12 Apr 2024

Digital health apps graveyard: why 53% fail and how to succeed

The digital health market is flooded with health apps, with over 90,000 introduced in 2020 alone. This trend is a response to increasing pressures on healthcare systems. However, a staggering 53% of these apps are uninstalled within 30 days of download. Users may initially try them out but often fail to continue use because they don't find enough value in them.


Standing out and ensuring app 'stickiness' is crucial, especially considering that even successful ventures can fail if continued adoption doesn't follow. For instance, Pear Therapeutics, whose substance use disorder program was the first digital therapeutic tool cleared by the FDA, recently went bankrupt.


The hurdles to continued adoption by healthcare providers (HCPs) and patients are significant. HCPs may overlook valuable apps due to market saturation and the need for unrivalled quality. They also require interoperability and data security assurances. Patients, on the other hand, can become overwhelmed by app choices and seek comprehensive solutions that add value to their lives.


Pharma and healthcare companies struggle to overcome these barriers using traditional development methods. About 80% of digital health solutions fail from pilot to scale due to high costs and long development times. Building from scratch takes up to 24 months for a minimum viable product, making it hard to keep up with evolving needs.


Vendor-led solutions offer speed to market but lack flexibility, leading to frustration among customers. Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) solutions improve flexibility but still restrict companies, hindering personalization and timely deployment.


Low-code no-code platforms tailored for healthcare offer a way out of this rut. These platforms enable companies to develop apps without coding experience, reducing reliance on tech vendors. They also facilitate quick changes, scalability, and compliance with regulations.


Adopting digital health initiatives requires a revolutionary approach. Low-code no-code platforms offer a cost-effective, compliant way to develop apps, addressing barriers and enhancing value for both HCPs and patients.


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