7 Must-Have Features Of The Perfect Digital Health Platform

Searching for a great digital health platform feels like looking for a needle in a haystack. We have heaps of options, but one that genuinely delivers the goods? That's a rare find.?

So, let's dive into what the perfect digital health platform should embody. But first, let's clearly define what we're discussing.

A digital health platform is a centralized hub for managing patient care, streamlining healthcare operations, and empowering patients to take a more active role in their health. It is software-based and integrates tools like electronic health records, telemedicine, secure communication channels, data analytics, and more, all accessible in one place.

With that definition settled, let’s focus on the must-have features we, at The Medical Futurist believe define a good product.

1. Focus on a niche!

Let’s first address the elephant in the room: yes, in an ideal world, we all want to use a single, supercharged health platform encompassing every conceivable health condition and management tool. However, this is unrealistic. The financial investment required to develop solutions, tracking, and measurements for every potential disease and condition would be astronomical. And this would result in a platform so vast and complex that an average user might only utilize 0.2% of its available features. A jack-of-all-trades platform risks becoming master of none, overwhelming users with options while failing to deliver targeted, effective care in the specific areas they need it.

By focusing on a niche, digital health platforms can deliver greater value, achieve higher adoption rates, and ultimately make a more meaningful impact on patient outcomes.?

We’ve seen excellent examples in the past years, like asthma management from Propeller Health, diabetes management from HelloBetter or MySugr, or solutions like Sleepio or Somzz for insomnia - just to name a few.?

2. Incorporate patient design

At the heart of any effective digital health platform is patient design. This approach ensures that the platform is not just built for patients but with them. Patient design means actively involving patients as equal stakeholders in the creation process, at every step of the way.?

By directly engaging with and prioritising the needs, preferences, and feedback of end-users, developers can create platforms that are intuitive, accessible, and also genuinely helpful.? Employing patient design ensures that platforms address real-world pain points, and it avoids creating “alibi” solutions. This method transforms the traditional dynamic, positioning patients not just as beneficiaries but as co-creators of their health management solutions.

It sounds easy, but patient design isn't a one-time exercise. From co-design workshops to usability testing, involving patient advisory groups and not just listening to but understanding and accepting their needs requires open minds and extra effort.

3. Follow medical guidelines

Just as patient input is essential during design, integrating medical professionals into the development process is non-negotiable. An exceptional digital health platform is more than a collection of health-themed features, it is a tool grounded in evidence-based medicine. To achieve this, clinicians must be involved in all aspects, from feature creation to guidance on the latest research and best practices.

When platforms closely adhere to medical guidelines, clinicians gain confidence in integrating them into their workflows. This adherence then boosts patient trust as they recognize their platform isn't based on unfounded trends but is supported by sound research.

4. Meet real-life needs

In the world of digital health, innovation is essential. But it's not enough on its own.?Developing technology just because we can is not the ethos of a truly effective digital health platform. The starting point should always be identifying a tangible patient or clinical need. Only once this need is clearly understood should technology be considered as a potential solution.?

This approach ensures that the platform's offerings are not just technologically advanced but are addressing real challenges faced by real patients and real healthcare providers. It's about moving beyond innovation for innovation's sake and towards innovation with purpose.?

5. Strong scientific background

Be skeptical of claims made without scientific backing. We see our fair share of brave promises by companies without peer-reviewed studies and/or proper clinical trials. However, it is crucial to evaluate the scientific foundation of ideas before considering their use.

Again, when a platform can demonstrate its claims through rigorous scientific research and clinical validation, it not only builds trust with users but also with the broader medical community. This commitment to evidence-based solutions shows a dedication to real health outcomes, not just marketable features.? When you consider developing a digital health platform, look for the same safeguards you would check as a potential user: peer-reviewed studies published in reputable scientific journals, clinical trials that are registered in a publicly accessible database, data from real-world use cases on patient outcomes,?clinical outcomes, or cost savings.?

6. Offer more insights, not just more data

A digital health platform excels when it translates user data into actionable insights. It's fantastic to leverage health data for better decision-making; however, the real value lies in providing users with clear, understandable insights derived from their data. This approach is critical because, as discussed in our previous article on digital health anxiety, an overload of complex, non-actionable data can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and unrest among users.

The goal should be to demystify health data, transforming it into empowering knowledge that users can easily interpret and act upon. This means moving beyond the raw numbers to offer interpretations that guide healthier lifestyle choices, medication adherence, or when to seek professional care. By focusing on insights that directly influence positive health actions, a digital health platform can truly enhance user engagement and well-being, rather than adding to the noise and stress.

7. Data privacy and security

In the digital health era, the security and privacy of user data are not just features—they are the foundation upon which trust is built. As such platforms increasingly rely on sensitive health information and leverage AI algorithms for personalized care, the responsibility to protect this data cannot be overstated. Users entrusting you with their most personal health details expect that they are safeguarded against unauthorized access and breaches.

Ensuring data security means employing the latest encryption technologies, rigorous access controls, and continuous monitoring for potential vulnerabilities. Privacy, on the other hand, is about respecting user consent and being transparent about how their data is used, especially when AI algorithms are involved. Users should have a clear understanding of what data is collected, how it is processed, and how it contributes to their care without feeling exploited or exposed.

The ethical deployment of AI in healthcare demands careful navigation to avoid programming biases. Algorithms must be designed not only to enhance care but also to ensure that they do not inadvertently discriminate, or compromise user confidentiality or autonomy.