iOS vs Android App Development: Uncovering Key Differences
Daria Lymanska
CEO & Founder
September 18, 2024
2
min read
Specifically, according to the Exploding Topics resource, in 2024, Android has a 70.93% global market share while iOS only has about 25% of it. However, both platforms are undoubtedly popular, and each of them, with the right approach to development and promotion, can provide product owners with a stable income. Below, we will reveal the differences and similarities between iOS and Android development, paying special attention to security and customization options.
Android vs. iOS App Development: Key Differences
Let's first look at the fundamental differences in Android and iOS development.
Programming languages
When it comes to native development, the most popular Android development language can be considered Java or Kotlin (they are both officially supported by Android’s original IDE, but the last one is preferable for new projects). As for native development for iOS, here, developers will need knowledge of Objective-C or Swift (generally speaking, this is the best option for new projects, while Objective-C is mainly used to support existing solutions that were originally written in this language).
Development environment
As the primary development environment for the Android platform, Android developers use the open-source Android Studio IDE, although in some cases their choice may also fall on Visual Studio, Eclipse, and some other development environments. At the same time, iOS developers usually resort to the help of Xcode with the integrated iOS SDK.
Differences in design
iOS development requires following the platform’s own principles for user interface design listed in the Human Interface Design Guidelines (the main aspects of which are color variety without shadows (Flat Design Depth), minimalism (Clarity), and content-first approach (Deference)). In the case of Android development, these are the recommendations for recreating Material Design (the main aspects of which are expressing the hierarchy of elements through their size, colors, and shadows (Metaphoric Nature), using bold typography to highlight important elements (Bold Graphical Design), visualizing reactions to user actions (Meaningful Animation), as well as adapting the design to devices of different form factors (Adaptive Design)). Also note that Android allows the development of applications for operation in Kiosk Mode – this will be useful for businesses presenting their services and/or products through software installed on corporate Android-based devices.
Hourly rates
According to Glassdoor, the average annual salary of an Android developer in the US ranges from $91K to $135K, while for an iOS developer this range is from $101K to $174K. From this, we can conclude that, on average, the iOS app development cost (if you stick to the hourly rate for specialists) will be somewhat higher compared to the Android app development cost, all other things being equal (in particular, the same number of supported device formats and OS versions).
Complexity of development
It is worth noting that native Android development tools and iOS mobile app development tools are quite easy to deal with and, in general, have a low entry threshold. That is why the complexity of implementing software for a particular platform should be considered primarily from the point of view of ensuring compatibility. The fact is that if you are planning Android development to cover as many user devices with different form factors as possible, your team will have to spend a lot of effort and time. Also, there is the need to provide compatibility with earlier versions of Android and, accordingly, adapt the software for devices that support them. Therefore, the development process for Android can be much longer than in the case of iOS, a platform that is characterized by a relatively small number of compatible user devices. On the other hand, for iOS development, the entire team must be equipped with macOS-based devices — only then will they be able to build the software and successfully test it in an emulator.
iOS vs. Android: Security and Privacy
The main difference between iOS and Android in terms of security lies in the fact that iOS security is more focused on providing strong software protection (which is facilitated by its closed nature and limited number of supported devices), while Android focuses on a combination of software and hardware protection (due to its initial open source nature, which can still be violated by individual vendors creating their own Android-based OSes, as well the variety of supported user devices). In the end, it is impossible to say that one of these operating systems is more secure or, on the contrary, more vulnerable, since by following the standards and generally accepted rules of secure development, you will be able to achieve optimal compliance for your software as well.
Which Platform Has a Bigger Market Share?
At the very beginning of this article, we indicated that Android is the undisputed leader in the mobile software market, with almost 71% market share. However, it is worth noting that the ratio of market shares between platforms may vary depending on the business niche for which the application is created. Moreover, there is rather old research that owners of iOS devices are more willing to download paid applications, while owners of Android devices prefer free software. As a result, this factor can determine your monetization opportunities for your app, too.
Which Platform Has More Customization Options?
In terms of customization options, Android gives developers more flexibility due to the open nature of the platform. Thus, they get more space for creativity, which allows them to implement non-trivial designs and functionality. In turn, the iOS platform is a closed ecosystem with its own strict compliance rules. This concept is aimed at maintaining uniformity of user interfaces, so it will not be possible to create something too non-standard on its basis.
