultimately, expect this patient-centric ecosystem to continue expanding as more people take ownership of their own health plans.
A different study by Accenture also highlights the changing landscape of the healthcare world. COVID-19 accelerated this transformation as well; evidenced by some of the findings of the survey. Notably, before COVID-19 the expansion of digital health services became stagnated, including decreased use of medical apps on smartphones and wearables. Needless to say, the pandemic lockdown made consumers re-embrace telehealth, with the demand for cross-platform healthcare mobile apps increasing as a result.
62% of consumers are now open to using virtual health services, with 57% also open to remote monitoring of health conditions using an in-home device.
In addition to being open to virtual services from traditional healthcare providers, the survey noted consumers now consider receiving healthcare from technology companies and retail providers, including Google, Microsoft, Best Buy, and Walmart. Due to this shift in attitudes, it’s now a non-traditional medical world where enterprise mobile app development opportunities abound for companies with the skills to craft compelling healthcare mobile apps.
Companies looking to take advantage of this newfound demand for mobile healthcare apps enjoy multiple options depending on their target audience. First, an iOS or Android app for doctors or medical professionals helps track and monitor patient information, appointment scheduling, billing, insurance, and more. Patient-centric apps help manage diets, monitor biotelemetry, handle prescriptions, and possibly leverage AI to make health recommendations.
Note that doctor-centric apps are typically referred to as medical apps, while patient-centric apps are categorized as healthcare or health apps. Medical apps generally feature data analytics to assist in diagnosis, with additional regulatory requirements and subsequently higher development costs as a result based on the requirements needed for the development team.
Costing less to develop, healthcare apps focus on the patient; helping them manage medical conditions, improve their fitness levels, and track related data. Once again, in an emerging market, opportunities abound for both types of mobile apps.
If your company has an excellent idea for a medical or healthcare mobile app and needs help crafting it, connect with the exceptional team at NineTwoThree, a healthcare mobile app development company. We boast modern mobile development skills and methodologies; with a history of successful digital ventures and app development processes. In short, we are the perfect partner for your organization. Reach out to us to discuss your idea and let’s make a tangible difference in the healthcare world!
