The Challenge of Developing Healthcare Technology Without Field Experience

In the world of healthcare IT development, there’s a recurring theme: software engineers and startup founders designing innovative patient management systems without firsthand experience in clinical settings. Having spent three years working within a hospital environment, I’ve observed firsthand how many vendors approach healthcare solutions with a “game-changing” mindset—yet often lack a fundamental understanding of the day-to-day realities faced by healthcare professionals.

For instance, I recently witnessed a demo of a patient intake system pitched as a revolutionary approach. The catch? This system would have added a hefty 20-minute delay to each appointment because it was designed without consulting front desk staff. The developer behind this solution seemed unaware that front desk personnel have spent years optimizing their workflows and possess intricate knowledge that no engineering team can easily replicate.

Admittedly, early in my own development journey, I was guilty of this oversight. I created what I thought was a straightforward patient scheduling application, only to realize I overlooked complex factors like insurance authorization processes, provider credentialing, and different appointment types. It took months of collaborating directly with clinic staff—listening to their workflows and challenges—to build a product that truly meets their needs.

This disconnect highlights a broader issue: many developers build healthcare solutions remotely, without stepping into a real clinic, especially during busy seasons like flu outbreaks. Healthcare delivery is nuanced and sensitive; in this sector, a flawed solution can have serious implications. The mantra of “move fast and break things” doesn’t hold when the consequences of breaking things include missed insulin doses or delayed treatments.

Has anyone else experienced this humbling realization—that creating healthcare technology requires more than just coding skills? Sometimes, digitizing everything isn’t a meaningful plan without understanding the complexities of the clinical environment.

Building truly effective healthcare solutions demands humility, direct engagement, and a deep appreciation of the realities clinicians face every day.