Android vs. iOS App Development: Which One to Choose
Ultimately, we cannot say that development for any one of the platforms, be it iOS or Android, is more profitable. Everything depends on the niche for which the software solution is being implemented, its localization, and many other factors that determine the size of the target audience.
Additionally, it is important to be aware of app store fees for paid software and software with in-app purchases. In particular, iOS paid apps, in-app purchases of digital goods or services, and/or linking out to purchase digital goods and services on your website are subject to a 17% fee (or 10% If you're enrolled in the App Store Small Business Program/the Apple Video Partner Program/News Partner Program or renew a qualifying auto-renewal subscription beyond one year); also, if you use App Store payment processing and related commerce services for in-app purchases, you will be charged a 3% fee. As for Google Play, here, the fee is 15% on the first $1 million in annual revenue (or 30% on annual revenue exceeding $1 million), 15% on products with an auto-renewing subscription (regardless of annual revenue size), and 15% or less for developers who qualify for the Play Media Experience Program.
By the way, if you find that the ratio of potential users for each platform is approximately 1:1, you can consider the cross-platform app development option, which involves creating a single code base for iOS and Android platforms. In this case, you can save about 30% of the budget compared to developing two native applications, and also bring the launch date of your mobile solution closer. The only thing is that, like any other type of software development, this one also has some restrictions.
Regardless of whether you are considering cross-platform or native mobile app development, you can always choose us as a reliable service provider of custom mobile solutions. We will implement your business idea with the minimum possible budget without compromising its quality and select the best approaches and tech stack to ensure its competitiveness and profitability over the long term.
Which programming languages are used for iOS and Android app development?
Android apps are primarily developed using Java or Kotlin, while iOS apps are built with Swift or Objective-C. Swift is the preferred language for new iOS projects, while Kotlin is favored for Android.
What are the main differences in the design approach for iOS and Android apps?
iOS apps follow the Human Interface Design Guidelines, focusing on minimalism and clarity. Android apps use Material Design principles, emphasizing bold typography, meaningful animations, and adaptive design for different devices.
What development environments do iOS and Android developers use?
Android developers typically use Android Studio, while iOS developers work in Xcode. Both environments offer a range of tools to help create and test apps, but Xcode is exclusive to macOS devices.
Is Android or iOS development easier for beginners?
Both platforms offer easy-to-use development tools, but Android development may be more time-consuming due to the variety of devices and versions to support. iOS has fewer device formats, making it somewhat simpler in that regard.
If you regularly think about how to optimize your business operations by speeding them up, increasing their accuracy, reducing related expenses, and eliminating risks associated with the human factor, perhaps the introduction of artificial intelligence will be the best option.
Specifically, according to the CompTIA IT Industry Outlook 2024 report, today, about 22% of companies are actively seeking to integrate AI into most of their technological solutions and processes, and 45% of companies are considering its implementation. If you are still in the second category, it's time to figure out which programming language will be able to form the basis of your new highly intelligent software tools.
What Is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?
The term "Artificial intelligence" describes software algorithms and systems that are aimed at solving problems typical to the human mind – such as learning, as well as pattern generation and recognition. Such algorithms are based on colossal amounts of disparate data collected from various sources. Thus, these algorithms form self-learning software solutions capable of analyzing this data and extracting valuable insights from it.
Programming Languages Most Often Used for AI in 2024
It is worth noting that AI-powered solutions may not be based on any software language – this can be explained by the high resource consumption of the AI algorithms that form them, as well as the lack of high-level functions. At the same time, there are seven languages that are most often used in AI programming.
Python
This programming language appeared long before the popularization of AI development. However, thanks to its low entry threshold and extensive compatibility, its community quickly grew, and today, Python is considered one of the three most relevant languages worldwide.
As for the tools for artificial intelligence programming, there are a lot of Python-compatible frameworks, libraries, and APIs, aimed at simplifying and speeding up this process. Among them are TensorFlow, PyTorch, Keras, SciPy, NumPy, and many others. Using them, developers can create high-performance, reliable, and scalable solutions that can solve even the most complex research problems.
