All You Need to Know Before Selecting a Healthcare Technical Partner

In the rapidly evolving world of healthcare, the role of technology is more critical than ever before. According to the report, more than 93% of physicians in the US agree that technology in healthcare has improved patients’ access to care. 77% of respondents report that tech contributed to time efficiency for doctors and patients. 

To stay competitive, businesses need to promptly develop custom healthcare solutions that require huge workforce resources. However, the challenges of team training, the high costs associated with custom development, and the hurdles of time zone differences for employees can be overwhelming. 

It means that healthcare providers and health information technology vendors need to make a strategic decision to find a technical partner able to guide them through a complicated process of software development.

If you are aiming to develop a new health tech solution or improve an existing one, read this guide. The Jelvix team will navigate you through the process of choosing a partner or contractor who corresponds to your business needs.  

What a Technology Partner Is and Why You Need One

A technology partner is an individual or organization that collaborates with another entity to provide technological solutions, expertise, and support. These partnerships serve to create custom healthcare solutions addressing the unique user needs within the healthcare industry. 

Technology partnerships can perfectly complement your business if chosen carefully. The advantages may include:

• Enhancing business model by providing technical tools that amplify its capabilities;
• Accelerating project development by offering the expertise of their dedicated team;
• Adding value to your product or service, enhancing its competitiveness;
• Agile technical support that can swiftly address technical issues;
• Saving in-house development costs by outsourcing software development;
• Infusing your business with innovative technologies and keeping you informed about industry trends.

The choice of a technology partner depends on an organization’s specific needs, objectives, and the nature of the projects or initiatives they wish to undertake. A successful technology partnership involves effective collaboration, a shared vision, and a commitment to achieving mutual goals.

Main Functions of a Business Technology Partner

Tech partners go beyond mere assistance. They take on the entire technological facet or a specific part of it ensuring a seamless integration of innovative solutions in healthcare. The key functions of a tech partner encompass a wide range of services and support, such as those we described below.

1.Product Engineering

Product engineering in healthcare tech development involves the end-to-end process of creating innovative and efficient solutions to address the specific needs and challenges within the healthcare industry. It encompasses a range of services aimed at designing, developing, and maintaining cutting-edge healthcare software.

Software Upgrades, Technology Integrations, and Modernization

Tech partners update healthcare organizations through software upgrades and system modernization, ensuring competitiveness and efficiency to deliver optimal patient care.

Custom Software Development

Healthcare custom software development tailors solutions to the specific needs of providers. Understanding client workflows, objectives, and challenges ensures the creation of software that improves operational efficiency, data management, and patient care.

Mobile Development

Mobile apps offer convenient accessibility. Product engineering extends to the development of mobile apps for iOS, Android, and cross-platform environments. These apps may include patient engagement tools, telemedicine solutions, and other features that facilitate healthcare delivery. 

2.Data Analytics and Reporting

Data-driven decision-making is central to modern healthcare. Tech partners assist in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to extract valuable insights. They leverage advanced analytics tools and methodologies to uncover trends, patterns, and opportunities within the data. 

Technology Consulting

Tech partners offer expert guidance on technology strategy, solution selection, and implementation. This function helps healthcare providers make informed decisions, optimize their technology investments, and navigate the complex landscape of healthcare technology.

Building from scratch

Creating tailored solutions from the ground up is a unique strength of tech partners. In healthcare, this involves developing custom software and applications designed to meet the specific needs and challenges of providers. 

Data Integration and Support

Tech partners provide ongoing support to ensure everything runs smoothly. This includes troubleshooting issues, addressing concerns, and making necessary adjustments to optimize the performance of integrated technologies.

3.Healthcare Software Integration

Tech partners assist in identifying and deploying the most suitable software solutions, enabling healthcare organizations to adapt to changing market demands and maintain a cutting-edge advantage. This function ensures that healthcare providers deliver high-quality care efficiently and meet the ever-evolving needs of patients and stakeholders.

Interperobility Enablement

Efficient interoperability is a critical aspect facilitated by tech partners. It ensures seamless communication and data exchange between different healthcare systems. This enables healthcare organizations to achieve a cohesive and integrated digital infrastructure.

Engineering and Rationalization

Tech partners engage in the engineering and rationalization of healthcare software, optimizing its performance and structure. This process involves refining software architecture, eliminating redundancies, and enhancing overall system efficiency. 

4.Secure Cloud Environment

When healthcare applications transition to the cloud, tech partners ensure that sensitive healthcare information is moved securely. This process not only enhances accessibility and data sharing but also minimizes infrastructure costs.

