The healthcare industry is increasingly turning towards mobile solutions. Stakeholders from across the healthcare space -- providers, vendors and payers alike -- want to know how to maintain the edge that mobile technology offers. Jerry Buchanan, account director, Healthcare Technology and Services at eMids Technologies, has shared five key components of a successful mobile strategy for a healthcare enterprise.

1. Strong Mobile Philosophy

Is your mobile solution a market differentiator or a "me too" offering? Nailing down a mobile philosophy "determines the level of resources, time and executive commitment mobility will receive throughout the enterprise,” said Buchanan. "Codification of this philosophy into a business case is the foundation of a mobility strategy." Achieving a balance of revenue and user expectations, customer satisfaction and ROI is key to mobile success.

2. Product Roadmap

"Going mobile requires more than just cramming an existing application down onto a smaller screen," noted Buchanan. Those applications need to be tailored for mobility, with features that complement and streamline workflow.

3. Web vs. Native Application

It is important to choose the approach that is most appropriate to your needs. A mobile solution built as a web application can be accessed from any browser-enabled device, Buchanan explained. On the other hand, native applications "can take advantage of device hardware... allowing for a user experience more in line with expectations generated from the use of apps in daily life."

4. Application Integration

The data required for mobile applications already exists in traditional applications. For example, clinical data is stored in an EHR or PHR. "Given a solid plan to ensure personal health information remains secure, healthcare mobility applications can take advantage of this existing functionality and data via a service-based approach," Buchanan noted.

5. Device Integration

"A solid mobility strategy and architecture must include a means to incorporate devices," according to Buchanan. With so many brands and operating systems on the market, it's critical for healthcare enterprises to ensure integration between existing technologies and mobile devices.

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