R
R, being a statistical programming language, is great for data analysis and visualization. Even though developing artificial intelligence and machine learning solutions is not the primary use case for R, it is still adept at handling very large numbers. So, where popular Python may fall short, particularly in Data Science and Data Analysis solutions, R may be a better alternative.
Additional benefits of this developer tool include support for functional programming, vector computing, and OOP, as well as a number of packages specifically created for AI and ML development (for example, gmodels, RODBC, and OneR).
Java
This portable and scalable programming language is actively used in the development of highly intelligent corporate applications, especially for mobile platforms. In addition to compatibility with popular tools for ML and AI programming, such as the Deep Java Library for deep learning, OpenNLP for natural language processing, and Neuroph for building neural networks, Java is easy to write and debug program code.
It is worth noting that this language is object-oriented and scalable. It also simplifies data visualization and supports Swing and SWT (Standard Widget Toolkit), which allow developers to create attractive and complex graphics and interfaces.
C++
C++ is considered an extremely powerful language for AI programming and can greatly benefit developers when creating games and embedded systems. Like Python, C++ is a mature language, which does not detract from its advantages, such as flexibility and high performance. C++ has several libraries for machine learning and neural networks that help complex algorithms run faster (including MapReduce, mlpack, and MongoDB). In general, many software engineers prefer this language for building projects that require high speed, as it interacts with training modules in a production environment.
Actually, that’s why this low-level language used for AI is primarily a tool for creating complex banking software, cloud systems, and intelligent speech recognition solutions.
JavaScript
JavaScript is a scripting language used to add interactivity to web pages. Even though it is not as popular as the AI programming languages described above, it can be extremely helpful in implementing solutions for Data Science, one of the most promising areas for using JS.
In addition, JavaScript is the most popular programming language in the world, so you won’t have any problems finding the right AI development tools and frameworks that are compatible with it. The popularity of this coding language for AI can be explained by several factors: reliability, stability, abundance of high-level functions, libraries, and tools, as well as fairly low requirements for other technical skills of developers (it is likely that you will not have any difficulty finding dozens of AI tools that support JS, which will cover the whole scope of work related to your AI project) .
Scala
This machine learning language is concise and expressive, and is often used in big data solutions. Scala is a multi-paradigm language specifically designed to express common programming concepts in a simple, convenient, and type-safe manner.
Scala is commonly used in the development of machine learning algorithms and pattern detection in large data sets, and all this – thanks to the built-in Smile data processing library, extensive compatibility with AI frameworks and libraries (in particular, BigDL, Breeze, DeepLearning.scala, and so on), as well as its object-oriented and scalable nature.
Julia
Julia is the best programming language for AI powered scientific solutions and technical projects that require statistical data processing. This is a relatively new language with dynamic typing, parallel programming, and JIT compilation that has proven itself well due to its high speed (Julia-based projects are rarely inferior in performance to their C++-based counterparts), flexibility, and a mature ecosystem.
Many of the tools built into this language use polymorphic dispatch, which makes switching between them much faster than in other languages. It is also worth noting that Julia projects can be integrated with TensorFlow.jl, MLBase.jl, and MXNet.jl.
The Programming Languages That Are Not Recommended for AI
Along with the extensive list of languages for AI development, there are also those that are better used for solving other problems. These are usually niche and low-level languages, such as PHP and Ruby (scripting languages that do not have the needed flexibility and speed to simplify the development process), C (a low-level language that lacks almost all the functions needed in AI development), and Fortran (despite its use for mostly scientific purposes, it has poor functionality).
Ultimately, a seasoned software engineer will be able to cope with any AI development task using any language; another thing is that, given the expected scope of work, the languages that we described in the previous paragraph are much better suited for these tasks.
If you are looking for an experienced team that will launch the digital transformation of your business processes through custom-made AI and ML solutions, feel free to contact us.
Webflow is an all-inclusive web design platform that permits users to create responsive websites without requiring any coding skills. It merges the simplicity of drag-and-drop editors with the flexibility of coding to present a straightforward web design experience to users. Webflow is particularly beneficial for small businesses, startups, and freelancers who need to establish professional-looking websites swiftly and resourcefully.
