Application Development for Medication Tracker: Guidelines, Features, and Costs

Research shows that medication non-adherence accounts for around 100 billion avoidable medical expenses and 125,000 deaths annually. In addition, patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes or hypertension will struggle to remember to take their medication. Non-adherence can affect up to 60% of patients with chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension.

Another study found that approximately 90% of long-term patients take five or more medications per day. These patients are often older adults more vulnerable to poor medication intake.

This data shows that drug-tracking solutions are in high demand. 75% of mobile health app users find in-built reminders useful for medication management. A third of these users prefer an independent application with more advanced features.

This article provides great insight if you are interested in developing medication tracking software. This article will give information on the market, its trends, and the essentials for medication-tracking software development.

What is a Medication Tracking System? Why Is it Important?

The medication software reminds its users about renewing or refilling their prescription. It can also help control medication intake by scanning the QR code or barcode on the drug package.

Other valuable features include the pill intake software’s drug inventory, which allows you to provide important drug information. It also makes it easy for patients and caregivers to interact.

Depending on how the app functions, there are three main types of medication tracking apps:

• Use standard notifications on your device to remind patients about medication reminders.

• Advanced medication trackers are responsible for recording drug intake, late or missed doses, medication photographs, and short user notes.

• Medication tracking software – combine the features of the first and second software solutions. They are often connected to the patient’s electronic health profile, which allows them to share drug intake data with their doctor.

This software is great for controlling pill intake, especially for outpatients, the elderly, and patients with mental disorders.

The other side is that medical institutions can offer their services remotely and increase patient engagement and loyalty. They also can reduce interaction time with patients without compromising quality.

The pill tracking software can also digitalize medication inventories, which can be problematic for many institutions working in healthcare.

How does medication tracking software work?

The medication tracking software is designed to assist patients in adherence. It schedules medication intake. This is the core function of this app. For security reasons, in some cases, the medication plan must be first created by a doctor and shared with the patient’s device.

Three types of modern medication reminder app development are available:

• Simple medication reminders (SMRs), prompt users to create schedules and notify them.

• Advanced medication reminders (AMRs), which include medication photos, delayed or missed dose tracking, user notes, and support for time zones, have additional features such as medication photos, medication photos, medication photos, medication photo medication photos, and medication photographs.

• Medical management apps (MMAs), which combine AMRs and SMRs features, allow users to store and manage electronic health data. You can even share it with your doctor. MMAs are vital for patients who have been taking antibiotics for a prolonged period of time or cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.

Modern MMAs include a built-in drug interaction checker. The checker performs a test to verify that the drugs are compatible when a doctor updates the medication plan. It sends a notice if they are not compatible. This is especially helpful for patients with allergies.

MMAs can be combined with an e–prescribing system. They can be combined to reduce errors related to drug use. E-prescribing establishes a link between patients, doctors, insurers, and pharmacies. This process can be enhanced by clinical decision support systems and databases of patient electronic medical records (EHR) and clinical research papers.

The top features of a medication tracker software

1. Reminders for medication

The medication error tracking software includes a pill reminder feature and a medication tracker function that allows users to set reminders for medications. Software that tracks custom medication reminds patients when they should take their medications. Patient medication tracking apps have a reminder function that ensures users never miss a dose. A pill reminder app should be used in conjunction with this feature to remind patients to take their medication on time. Some prescription reminder apps include a snooze feature that reminds users of their medications later. The medicine tracker app allows patients and users to set the time and date. This helps them stay on track.

2. Drug monitoring and prescription systems

The primary function of medicine tracking app is to inform users about the details of their medicines and other information. The auto-complete function in medication management apps allows patients to store whole pill names in one place. Medication management software can also send out notifications to users about the status of prescribed medications. Patients can keep track of their health status using medication-tracking software. This includes blood pressure, blood glucose, and body weight. Through medication reminder apps, all electronic medical records and data can easily be shared with doctors. The medication software tracking solutions feature allows users to store their electronic health data in one place and not have to visit a doctor. The patient can also use the software to manage their medication. It allows them to save contact information for their doctor and pharmacist, make a list of to-dos, and import prescription lists from drugstore accounts.

