Role of Android and iOS App Developers in Healthcare

So are Android and iOS developers going to replace doctors?...LOL.

In the first go, many people would find a lack of consistency in the assertion reflected in the title but citing the capabilities of mobile and app, there remains no room for any surprise. Both Google and Apple have made their presence felt in the healthcare sector by offering fully-featured software development kits (SDK) to Android and iOS app developers. In this regard, Apple has scaled more height than Google. Google has so far released just Google Fit while its Cupertino-based counterpart has made available three SDKs, viz., HealthKit, ResearchKit and CareKit to woo different user segments of the healthcare sector.

Considering the resources made available by the IT giants, an Android app developer certainly has fewer option to play with and build healthcare apps than what an iOS developer has at his or her disposal. Google Fit and CareKit both from Apple target the consumer segment. With apps built with them, users can track and control their fitness data and stay fit. Sharing the data with their healthcare service provider, i.e., doctors and professionals, they can expect better resolution to their health related concerns. Healthcare device makers also get access to a range of features, information and guidelines required to manufacture technology-enabled quality products.

However, HealthKit and ResearchKit by Apple are meant for building apps that can be of value to healthcare professionals and research scholars. HealthKit apps, generally compatible with both iOS and watchOS devices, are to help professionals better understand the health of their patients by accessing health metrics like body temperature, blood pressure, glucose, blood composition and other things over a period of time. The data helps them to conclude about the disease and treatment required on time. These apps, based on the user’s consent, can interact with other apps or devices.

ResearchKit apps, as the name suggests, are to favor research and development in the industry apart from enabling users to stay atop of their health and fitness goals. They help professionals meticulously collect health metrics from a group and use those to evolve their practices. HealthKit and ResearchKit both help in the development of secure iOS and watchOS the user’s data is fully encrypted. Interestingly, these apps, based on the user’s consent, can interact mutually across iOS and watchOS devices or with other health and fitness apps and devices. Thus, with healthcare SDKs, Apple drives the integrated user experience to let people stay healthy and health service providers to keep their services more relevant and inclusive to handle the today’s challenges.

Thus, Android and iOS developers have a greater role to play in the healthcare sector and, needless to say, this time they need to be more focused as what they do will influence the health of individuals, society, nation and humanity at large.