What website types can be created with Webflow?
The possibilities are practically limitless! Webflow lets you create almost any kind of website:
Corporate websites;
Portfolios;
Blogs for web designers or photographers;
E-commerce websites for online sales;
Landing pages that attract customers or business card sites with job information;
Educational tool.
Essential features that Webflow offers to users
Webflow offers users several key features, including a drag-and-drop interface, responsive design, CMS integration, animation and interaction, and SEO optimization. Marketing agencies, online stores, and creative companies are the industries that most often use the web flow builder. Let's take a closer look at these features:
Thanks to its drag-and-drop interface, Webflow simplifies the process of design creation. With this amazing tool, you can drag and drop elements directly onto the canvas and arrange them in any way that works best for your project - no coding required! But if you want to improve your coding skills, you can add custom code to your designs and be more creative.
Websites in Webflow look great on any device - large, small, or full-size. You have the ability to preview how your design looks on different screens to ensure perfect responsiveness across all devices.
CMS integration allows users to create and manage dynamic pages, content, collections, and custom fields without coding.
Bring your design to life with Webflow's easy-to-use interactions and animations! You get hover, interaction, and animation effects in one place to make any project fun and interactive.
You can add meta titles and descriptions, customize images and content, or create sitemaps to maximize your SEO optimization efforts.
With Webflow, you can build and manage an online store connected to platforms like Shopify or Foxy without ever leaving your site.
Regardless of the industry or business, Webflow is a great choice for building customized websites, web applications, and landing pages. Its versatility and integration with other marketing tools make it ideal for companies of all sizes.
What industries most often use this platform?
Webflow is quickly becoming the tool of choice for web designers and developers, startups, small businesses, e-commerce stores, and nonprofits that prioritize design and user experience over development efficiency. A popular choice for those who prioritize design and user experience. It is used by creative agencies, small businesses, and online stores. In addition, the low learning curve makes it extremely affordable and ideal for non-profit organizations or educational institutions looking to promote their cause or educate their audience. In short, Webflow is an incredibly powerful tool with a lot of flexible options for web designers/developers, regardless of the size of the industry.
Create your website with Webflow in 5 steps
We would like to share with you our experience of how we have built a website on Webflow.
Step 1
Ask yourself: "What do you want to do?". Start your project with one of the ready-made Webflow templates or create something completely new.
Step 2
Think about the page structure, add blocks and elements necessary for each page. For example, on the home page, you can add a banner to welcome visitors, write customer reviews, or showcase services and products. On the About page, you can post information about your company, photos and videos of employees, etc.
Step 3
Design a website layout in Webflow with the controls. Move, resize, and change colors on elements to your heart's content.
Step 4
Fill your website with content. Don't forget about high-quality photos and videos, unique text, and SEO keywords.
Step 5
Before submitting, you'll want to make sure your website is mistake-free. Webflow has a quick and easy error checker to scan for issues like broken links, misplaced content, etc.
Your website is all set to go live! Webflow gives you the option of using your own domain or their subdomain.
Did you know that our website is built on Webflow?
We took a while to pick a platform for publishing. We carefully weighed the pros and cons of other platforms when choosing to publish on Webflow. Despite other platforms' benefits, Webflow was our choice because of its performance-oriented design and flexibility & customization. It's designed for performance, which translates into faster loading times and a smooth user experience that keeps your audience engaged. Webflow also gives us maximum flexibility to create original websites tailored to each client—from design, layout, functionality & UX - so you get exactly what you need from your website. We are confident that Webflow is the best choice for our clients due its quality features, speed & customizability; it guarantees a high-performing site that gets results!
Summary
To summarize, Webflow is the perfect choice for website development. It offers design flexibility, a user-friendly interface, powerful SEO tools, mobile responsiveness, and fast, secure hosting to help you achieve your business goals. Do you want to create a stunning and professional website that will attract the attention of your audience and help you grow your business? Our team of experts will make it happen in no time with Webflow - without compromising on quality. With our team and powerful tools, we'll help you create the perfect online presence in no time. Contact us today to learn more about how we can build the perfect website for you with Webflow.
