How to Build a Patient Engagement App Like MyBSWHealth: Features, Cost, and Development Guide

In Canada's fast-changing healthcare, keeping patients engaged isn’t just a trend—it’s essential for better care. 

When patients are involved in their health, they make smarter decisions, stick to treatments, and feel more satisfied with their care.

Patient engagement apps are changing the game. 

They help patients stay connected, access important information, and actively take part in their care plans. 

These apps make it easier to book appointments, check medical records, and even chat with care teams, all from the comfort of home. These apps also cut down healthcare costs by enabling virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and self-care tools.

Take MyBSWHealth, for instance. It’s an app developed by Baylor Scott & White Health that patients love. 

In fact, it’s ranked higher than apps from many top healthcare systems. 

With features like doctor scheduling, lab results access, telehealth visits, and even family health management, it’s a complete patient engagement solution.

Let’s Understand What is Patient Engagement

Patient portal app is about empowering patients to take an active role in their healthcare. It shifts the focus from provider-centered care to patient-centered care. Engaged patients:

• Follow care plans, including medication, diet, and exercise.
• Ask questions and stay informed about their health.
• Get regular diagnostic tests and follow-ups.

Why Does It Matter?

Patient engagement benefits both patients and providers:

For Patients:

• Faster recoveries and shorter hospital stays.
• More affordable care and improved health outcomes.
• A better understanding of their health and care options.

For Providers:

• Enhanced patient outcomes and fewer follow-ups.
• Time and cost savings in care delivery.
• Access to valuable self-monitored health data for personalized care plans.

The Growing Market Opportunity

The demand for patient engagement tools is rising rapidly. 

The global market for these healthcare management solutions is expected to reach $27.9 billion by 2027. 

This growth highlights opportunities for healthcare providers and entrepreneurs to create innovative solutions. 

Apps like telemedicine platforms and digital health tools are leading the way in meeting the evolving needs of patients and healthcare systems.

How technology boosts patient engagement:

• Remote communication through telemedicine apps.
• Easy access to information via patient portals.
• Personalized care through digital tools like wearable integrations.

These tools allow providers to connect with patients anytime, ensuring care is both effective and convenient.

Key Features of a Patient Engagement App

Let’s explore the key components, inspired by MyBSWHealth and other successful platforms.

1. Patient Portal

A patient portal is central to any engagement app. Key features include:

• Access to Medical Records: View lab results, visit summaries, and appointment info.
• Messaging with Care Teams: Communicate securely with healthcare providers.
• Online Bill Payment: Easily pay medical bills through the app.
• Self-Scheduling Appointments: Book appointments online without the need for phone calls.

2. Telehealth

Telehealth features make healthcare more accessible:

• Virtual Consultations: Have video calls with doctors, saving time and travel.
• Remote Monitoring: Track vital signs and medication use for chronic conditions.
• Prescription Refills: Request refills directly through the app.

3. Personalized Content

Tailored resources help patients manage their health:

• Health Education: Access relevant information about conditions and treatments.
• Automated Reminders: Stay on track with medications and appointments.
• Health Trackers: Monitor progress with tools for fitness and goals.

4. Care Coordination

Help patients collaborate with care teams and family members:

• Family and Caregiver Access: Share health information with trusted contacts.
• Support Groups: Connect with others facing similar health challenges.

5. Payment and Insurance

Simplify the financial process:

• Insurance Integration: Check coverage and submit claims easily.
• Streamlined Payments: Make secure payments through the app.

By incorporating these features and new technologies like AI and AR, patient engagement apps can empower users. For example, UCHealth uses AR for interactive experiences, keeping patients engaged during wait times.

Cost Considerations for Patient Engagement App Development

Developing a patient portal app involves several cost factors. Let’s break them down.

1. Features and Complexity

The more features an app has, the higher the cost. 

Advanced features like telehealth, remote monitoring, and AI-powered personalization require specialized expertise and take longer to develop, which drives up the price.

2. Platform Choices

If you want the app on iOS, Android, and web, the cost will increase. Each platform needs separate development and testing, adding to the complexity.

3. Development Approach

Deciding between building the app in-house or outsourcing to a specialized company is key. 

In-house development demands investment in skilled personnel and infrastructure. Outsourcing might be more cost-effective but requires careful vendor management.

