Software testing plays a critical role in ensuring the quality, safety, and reliability of healthcare software. The Vital Signs survey conducted by Keysight in collaboration with the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) sheds light on the current state of software testing in the healthcare industry. In this article, we delve into the survey data findings to extract key lessons for QA testers in healthcare software testing. These lessons aim to improve testing practices and contribute to the overall quality of healthcare software.

Lesson 1: Embrace Automation to Stay Ahead of the Curve

One striking finding from the survey is that a significant 82% of healthcare organizations continue to rely on manual or do-it-yourself (DIY) testing methods. This indicates a prevalent lag in adopting test automation practices within the industry. QA testers should recognize the urgency to embrace test automation to overcome the shortcomings associated with manual testing. By leveraging automation tools and frameworks, healthcare organizations can improve software quality, enhance testing efficiency, and reduce the risk of defects and security vulnerabilities.

Lesson 2: Avoid the Pitfall of DIY Testing

The study data highlights the challenges faced by healthcare organizations attempting DIY approaches to automated testing.

A major roadblock is the lack of technical talent needed to build and maintain in-house testing solutions. Healthcare applications often involve complex frameworks and programming languages, requiring specialized expertise that organizations may lack. Additionally, the hidden costs associated with DIY testing, such as expenses for specialized personnel and additional infrastructure, pose further challenges. QA testers should be aware of these obstacles and work towards finding solutions, such as investing in training programs or partnering with external experts.

Lesson 3: Upskill as Automation Engineer

 The Vital Signs survey hints new career opportunities for manual testers, with 75% of healthcare providers planning to adopt test automation within the next five years.

This finding indicates a growing recognition of the benefits and necessity of test automation in the industry. QA testers should actively acknowledge this trend and proactively prepare for the upcoming shift toward automation. Developing skills and expertise in test automation frameworks, scripting languages, and AI-powered tools will be crucial for testers to stay ahead of the curve and effectively contribute to their organizations’ automation initiatives.

Lesson 4: Prioritize Patient Safety, Always

Patient safety is a paramount concern in healthcare software testing. The survey findings highlight the risks associated with subpar software testing, such as user interface issues and system glitches, which can lead to medical errors. Shockingly, only 6% of primary decision-makers in testing expressed confidence in minimizing patient risks through software test coverage. QA testers must prioritize patient safety in their testing efforts. They should focus on comprehensive testing practices that encompass functional, usability, security, and performance aspects of the software. Collaboration with healthcare professionals, feedback collection, and rigorous testing methodologies can help mitigate risks and ensure patient safety.

Lesson 5: Leverage AI-Powered Solutions

The Vital Signs survey reveals that organizations embracing automation are witnessing its benefits, with 80% expressing satisfaction with their newfound capabilities. Keysight Technologies offers AI-powered software test automation solutions designed specifically for the healthcare industry. These solutions can aid QA testers in addressing the challenges associated with automation adoption, including technical talent shortage and complex healthcare applications. Exploring and leveraging AI-powered tools can improve testing consistency, efficiency, and effectiveness, ultimately enhancing the overall quality of healthcare software.

Conclusion

The Vital Signs survey serves as an eye-opener for the healthcare industry, highlighting the pressing need for improved software testing practices. QA testers play a pivotal role in ensuring the quality, safety, and reliability of healthcare software. By embracing test automation, addressing challenges, recognizing industry trends, prioritizing patient safety, and leveraging AI-powered solutions, QA testers can contribute to the delivery of high-quality healthcare software. Continuous learning, collaboration with stakeholders, and staying abreast of technological advancements will empower testers to navigate the complexities of healthcare software testing and ultimately enhance patient care in this rapidly evolving digital age of healthcare.