With the global aging population and the rise of chronic diseases, the remote patient monitoring market is booming as ever. From 2023 to 2024, it grew from $30.97B to $36.31B. And it won't stop here. Insider Intelligence predicts 70.6M US patients will use software for remote patient monitoring by 2025.
We can't overstate the importance of remote patient monitoring software. Such apps improve access to care, reduce hospital readmissions, and help save up to 60% on hospital visits, which results in higher-quality treatment in the comfort of patients' homes.
And benefits don't end up here. With ongoing digitalization via IoT and modernization of the healthcare system, don't wait for the best time for remote patient monitoring software development. The best time is now.
We've detailed remote patient monitoring apps below and covered their benefits, architecture, and top examples. You'll also see how Darly Solutions crafted an app for the health tech company. Read on, and stay tuned.
RPM monitoring software — is a digital tool for wearables, mobile apps, and medical devices that collects, analyzes, and shares patient data with medical personnel. Heart rate, blood sugar, and oxygen levels are among the most vital metrics. RPM software scores help catch health issues early, manage chronic conditions, and aid post-operative recovery.
How remote patient monitoring software works
From heart rate to blood glucose, each RPM system is designed to monitor a specific aspect of the body. However, elements included in any remote patient monitoring software development are typically the same. This is how the RPM system works:
Collects and exchanges data. Once calibrated, the devices send the data from the patient to the provider. The devices must have a Wi-Fi or LTE adapter for successful transfer. The data can also be sent via Bluetooth to IoT mobile apps via RPM devices.
Centralizes storage.
The provider securely stores the data collected from various sources, including patient devices, analytics systems, and e-medicine.
Analyze. The data is processed using advanced AI for management and analytics. Alerts are sent to caregivers, providers, and patients as needed, per their preferences.
Broadcasts.
Remote monitoring systems become telemedicine platforms when integrated with communication features like video conferencing, simplifying doctor-patient interaction.
Sends emergency notifications. When doctors identify health issues requiring daily monitoring, they oversee the data collected by the RPM system. Notably, it can notify emergency services if a patient needs urgent care. For non-urgent cases, patients can receive instructions for the next steps. However, HIPAA and similar regulations may restrict including sensitive patient information in certain notifications to protect privacy.
Nevertheless, the RPM is part of the broader automation revolution; it has universal healthcare benefits overall. Let's examine the main of them:
Better access to health services
With remote patient monitoring software, medical services have no geographical boundaries. Patients can get timely medical attention at home and manage their health, fostering a greater sense of control under health conditions.
Improved patient outcomes
A study found that RPM cut hospital admissions for chronic care complications by 19% to 41%, which results in improved patient outcomes.
Cost-effective care with reduced readmissions
The average cost of hospital readmission is about $15,200, which makes the prevention of readmissions through remote patient monitoring software financially beneficial for both patients and providers. Even more, it is a well-established fact that early detection generally translates to lower healthcare costs.
Better client engagement and satisfaction
Over 94% of patients are satisfied with RPM's care. It sparks their curiosity about their health and boosts engagement. Such an increased sense of involvement often inspires commitment to treatment plans.
Early detection and timely intervention
The CDC reports that RPM can cut chronic disease complications by 40%. This highlights the need for swift intervention to reduce health risks.
Components of remote patient monitoring software
There is no one-fit RPM soft, as it differs in nature. However, each patient monitoring system generally has 3 to 5 basic components. Let’s delve into them:
Personal monitoring devices
From continuous glucose and heart rate monitors to blood pressure cuffs, digital scales, and peak flow meters.
Patient-side mobile applications
Prioritize user experience, making it easy for patients to access their health data. Additionally, they offer features like medication reminders and secure chats with healthcare providers.
Cloud database
Cloud repositories allow healthcare providers to store large patient data securely. They are scalable and accessible, adapting to growing datasets for long-term monitoring.
Hospital-side web app
These applications are part of hospital management software. They ensure compliance, enable integration, and support decision-making. Additionally, they offer reporting, notifications, and analytics to improve patient care.
Other modules
These comprise decision support systems, reporting tools, notification systems, and analytics platforms.