3. Medication alerts

Patient medication management software has an important feature that alerts users when it is time to order a refill. This helps them ensure they don’t run out of pills. It will also alert you when it is time to order your medication refill. This is a key feature in a medication tracking system for patients. It is recommended when developing medication-tracking software. This feature will help you stay ahead of competitors by being included in your medication reminder apps.

4. History tracking

This feature must be available in medication management software to allow users to track the history and dosage of any medications they have taken. This unique feature provides for medication management apps to be developed. In addition, this feature makes it easy for users to use the medication reminder software. This feature can be added to medication tracking technology.

5. Inviting caregivers

It is important to include a feature that allows users to invite caregivers to share their medication information. This feature can be added to medication tracking software to help caregivers track their patients through the pill reminder app.

6. Sharing of medical data

Every treatment must be performed under medical supervision. This can take a lot of time and resources from the caregiver and the patient.

However, medication tracking software can help to resolve this problem by automatically sharing your health information and drug intake records with your doctor.

Patients can receive immediate feedback from caregivers. Medical units can also eliminate paperwork and reduce time spent on documentation. They can also inform patients about their treatment progress and health status.

The Benefits of Medication Management Software

For Medical Professionals

1. Contradictory prescriptions are not allowed in medical care practice

These software usually have complete data about medication intake from a long time ago and now. Even more important is the fact that there are already details about possible allergies. This information can be crucial in certain cases and is a huge help to doctors.

If a doctor is about to prescribe a drug that could be incompatible with another, the device will alert and sound an alarm. The chances of human error are virtually eliminated. We cannot ignore the fact doctors are now working longer hours and that human resources and efforts are better devoted to diagnosing and better interacting with patients.

2. It is simple to share the vast system of medical records

People often switch their doctors due to changing their medical insurance, moving to a different area, or simply because they need another opinion about their health.

The medication tracking software allows you to store all of your patient’s information in one place. A new physician can also access it quickly and easily. This is how you can be sure that your prescriptions are correct.

3. Data patterns for main body organs

Medical indicators are the most popular but not the only option. You can also get additional services such as weight monitoring, blood pressure, and sugar level checks. These services include: They are like a friend who can spot the first signs of trouble in your body.

This type of medical tech is very popular in today’s market. Many options are available, including multilingual options and compatibility with other devices. What is your niche?

For Patients

1. Reminders

Let’s face it, we all need reminders to care for our loved ones. It isn’t just about the elderly. These medical devices can send out daily or monthly alerts. They also invite you to regular doctor appointments, tests, and other important information.

2. Simple and elegant

A tracker is a serious tool, but it is simple to use and understand. A simple interface with clear icons and simple icons is all you need for fast and efficient functioning.

3. Compatible with other devices

Your tracker, which can be used with GPS, will allow you to locate the nearest chemist or emergency room. It might also identify the laboratory with the best prices for the required tests. However, it is important to remember that cheaper laboratories often do not offer medical insurance.

Also read- The Rise of mHealth Apps; Bringing Value To Patients And Doctors

How to create a medication tracking system?

1. Define the scope

• – Talk about the scope of your medication tracking system with a team that includes a competent PM, an IT architect with experience, and business analysts with extensive knowledge in the healthcare industry.

• – To define the scope of the overall medication app, have a series of discussions with business stakeholders and your staff.

• – Offer a cloud-based Android app and an iOS application with features similar to Medisafe.

• – A website to manage your practice management. It should contain enough information about you and your apps.
•   – It should facilitate healthcare automation as well as population and health management. 

2. Planning a project

• – It is essential to plan your medication tracking software carefully to achieve high patient engagement and better healthcare analytics.

• – Develop an app development strategy that is successful and can safely handle health information.

• – It should be compatible with collaborative care.

• – Cloud platforms can be used to implement healthcare integration and enhanced functionality, like in Telehealth Apps.

• – To provide the best user experience and performance, develop native Android and iOS applications.

• – Use third-party API solutions to provide non-core features. Then, create your APIs for core features and management.

• – Locate a mobile device that can handle EHRs.

• – To ensure HIPAA compliance as well as security within the application, incorporate PHIs.

• – Organize and onboard your development team. This includes UI/UX designers, programmers, developers, testers, and DevOps experts.

3. Procure tools for design

• – Get the best third-party APIs for drug information display in mobile apps.

