Developing Low-Code App Builder

Imagine launching healthcare apps in a snap, with minimal coding required. That’s the promise of our latest innovation—a low-code platform specifically designed for the fast-paced world of healthcare. Developed for a leading pharmaceutical enterprise, it’s a game-changer in custom healthcare application development, catering to an array of treatment requirements with unprecedented ease and flexibility.
The strength of this platform lies in its flexibility and versatility. It simplifies the app creation process through an intuitive admin panel UI, where the configuration of the core part of the application takes place, significantly reducing subsequent developer involvement. Administrators can effectively construct and customize the core functionality of applications by selecting functional modules, each with its individual settings, and configuring global settings, as well as tailoring the design. This method resembles building with a construction set, where the assembly and fine-tuning of modules shape the final application with minimal developer involvement. Our platform facilitates the creation of customizable applications that can meet specific treatment and patient care needs across various medical fields. Let’s dive into the journey from the backstory of this solution’s creation to the culmination of the achieved results and new opportunities for our customer.

Backstory

Our collaboration began with a pediatric pulmonologist’s startup, developing a mobile app for asthmatic children. It featured a smart inhaler syncing medication usage with the app, and a server for physicians to track treatment. As market demands changed, we enhanced the app and smart device firmware. After a pharmaceutical giant acquired the startup, we expanded the solution for all ages, incorporating more devices. The successful app led our customer to adopt a commercial model, offering partners medication manufacturing and integration of smart devices and apps, customized to their branding. To achieve this, we created a low-code platform, allowing easy customization for partner-specific applications.

Healthcare App Development With Low-Code

To implement this solution, we needed to transition from the original monolithic architecture to a more flexible microservices architecture. To achieve this, we first identified all the functional components of the original mobile application. We then grouped them into separate microservices based on the similarity of their tasks. For details on how we accomplished this architectural transformation, we invite you to read a dedicated blog post. Here’s an overview of the functional blocks, organized within individual microservices, each addressing a specific business task.In developing these microservices, we also focused on ensuring that these isolated services could be utilized as individual components in a constructor-like environment. This allows the creation of new applications by assembling existing functional modules. Each module has its own set of settings and can be configured for various functional scenarios. For example, the authentication module supports both standard authorization methods, allowing new users to freely register in a partner’s application, and specific methods where initial user registration occurs only during a medical appointment. Similarly, the payment module enables easy selection and configuration of external payment service providers. Hence, each module possesses its functional flexibility.

Consequently, we have created a low-code platform that enables administrators to set up the basic functionality of new applications using a user-friendly and intuitive administrative panel, which greatly reduces the need for developer involvement. Exceptions arise only when the specific functional requirements of a new partner exceed the capabilities of the existing modules. In such cases, we either develop new individual functional modules or enhance the functionality of existing ones. This approach not only meets the individual needs of our customer’s partners but also expands the platform’s functionality for creating new applications. The evolution of the platform and the addition of new features are often driven by such unique functional requirements. This is how modules like FeNo, Caregiver, Photo Diary, and many others were developed.

It’s also worth mentioning that application configuration on the platform addresses both functional and visual aspects. The admin panel allows for customization of the application’s design to match the style of the brand or other preferences of each partner. Color schemes, logos, UI elements – all are highly flexible in their configuration. For mobile native applications, we used Kotlin for Android and Swift for iOS. The web clients for doctors, caregivers, and administrators were developed using .NET. As for the server side, we primarily leveraged AWS services.

SDK Development for Connected Devices

To meet the integration needs of our customer’s partners, who are interested in incorporating smart devices from our customer’s product line into their own systems, we have developed a specialized Software Development Kit (SDK) for each type of device. This includes various smart inhalers, spirometers, autoinjectors, drop dispensers, and more. These SDKs implement the core logic for Bluetooth interaction with the devices, serving as comprehensive libraries that can be integrated into third-party application development projects. This approach greatly simplifies development by relieving developers of the need to implement low-level Bluetooth interaction logic directly. As a result, developers can focus on more critical aspects of app creation, bypassing the technical nuances of Bluetooth communications. Our SDK is designed for compatibility with leading mobile platforms, utilizing Kotlin for Android and Swift for iOS.

Let’s Build it Together!

A low-code solution in mind? We handle everything, from idea to launch, with no need for other teams. Our experts take care of app development, data, IoT integration, and more.

Let’s talk about your project. Contact us today to schedule a conversation.