Essential features in remote patient monitoring solutions
Here are the essential features of a remote patient monitoring (RPM) solution:
Real-time tracking of patient vital signs
Wearable sensors, fitness trackers, blood pressure monitors, and glucose meters perfectly gather and handle real-time health metrics. Then, this data is sent to healthcare providers and added to Electronic Health Records (EHRs) for timely interventions and informed decisions preventing complications.
Intuitive interfaces and user-friendly features
Machines must be easy to set up, a breeze to wear, and simple to operate. Meanwhile, patients should access their data effortlessly through a smooth web or mobile app to track their progress. This connection allows seamless communication with healthcare providers, ensuring everyone's on the same page.
Accessibility features
Ultimately, create a system with all users in mind. Consider accessibility guidelines like WCAG and CVAA to pave the way for inclusive innovation. Encompass voice control for effortless data entry, navigation, and text-to-speech features to support people with dyslexia and other disabilities. Moreover, a patient-first design shines with screen reader compatibility, high-contrast modes, and a crystal-clear interface.
Personalized risk alerts and reminders
For swift and customizable alerts, the RPM system must adjust thresholds. For example, alerts can be sent when vital signs fall outside preset limits. This enables timely intervention to reduce the risk of adverse events.
Safe data transmission and storage
Patient data security is a top priority in remote patient monitoring software development. Thus, apps must comply with all regulations like HIPAA, as they protect the privacy and security of patient data and save from hefty fines.
Smooth EHR integration
EHR integration allows the automatic transfer of RPM data, giving healthcare providers access to complete patient histories for better decision-making and outcomes.
Reports and analysis of patient health data
Advanced analytics and reporting in remote patient monitoring software development provide valuable data insights for healthcare professionals (for data-driven decisions) and patients (to motivate healthier choices).
The architecture of a remote patient monitoring system
Remote health monitoring systems are designed with a multi-layered architecture. Basically, it has five core components that enable uninterrupted data flow within the system. Let’s break into the point of the whole structure:
Smart-connected sensors for health tracking
The sensor layer comprises remote monitoring devices such as EKGs, sleep trackers, smartwatches, and blood pressure monitors. Then, they transmit this data to the dedicated mobile app via Bluetooth or to the cloud via the Internet.
Patient interface
Patient-facing RPM apps collect real-time health data from connected medical devices, allowing manual entry of symptoms and medication intake. RPM apps often include data visualizations for tracking health trends and may have integrated telemedicine features, such as video conferencing for appointments, follow-ups, prescriptions, and virtual consultations.
Cloud RPM server
Cloud services form the core of RPM systems, providing secure storage, processing, and data analysis from devices and the RPM app. This engine also integrates with EHR systems to access patient health information (PHI) in FHIR format. It can identify trends, such as early signs of complications.
Medical staff dashboard
Patient data flows bidirectionally between the medical staff interface and the cloud RPM server, enabling effective management by care teams.
Data visualization module. Via charts and graphs that show trends in vital signs, medication adherence, and other data, the module gives providers a 360-degree view of the patient.
Alert management module. The system promptly alerts clinicians to critical situations and device failures in real-time.
Reporting module. The module generates custom reports on patient data, which hugely help track progress and gain insights over time.
Communication module. This module has two-way messaging, video chat, and/or telephony integration and is made for secure, remote communication between clinicians and patients.
Appointment management module.
This module handles appointment scheduling and patient-provider communication, allowing both patients and providers to request appointments.
Depending on the organization's needs, a doctor-facing RPM interface can include other modules, such as patient management, care plans, and patient education.
Admin web panel
A key part of the RPM architecture is a control dashboard. It helps with admin tasks like configuring roles, managing patients, and setting alarms.
Once you have a clear idea for your software product, find an experienced dev company to implement it. When contacting your tech partner, you don't need detailed software requirements. A high-level understanding of the functionalities is enough to get started for any custom healthcare software development services stages. Let’s break them down:
Step 1: Requirement collection and analysis
The process starts by refining your product vision. Then, define project goals based on the health conditions your RPM solution will address. Your team will then identify core functions, pick the best tech stack, and plan the app's architecture. If integration with systems like EHRs is required, your tech partner will ensure compatibility.
Step 2: Outlining security and compliance requirements
Remote patient monitoring software must follow HIPAA and FDA rules. The development team implements audit trails, encryption, secure cloud storage, and APIs for secure communication to ensure data security and privacy. They also define a testing strategy for the pre- and post-production phases.