Cloud Application Migration

Transitioning healthcare applications to the cloud offers scalability, flexibility, and cost-efficiency. Tech partners facilitate this migration, ensuring that critical healthcare data and applications are securely moved to cloud environments. 

Cloud Deployment & DevOps

Tech partners use cloud deployment and DevOps to boost system stability, streamline deployment, and enhance efficiency. This ensures quicker development cycles and robust healthcare applications, readily available for seamless use.

Cloud-Native Engineering

Cloud-native engineering empowers organizations to fully embrace the benefits of cloud computing. Tech partners help businesses adopt cloud-native engineering principles and seamlessly adapt their solutions to meet rapidly changing demands.

Connected Intelligence

Connected intelligence refers to the ability of systems and applications to gather, analyze, and share data seamlessly, leading to more informed and intelligent decision-making.

Ensuring Cybersecurity of Created Solutions

Healthcare organizations are prime targets for cyberattacks, making cybersecurity a top priority. Tech partners take responsibility for building and maintaining robust cybersecurity measures, safeguarding patient data, and ensuring compliance with stringent regulations like HIPAA. 

As a tech support partner with years of experience, we believe that cybersecurity is crucial in preserving patient trust and data integrity. At Jelvix, we know how to provide technical support to our clients. We ensure the resilience of our systems against ever-evolving cyber threats across our 50+ healthcare projects.  

Reasons for Businesses to Find a Healthcare Technology Partner

Finding the right healthcare technology partner may involve targeted exploration. Consider using various channels to look for a tech partner:

• Industry networks: engage with industry-specific networks, conferences, and events;
• Professional associations: explore healthcare IT professional associations. Memberships often indicate a commitment to industry standards and expertise;
• Online platforms: use online platforms like Clutch, Business of Apps, or Goodfirms to discover and assess technology partners based on reviews, ratings, and industry recognitions;
• Referrals: seek recommendations from colleagues, industry insiders, or other healthcare organizations;
• Industry publications: stay informed through healthcare technology publications and journals;
• Online research: conduct thorough online research. Explore company websites, case studies, and client testimonials to gauge a partner’s expertise and experience. 

Healthcare providers may need tech partners for diverse reasons, each with unique needs. An experienced partner understands these distinctions and develops relevant solutions to overcome the arising challenges. This makes the essence of custom healthcare solution development.    

Top 5 Reasons for Healthcare Providers to Find a Tech Partner 

• Digital Transformation

When healthcare organizations aim to transition from traditional paper-based systems to digital health records, telemedicine, and other technology-driven solutions, a technology partner can facilitate this transformation.

• Improved Patient Care

Healthcare providers may seek technology partners to enhance patient care by implementing electronic health records (EHRs), remote monitoring systems, and telehealth platforms, ensuring better healthcare access and outcomes.

• Interoperability and Data Exchange

Achieving seamless data exchange and interoperability among different healthcare systems is a significant challenge. Technology partners help bridge these gaps to improve the flow of patient information.

• Data Security and Compliance

Healthcare organizations must safeguard patient data and comply with strict regulations like HIPAA. Technology partners with expertise in healthcare compliance and security can help meet these requirements.

• Cost Management

In the face of rising healthcare costs, organizations may partner with technology firms to reduce operational expenses through automation, process efficiency, and optimized resource allocation.

Top 5 Reasons for HIT Vendors 

• Access to Healthcare Expertise

HIT vendors often lack in-depth healthcare knowledge. They seek healthcare technology partners to gain industry insights and validation of their solutions from healthcare professionals.

• Integration and Compatibility

Healthcare technology solutions need to seamlessly integrate with various healthcare providers’ systems. Partnerships can help HIT vendors ensure their products are compatible and interoperable.

• Regulatory Compliance

The healthcare industry is highly regulated, and compliance with healthcare-specific regulations can be complex. Partners with healthcare experience can guide HIT vendors to meet these requirements.

• Enhanced Product Development

Healthcare technology partners can collaborate with HIT vendors on product development. They can offer clinical expertise and input on helpful features, user experience, and real-world usability.

• Market Access and Sales Channels

HIT vendors may lack direct access to healthcare providers and need partnerships to access new market segments and distribution channels for their products and services.

In both cases, healthcare technology partnerships offer the expertise, resources, and collaboration necessary to address industry-specific challenges and achieve business goals. No matter if you belong to HIT vendors or service providers — a wise tech partnership empowered by a comprehensive development process can significantly facilitate your work.  

Things to Consider While Choosing the Right Technology Partner 

Choosing a tech partner for your healthcare business is a critical decision that can significantly impact your organization’s success. We recommend that you keep in mind key considerations.

If you want to explore the full list of things to consider and receive a brief guide on selecting a technology partner, check out the full article on the Jelvix blog.