5 Emerging Software Testing Trends in Healthcare

High costs of research and development, together with rigorous regulations and increasing customer demands, need a significant focus on the software quality of any industry. The Healthcare industry, in this case, is no exception! The mHealth apps market is valued at $47.7 billion in 2021 and is projected to grow to $149 billion by 2028.  

Organizations must establish a tailored and robust testing plan based on evolving testing trends. Though all these trends may only apply to some healthcare organizations. Still, they will differ based on the type and utilization of healthcare solutions and according to the customized testing demands of specific healthcare providers.  

In this blog, we will aim at discussing the concept of healthcare software testing in detail while discussing the benefits of healthcare apps, its importance, and the trends that are likely to revolutionize the virtual healthcare landscape.  

Let’s begin! 

What are the benefits of healthcare apps?  

• Healthcare applications assist patients in arranging their medical visits effortlessly and acquiring crucial healthcare tips. 

• It is the easiest way to check medical test reports, purchase drugs online, and find an expert specialist.  

• The chatbox option or the capability provided by the healthcare apps simplifies the treatment procedure; the doctors may chat and treat their patients in conversations which becomes even more flexible for customers. 

• Electronic Health Records, or EHR, aid in comprehending the patient's medical history much more quickly.   

• One of the most prominent features of healthcare apps is the capability to remember medicines for the patient. Online or e-prescriptions are aiding customers in making their experience smooth. Also, this innovative function provides a certification to the doctors that the patient has not disregarded and begun the treatment.  

Why is testing necessary for healthcare apps?  

• To verify the integration with other apps: 

Healthcare is one of the leading sectors providing many services for patients. One healthcare app can only meet some of the patient's wants and needs. And as a result, the patient can decide to integrate with other apps to meet their demands. Hence, the app should be checked to determine whether it is compatible to integrate with other apps.  

• To keep an eye on the user interface:  

Healthcare is different from regular apps. Since the app is developed for its patients, the app should be routinely checked for its user interface. Also, medical apps receive more data and may be utilized regularly by their patients. 

Therefore, it is essential to evaluate the app to see if it is patient-friendly, user-centric, and offers open communication.  

• To ensure security and privacy:  

Security and the privacy of data shared by patients are very crucial. While planning to create an app, it is necessary to focus on the privacy and security of the patient's information. For example, consider the reports of patients. To safeguard the patient's medical record and the data of other healthcare providers, it must adhere to and comply with all privacy rules. Also, testing measures should be done to secure the app using data encryption and firewalls.  

• To test the usability of the app: 

Before intending to deploy the app to the real world, it is necessary to test its usability. The app must be easy to use and give the user a clear understanding of its functioning. If the app fails to get user acceptance, then this may decrease the scope of the app's future. Hence, it is vital to undertake usability testing before planning for production. 

• For app compatibility testing:  

Users can utilize the healthcare app through any device and any platform. And the biggest flaw that can cause customer unhappiness is if the app cannot perform at the same level across all platforms and devices. As a result, testing for performance and compatibility must be done across all platforms and devices, including Windows, Mac, Android, etc.  

• For an app performance check:  

The app's performance and usefulness play a key role in determining its scope. The app has to perform similarly across any platform and device, and when the app is experiencing a more significant number of users. If the software fails on performance and load concerns, subsequent unavailability for millions of patients may cause a negative influence and drop off many of the customers. Hence, load testing should be conducted to check the app's performance and functionality in all scenarios.  

Want to know the importance of IoT testing for healthcare applications? 

Read out our blog https://www.bugraptors.com/blog/iot-testing-in-healthcare-definitions-roles-importance-examples-reasons-to-perform-iot-testing. 

Emerging QA and Software Testing Trends in Healthcare Applications in 2023 

• High Priority to Security Testing  

Cutting-edge healthcare technologies help physicians and healthcare providers access patients' historical health data, observe their situations, and deliver therapy remotely and promptly. Hence, it becomes necessary to maintain absolute security and privacy of the data that is accessed by the program. To achieve ultimate protection, rigorous security testing has to be the primary focus in the testing plan for preserving the sensitive healthcare data of patients. 

• Big Data Management  

Healthcare applications these days acquire and transfer a tremendous amount of healthcare data from one source to another. As a result, the applications have been created explicitly with capabilities that make it possible to gather, store, access, and transfer data. Testers must consider the patient data management process across numerous technology platforms as they evaluate next-generation healthcare applications. To ensure that patient data is managed effectively and without giving in to compromises on security and privacy, they must carry out all necessary examinations. 

• Implementation of Agile Testing Methodologies  

The healthcare IT teams must adopt the Agile methodology due to the growing demand to get apps and goods to market more quickly. Couples can avoid the drawn-out product delivery cycle and guarantee quicker delivery by using an agile approach.  

• Emphasis on Mobile and Compatibility Testing  

Many users today, including patients and healthcare workers, access healthcare solutions via mobile devices. More companies are giving patients healthcare through smartphones, tablets, and other gadgets. And without any doubt, mobile devices can vary. 

The healthcare solutions must therefore function effectively and accurately on these devices across various operating systems, browsers, etc. The testing method should encompass assessing all aspects of the application by using multiple mobile devices, networks, and operating systems.  

• Deployment of Skilled Testers  

Healthcare application testing takes a lot of experience and expertise due to numerous legislative restrictions and the emergence of user privacy concerns. To effectively analyze cutting-edge healthcare applications and solutions, it is crucial to ensure the testers have the necessary domain knowledge and abilities. To effectively identify critical workflows for testing, testers working on healthcare projects should know about HIPAA, HL7 standards, and the healthcare domain.  

 
Having cutting-edge software is worthless if it cannot be used easily by healthcare professionals and patients regarding healthcare imperatives regarding patient-driven and patient-centered care. 

Wrapping up  

The market for digital applications and healthcare IT, in general, has been rising steadily and attracting new investments to make healthcare more accessible and data-based.  

However, to provide quality and real-time services to their patients, healthcare professionals require digital applications that are user-friendly, interoperable, and accessible anytime and anywhere. This is why adhering to the new trends and technologies involved in healthcare testing should be considered as the need of the hour. 

At Bugraptors, our expert test team will allow you to develop a secure, robust and reliable healthcare application.  

For more information, contact us at info@bugraptors.com