• – You need to test your app on a variety of devices. A mobile device lab is available online.

• – Make sure you have the best PM tool to allow you and your team to focus on the activities and processes that provide value to customers.

4. Execution and tracking of projects

• – API development is essential for the execution and tracking of medication tracking software.

• – You must manage the development, staging, and production environments when building APIs.

• – The medication process tracking software’s user-friendly interface/UX was designed.

• – Design a website that is elegant and draws in more visitors.

• – Create a plan to build your Android app.

• – Integrate APIs into the software program.

• – Track the development of your app with a dashboard in real-time.

How Much Does It Cost to Create a Medication Tracking System?

1. App Developers’ Location

The cost of building an app can be greatly affected by its location.

The average app development cost in Asia is less than $25 an hour. South America is another popular destination for outsourcing. The rates are comparable to Eastern European and Western European rates.

If you choose vendors in the US at a rate of $70-100, it will cost you more to develop your app. App development costs in Eastern Europe and Ukraine are typically lower at $ 30-60 per hour. Finding a partner in this region and outsourcing app design is easy. You get high-quality work at a reasonable price and don’t have to overpay for the company’s brand.

2. Native vs. Hybrid cost of app development

App development methods significantly impact the final cost of building an app.

Native apps are those that conform to the operating system’s guidelines. You can only create a native app for each operating system individually. Therefore, the app development cost increases proportionally to the number of platforms you wish to target.

A hybrid app, or cross-platform app, works with multiple operating systems. This allows you to save money and build only one application for all platforms.

However, most app development companies recommend native apps because of their technical superiority and better performance.

Also Read : Make Your Web App Into A Native App Using Hybrid App Development

3. iOS vs. Android App Development

A platform may also affect app development costs. No.

The app development process for iOS and Android apps is nearly identical. Your apps can be developed simultaneously for both iOS and Android platforms.

4. Design Complexity

The entire process of creating an application is affected by app design. For example, more complicated apps will cost more.

App design is simple and consists mainly of platform-specific elements. These elements are easy to implement and won’t take too much time. However, design complexity increases with the addition of animations and custom elements.

5. Why App Development is so Expensive?

Both cars and planes are types of transport, but they’re very different. Software is no different. It is significantly more expensive to create an app like Uber than Today Weather which uses third-party APIs.

Why do people tend to devalue software?

These three factors are responsible for the confusion:

• Apps are intangible. Software products, as opposed to hardware, are viewed as screens. All the work behind the scenes is done to display this information. A study of Kickstarter campaigns shows that hardware projects are more funded than software ideas. Hardware is more visible than software and therefore is less appreciated.

• Intangible intellectual capital value – The creativity and thoughtfulness displayed at the project’s beginning are difficult to quantify. A cross-disciplinary team usually works together to ensure all details and processes are covered. Because this work does not produce tangible deliverables, clients do not see it as a result. Instead, they only get an idea of the app. Many people are confused by the final app pricing for custom software development services.

• Some prefer simple, elegant products. Others want more power and speed. This is a comparison to Mac users as well as those who have never experienced the benefits of Apple’s products.

The right partner for medication-tracking software development

Another study estimates that the global market for software applications will increase by $37.74 million between 2018-2022. Software development is in high demand. However, finding a partner who meets your needs takes more work.

Having the right healthtech expertise and experience is important when choosing a partner for a hospital medication tracking program. Healthcare is an ever-evolving industry thanks to digital transformation and continually updated regulations. Each institution demands a specific set of features from its software. Integrating healthcare software with third-party solutions, such as EHR databases and HRM software, is a must to ensure data security.

Techugo focuses on developing custom products that conform to industry and regional standards. As a result, our systems can capture large amounts of data and protect it from any breach.

Conclusion

Medication tracking solutions are a popular trend in healthcare that can dramatically improve healthcare quality and ensure patients’ effective medication adherence.

It can simplify medication intake and aid in communication with patients, treatment progress, tracking drug inventory, and other essential health indicators. These attributes make medication software an essential healthcare IT solution that medical institutions should use today.

Techugo- a leading healthcare app development company is ready to assist healthcare organizations in empowering their employees with the best software solutions. Are you or your company ready to create today?

Get in touch with our experts at Techugo to learn how we can transform your ideas into reality and make the most of their implementation.