Should my digital health service be an app or a website?
In the fast-paced world of digital health services, deciding whether to develop a native app or a website is crucial. For Australian health services, this choice significantly impacts not only how Aussies access and engage with health services but also the service's overall effectiveness. Let’s explore the pros and cons of each option, followed by specific examples from the Australian health sector to illuminate this decision-making process.
Native apps: Your personal health mate
Pros
Superior User Experience: Native apps offer smoother interactions, which are key to keeping users engaged with their health routines or treatments.
Offline Access: Essential for tracking health or accessing emergency info without an internet connection.
Device Features: Using device capabilities (like GPS and sensors) allows apps to offer personalised health insights, making them more engaging.
Push Notifications: Timely reminders for medications or appointments can drastically improve adherence to treatments and encourage healthier lifestyles.
Cons
Higher Costs: Developing and maintaining apps for various platforms can be pricey.
Frequent Updates Needed: To ensure compatibility with the latest OS versions, apps need regular updates, which can be a hassle for both users and developers.
App Store Hurdles: Any new features or updates must go through app store approvals, which can delay critical updates.
Examples where native apps excel
Chronic Condition Management: The mySugr app, tailored for diabetes management, showcases how apps can use device features for blood glucose tracking and personalised care, although an Australian equivalent might focus on conditions prevalent in Australia, leveraging local health guidelines and resources.
Mental Health Support: Apps like Smiling Mind offer guided meditations and mindfulness exercises, using push notifications and interactive content to engage users and track progress, which is crucial in the context of Australia's increasing focus on mental health.
Websites: The universal gateway to health
Pros
Wider Accessibility: With just an internet connection, websites can be accessed on any device, lowering barriers to entry.
Simpler Updates: Making server-side changes updates the experience instantly for everyone, without needing user downloads.
Reduced Costs: A single website can serve users on all platforms, cutting down on development and upkeep expenses.
SEO Advantages: Being discoverable via search engines helps in increasing visibility and attracting more users.
Cons
Limited Access to Device Features: This can reduce personalisation and user engagement.
Internet Dependency: A constant internet connection is needed, which can be a barrier in remote areas.
Potential for Slower Performance: Websites might not always offer the quick, fluid experience that native apps can, possibly affecting user satisfaction.
Examples where websites are optimal:
Health Information Portals: HealthDirect Australia provides a wealth of health information accessible on any device, benefiting from easy access and the ability to be frequently updated, serving a wide audience.
Telehealth Services: Platforms like Coviu offer video consultations and online health services, needing to be universally accessible and easy to use without the hassle of downloading an app, making them perfectly suited for a web-based solution in the Australian context.
Conclusion: Crafting the right digital health solution for Australians
The choice between a native app and a website for digital health services should be based on the specific needs of the target audience, the type of service provided, and the health initiative's objectives. Native apps are ideal for personalised, interactive health management where integration with device features and offline access are important. Websites, however, are better suited for services that require broad accessibility and lower development costs, such as health information portals and telehealth services.
Often our strategies combine the best of both, where a website provide the breadth of information and services, while an app is design to cater to high repeat use tasks that make sense on a mobile device.
The key is to understand the strengths of each option and align them with the service goals and user needs. That’s where we can help!