Custom Solution vs. Third-Party Platform: Choose What Fits Your Budget

When choosing between a custom solution and a third-party platform, here’s what to consider:

1. Custom Solution

Pros:

• Tailored to Your Needs: Custom apps are built specifically for your organization’s workflows and branding.
• Greater Control: You own the app and can make changes or upgrades whenever needed.
• Higher ROI: A well-built custom solution may have higher long-term returns despite the higher upfront cost.

Cons:

• Higher Initial Cost: Custom development is expensive.
• Longer Development Time: Building from scratch takes time.
• Requires Technical Expertise: You’ll need a skilled team or must outsource to developers.

2. Third-Party Platform

Pros:

• Lower Initial Cost: Pre-built platforms are cheaper and quicker to set up.
• Faster Implementation: Launch the app faster and start using it sooner.
• Less Development Work: You don’t have to build or maintain the infrastructure.

Cons:

• Limited Customization: Pre-built solutions may not meet all your specific needs.
• Ongoing Fees: Subscription costs can add up over time.
• Less Control: You depend on the vendor for updates and security.

Cost-Effective Strategy for Your App: Start with an MVP

One way to keep costs under control is by starting with an MVP (Minimum Viable Product). 

This approach involves building a basic version of the app with core features.

• Early Feedback: Launching an MVP helps you gather user feedback early on, validating the concept.

• Iterative Development: You can improve the app based on user input, adding features over time.

• Cost Management: Focus on essential features to reduce development costs and make the most of your resources.

By carefully considering your options and starting small, you can build a patient engagement app that balances cost with functionality.

How to Develop a Patient Engagement App: A Quick Guide for You

1. Planning and Strategy

• Identify your audience: Who will use your app? For example, if you're targeting seniors with chronic conditions, focus on features like medication reminders, remote monitoring, and telehealth consultations.

• Do market research: Look at other patient engagement apps. What do they offer, and where can your app stand out?

• Set clear goals: What do you want the app to achieve? Goals like improving medication adherence or reducing readmissions will guide your development.

• Track success: Measure your app's performance with KPIs such as app downloads, patient satisfaction, medication adherence, and readmission rates.

2. Design and Development

• Pick a development method: Choose between Agile (flexible, iterative) or Waterfall (linear).

• Create wireframes and prototypes: These help map the app’s layout and functionality. For example, MyBSWHealth kept options simple to avoid overwhelming users.

• Develop the app: Build using the right technologies for iOS, Android, or web.

• Ensure compliance: Follow regulations like PIPEDA and HIPAA to protect patient data.

Case Study: How We Developed HIPAA/PHIPA/PIPEDA Compliant Telemedicine App?

3. Testing and Launch

• Test thoroughly: Ensure the app is functional, secure, and user-friendly.

• Launch the app: Submit to app stores and promote it with strategies like app store optimization, social media, and email marketing.

• Partner with healthcare providers to reach more users.

4. Ongoing Maintenance

• Provide support: Regular updates, bug fixes, and user support are essential.

• Stay current: Keep adding new features and ensure compliance with changing healthcare laws.

Following these steps will help you create a patient engagement app that improves outcomes and enhances the patient experience.

Patient Engagement 2.0: How Advanced Tech is Shaping the Future of Patient Care

1. AI and Machine Learning

• Personalized health plans: AI and ML analyze patient data to create tailored health recommendations and treatment plans. This can improve patient adherence and outcomes.

• Predictive analytics: These technologies can predict potential health issues, allowing healthcare providers to intervene before problems escalate.

• Chatbots for support: AI-powered chatbots offer 24/7 assistance, from answering questions to scheduling appointments and providing medication reminders.

The MyBSWHealth app by Baylor Scott and White Health uses AI to manage medications and telehealth visits, enhancing personalized care.

2. Internet of Things (IoT)

• Remote monitoring: Wearable devices like smartwatches track vital signs and activity, sending real-time data to healthcare providers for better monitoring.

• Real-time care: IoT devices help healthcare providers continuously monitor patients’ health, enabling timely interventions.

Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute uses wearable cardiac monitors to track heart rhythms and prevent future issues.

3. AR and VR

• Immersive education: AR and VR can create engaging experiences, such as simulating medical procedures to help patients understand treatments.

• Gamified healthcare: AR and VR make rehabilitation programs more engaging with game-like elements, encouraging patients to stay motivated.