The Importance of Real-World Experience in Developing Healthcare Technology
Understanding the nuances of healthcare is crucial for creating effective technological solutions—something many developers outside the industry might overlook.
Having spent three years working within a hospital environment, I’ve witnessed firsthand how numerous vendors introduce so-called “revolutionary” systems without truly grasping the complexities of clinical operations. It’s surprising to see the influx of startups proposing innovative solutions that, more often than not, disrupt existing workflows rather than enhance them.
For example, I recently observed a demo of a patient intake system that, if implemented, would have extended every appointment by an additional 20 minutes. The developers behind this solution had never engaged with front desk personnel, overlooking the fact that these staff members have optimized their processes over years to ensure smooth operations. Ignoring this expertise can lead to tools that hinder rather than help.
Moreover, I must admit I’ve been guilty of similar oversights early in my development journey. I once built a straightforward scheduling app, but it didn’t account for critical aspects like insurance authorization, provider credentialing, or appointment types. Only after spending extensive time shadowing clinic staff did I understand the intricacies involved, leading me to redesign the tool into something truly functional and supportive.
This disconnect often stems from developers working in isolation—building healthtech solutions without experiencing the day-to-day realities of a clinical setting, especially during busy flu seasons. In healthcare, you can’t simply adopt a “move fast and break things” approach, because when you break something—like critical medication schedules or patient accessibility—the consequences can be life-threatening.
Has your experience in healthcare development taught you similar lessons? It’s a stark reminder that digitizing processes isn’t just about technology—it’s about understanding and respecting the environment you’re trying to improve. Truly effective healthtech solutions require hands-on experience and a deep appreciation of clinical workflows.
