6 pitfalls to avoid when developing mobile apps for medical devices
In the bustling healthcare landscape, the mHealth market—estimated between $50 billion and $110 billion USD in 2022—is more than just a promising niche. Given the roaring momentum, you’d expect the roadmap for the mHealth App development to be very well defined by now. But the reality is a bit murkier than that. As evidenced in the significant differences in market estimates, defining even what is an mHealth system remains a debate. A bird’s-eye view of the challenges facing the mHealth industry as it moves toward maturity:
An overview of the challenges facing the mHealth industry as it moves toward maturity:
Sky-high user expectations: Consumer apps developed by very large companies with equally high budgets have set the bar very high. Companies entering the mHealth space must be deliberate in managing these expectations with all stakeholders, both internal and external.
Consumer App Culture: Rapid consumer app-style development is made possible by small teams coming together quickly and leveraging large collections of ready-to-use software libraries. They operate in a market in which mistakes cost little, we learn from them and repeat them. However, the culture that accommodates consumer apps lacks the processes and systems necessary to ensure the quality, safety and security that mHealth apps require.
Regulatory update: Health care regulators are struggling to define standards for an industry that is evolving faster than they can hire staff and train professionals. Regulators understand that mHealth has enormous potential to transform healthcare by reducing costs and bringing care closer to the patient, but they are racing to prevent the industry from engaging in practices that pose risks to the delivery of care. These three industry-wide challenges translate into common mistakes companies make when developing new mHealth solutions. If you’re charting the course of your organization’s foray into mobile health, here are some pitfalls you may want to avoid:
1. Compliance is not an afterthought job: It’s a common mistake to design an mHealth app and then struggle to wrap it in a cloak of regulatory compliance. A well-designed application starts with a foundation of solid design controls and risk management practices from the beginning. Adapting these crucial aspects as an afterthought can result in unstable software at best, with problems that cannot be fixed later.
2. Premature Deployment – While the startup world espouses the “build fast and iterate” mantra, the mHealth world calls for more caution. Rushing to write code can often lead to costly detours and rework. Instead, invest time in proof-of-concept prototypes that validate your technical approach. Then, invest in formative testing with cost-effective mockups instead of code implementations. These preliminary steps, although seemingly slow, can speed up the later stages of development and ensure a smoother deployment.
3. Ambiguous regulatory strategy – Venturing into the mobile health sector without a regulatory compass can lead to directionless development. A well-defined regulatory strategy not only ensures compliance but also streamlines your enforcement approach. It delineates boundaries, ensuring that requirements are not inadvertently exceeded or met, often leading to failed regulatory filings.
4. Mixing of features – In an attempt to offer a comprehensive solution, there is a temptation to pack a large number of features, medical and otherwise, into one application. However, blurring these lines can complicate the regulatory process and muddy the app’s core value proposition. Instead, strategically segment medical device functions from non-medical ones, ensuring clarity and minimizing red tape.
5. Settling for mediocre content – User experience is paramount. Mediocre images or poorly crafted content can decrease the perceived value of your app. Remember that in the digital realm, presentation is extremely important. Whether it’s a crisp infographic, an engaging video, or a well-written user guide, quality content can enhance the overall user experience and improve engagement.
6. Be wary of feature overload: While it’s natural to want your app to be an all-in-one solution, it’s essential to discern between what’s necessary and what’s superfluous. Prioritize features that align with your app’s core goals and resist the temptation to add additional features that don’t directly improve its value. Overcomplicating your application not only drains development resources, but can also confuse and deter users.
Developing a stellar mHealth app is not just about coding, but requires a strategic combination of technology, regulatory knowledge, and market understanding. At Bold Type, we’ve honed our expertise to guide product managers and executives like you through this intricate terrain. Instead of shortcuts, we offer smart shortcuts. If you’re ready to embark on your mHealth journey with a partner who gets it, let’s connect. Together, we can define the future of mHealth.
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