Step 3: Prototyping and design
To create an intuitive, user-first staff interface, UX/UI teams conduct user research to define user personas and journeys. Based on this research, designers create a prototype reflecting both the initial vision and user needs, gathering feedback on the user experience. The team prioritizes a clean, engaging, and accessible design. Based on feedback, they will refine the prototype and send the final designs to the dev team.
Step 4: Development and integration
Tech experts will use best practices to develop your RPM system iteratively to meet regulatory compliance. This work may include front and backend components, patient and doctor apps, and integration of medical devices.
Step 5: Testing
When it comes to RPM development — thorough software testing is as important as the development itself. After testing, developers should prioritize IoMT device compatibility. They must also ensure smooth integration with the RPM system for the most stability.
Step 6: Ongoing improvements
After deployment, the dev team monitors and tunes the RPM system to meet business and tech needs. They provide training and support for patients and healthcare professionals.
Beyond monitoring and troubleshooting, your tech team will prepare a roadmap for software updates. This will enhance the system's features and security in the future.
RPM Software Deployment: Challenges and Practical Solutions
Let us explore the most notable challenges organizations encounter while deploying their RPM.
Regulatory compliance
RPM's compliance with HIPAA and GDPR relies on strong data security and privacy. It must meet standards like ISO 27001 and IEC 62304 for this.
What to do:
Develop a comprehensive compliance framework according to all requirements like HIPAA, GDPR, FTC (Federal Trade Commission), FDA regulations, and more.
Conduct regular audits and assessments outlining clear policies and protocols for staff.
Provide ongoing staff training to ensure they are aware of their responsibilities.
Data security and privacy
Healthcare organizations handle sensitive patient data (vitals, medical history, personal details, reports, treatment plans). Unauthorized access poses the risk of data breaches and subsequent fines that could total millions of dollars.
What to do:
Use encryption techniques of RPM-collected data, telehealth appointment recordings, and other sensitive patient health data.
Implement strong authentication and role-based access.
Regular audits and security assessments.
Conduct employee and patient training.
Adopt role-based access control (RBAC)
Technology integration and compatibility
Outdated systems may lack compatibility, hindering integration and impacting data accuracy and security. Integrating EHR and clinical systems can also be difficult, affecting data sharing and patient care. Ensuring interoperability for seamless data exchange adds another layer of complexity.
What to do:
Assess current infrastructure compatibility.
Follow interoperability standards and protocols.
Adopt HL7 and FHIR standards.
Cost-benefit analysis
RPM implementation presents a cost-benefit challenge for healthcare organizations. While offering benefits like improved outcomes and enhanced care, the substantial upfront investment in hardware, software, infrastructure, licensing, staff training, regulatory compliance, and data security must be carefully weighed.
What to do:
Conduct thorough cost assessments.
Estimate ROI and potential cost savings.
Strategically allocate resources.
Data precision and accuracy
Inaccurate data transmission from RPM devices (e.g., wearables) poses a significant challenge, potentially leading to misdiagnosis and compromised treatment. Several factors can affect data accuracy, including device calibration, signal interference, network issues, and device quality.
What to do:
Choose quality sensors and wearables.
Regularly calibrate devices.
Implement quality assurance measures.
Lack of patient engagement
Some patients fear switching to modern healthcare and its tech just because they are used to in-person hospital visits. Thus, using the devices, checking vital signs, and messaging the doctor may be hard for the patients.
What to do:
Prioritize a user-friendly interface.
Craft tutorials for device usage and RPM data analytics interpretation.
Incorporate gamification elements (e.g., badges, progress tracking) to incentivize engagement.
Bridge language barriers for diverse patient populations by providing support in multiple languages.
RPM software development cost
The cost of developing Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) software varies based on complexity, features, and the development team's location. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated costs associated with RPM software development:
Basic RPM application ranges from $50K – $70K.
Standard RPM software ranges from $100K – $400K or higher, depending on the specific requirements and features.
Costs can be $500K or more for advanced solutions with complex systems and integrations.
