Healthcare software is an integral part of modern medical examination and treatment. Since it is highly complex and contains a large amount of confidential patient information, it requires thorough testing. Careful examination will ensure the data is reliably protected, and the programs meet all international standards.
Neglecting a stage or its quality can lead to the disclosure of patient details, harm to their health, and numerous fines from regulatory authorities. Below, we will discuss how healthcare products differ and analyze the main aspects of their testing.
Mai Healthcare Software Features
Healthcare applications and programs can have different purposes and vary depending on the method and place of use. However, they have some characteristic features that distinguish them from other digital products. Healthcare QA teams testing them must be experienced in the industry to cope with the task.
Here is what distinguishes healthcare programs from others:
- High level of complexity. Most of them are multi-layered products with complex logic and architecture.
- The need to comply with strict norms and regulations. Healthcare software must comply with HIPAA, FDA, OAIC, and many other standards.
- Interconnection with other numerous programs and hardware. They are inextricably linked with data analysis products, EHR systems, and devices such as MRI, X-ray, and CT.
- Storage of a large amount of information. They contain not only the personal information of clients but also their medical records, conclusions, etc. This data is confidential and requires maximum protection.
- High load. Healthcare software can be used simultaneously by a large number of doctors and patients, so it must withstand any load.
- The necessity to adapt to all patients’ needs. Applications and programs must be inclusive so people with different physical needs and disabilities can use them.
Since testing healthcare products is laborious and effortful, the team that will conduct it must have a clear plan and maintain detailed test documentation.
What to Test to Ensure the Software’s Highest Quality
There are many challenges in testing healthcare software products. It can require much time, resources, unique approaches, and tools. Here is a list of the main aspects that must be carefully verified to ensure compliance with the needs of patients, doctors, and international regulations.
Accessibility
People with disabilities and various diseases will use the programs equally with others. Therefore, digital healthcare products must be fully adapted to their needs. To ensure accessibility and usability, software testers can involve patients with disabilities in testing.
Data Security
All healthcare applications must be resistant to phishing and DDoS attacks. QA engineers must perform security and penetration testing to ensure that information cannot be disclosed to third parties, lost, or destroyed. Violation of security guarantees can result not only in reputational damage but also in numerous fines.
Compliance with Requirements and Standards
There are many rules and documents designed to control healthcare software’s content, mode of operation, and functions. The testers’ task is to check that it fully complies with all national and international standards.
Ease of Navigation and Usability
Patients and doctors may have different levels of experience using software. Therefore, digital medical products should have a straightforward interface, logical structure, and the option to search for the necessary data quickly. People of all ages can use digital products, so they should be friendly to each of them.
Application Programming Interface (API)
Ensuring the smooth exchange of large amounts of information between different devices and programs is another difficulty in developing healthcare software. Testers must ensure all requests are processed correctly and that the system works without failures and delays during data exchange.
Product-Equipment Interaction
The software can be connected to diagnostic, life-support, and medical equipment. QA needs to test whether they work smoothly after connection and whether they do not require additional settings.
Performance
The load on a healthcare digital platform can be very high. However, the system should not respond long, leading to delays. This can have serious consequences.
Software Functions
Before a company releases a product, its testing team has to make sure that each of the possible functions, even the least requested ones, works correctly. This will protect patients from harm to their health and the developer from financial and time losses.
Fast Updates
Any software requires updates. The tester’s goal is to check how long it takes and whether it does not lead to failures and delays in work. Healthcare software can be used 24/7, so updates should take a minimum of time.
Testing medical digital platforms can be a real challenge. However, it is one of the main stages before the release. Only a careful check will help identify weaknesses and overcome them early without harming the reputation and health of patients.