Both building an in-house tech team and outsourcing software development come with significant costs: salaries/recruitment expenses versus hourly rates and vendor fees. Without proper research, you risk overpaying for a software solution — whether through in-house hiring costs or outsourcing fees — or settling for a product that doesn't meet your requirements.
To calculate the precise budget for your RPM software development idea — please fill out this form. We will contact you shortly.
Best RPM software
Here are some popular remote patient monitoring use cases that might inspire you for your own:
CoachCare
CoachCare was founded over a decade ago, now supports over 3,000 organizations, and serves over 150,000 patients. Boasting a remarkable RPM, it claims a success rate exceeding 95%. It advocates for RPM coverage and collaborates with groups like CMS and AMA. CoachCare's tech lets patients log vital health metrics via an app. Its simplicity boosts engagement. Experts recognize its support of the healthcare industry.
Healee
Healee is a health tech company founded in 2017, now handles over 700,000 visits per month, both onsite and virtual, and supports 5,000 physicians across 200 clinics. With EHR, e-prescription, and billing integrations, the Healee platform streamlines healthcare delivery in wellness, mental health, chronic care, and women's health.
Doctolib
Founded in Paris in 2013, Doctolib is a top healthcare booking platform. It serves over 400,000 providers and 50 million users. It handles 70 million monthly bookings in France, Germany, and Italy. It offers appointment scheduling, telemedicine, and patient messaging. These services reduce missed appointments by 60% and save doctors 1.5 hours per week on administrative tasks.
Senseonics
This company revolutionizes blood glucose monitoring. The system features a sleek, removable transmitter and a sensor expertly implanted under the skin by a healthcare pro. Connected to a mobile app, the sensor offers real-time insights, alerting patients through their smartphones or smartwatches when their glucose levels are too high. Sharing data with healthcare providers and family members becomes a breeze, ensuring optimal treatment strategies.
Currently, around 6,000 users benefit from the Eversense CGM system. By 2025, Senseonics aims to double that number.
Teladoc
Established in 2006, this Hoboken, New Jersey-based powerhouse is revolutionizing healthcare. With an extensive network of licensed professionals, HRS proudly claims the #1 spot in KLAS’ ‘Top Remote Patient Monitoring Companies’ from 2020 to 2023.
HRS offers its innovative PatientConnect platform, featuring over 90 tailored RPM plans for healthcare providers. Beyond monitoring, HRS embraces holistic care, providing behavioral health services like therapy and psychiatry, ensuring a comprehensive touch on every aspect of patient wellbeing.
Improving patient outcomes with RPM software: A case by Darly Solutions
In particular, the health tech company approached us about remote patient monitoring software development. They faced challenges with patient tech literacy, especially among the elderly. There was a risk of data overload for providers. Patient engagement was inconsistent. There was a need for system integration, like with EHRs. Plus, they had to ensure data privacy and security (HIPAA compliance).
Since the deadline was tight and there were a lot of high-precision requirements — we created a detailed plan for the project, assigned UX/UI design, web development, QA, and project management tasks, and pinpointed the tech stack.
Technology stack
We understood that choosing the right technology stack was crucial for success. After thorough consideration, we selected:
Angular: For building dynamic web applications.
HTML/CSS: For structuring and formatting the user’s interface.
Docker: To streamline deployment through containerization.
ngRx: For effective state management.
TailwindCSS: To enable rapid UI development.
NGX Pagination: For efficient handling of large datasets.
JSON: For smooth and efficient data transfer between client and server.
Our efforts paid off. We launched the product on time, meeting all design, functionality, and quality standards. Our client now has a competitive product that is well-placed to thrive in the innovative telemedicine sector.
Rising public interest, health concerns, and tech advances drive the RPM market to new heights in solutions and revenue. As we noted earlier, these technologies enable 24/7 health monitoring. They also provide remote populations with access to quality treatments.
Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare staff should focus less on routine, manual tasks in the next few years. They should focus on saving lives and providing treatment, which RPM can support perfectly. It can greatly reduce burnout and ease stress on global healthcare systems while driving market share to higher results and stakeholder benefits.
This is a great time if you're considering developing your RPM solution.
Connect with us
At this stage, we get acquainted with your needs, outline the goals and desired results. We are always happy to take your project to the next level, and then beyond
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