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How to implement test automation for healthcare web and mobile applications?

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The development cycle for a product/service involves many stages. From gathering initial design requirements up to after-launch maintenance, each stage plays a crucial role in providing a reliable product. Often times however, emphasis on testing gets under emphasized, especially in the healthcare industry because that web development / testing is not and should not be  the focus of healthcare IT teams. Tido Inc. believes testing to be one of the most important steps in making sure the best product is available to consumers. As stated before by Vik Patel, COO of Tido Inc., “You can never have enough testing.”. This blog focuses on how we at Tido Inc. implement Automated Web Testing for healthcare organizations.

What is Automated Website Testing and why is it important?

Web Testing needs to be done on a when a change has been made to a webpage to make sure no bugs have occurred and that site quality is top notch. Traditionally, this is done with live manual testing. However as more content and the number of web pages grow, continuously live testing can become an almost impossible task to complete, not to mention regression testing. This is where automated testing comes into play. During the process of manually live testing an organizations’ web and mobile properties, we simultaneously write our test scripts, building our test suite along the way.

Why it’s important:

  • Time management greatly improved. Teams do not need to spend as much time live testing
  • Cost savings and significant ROI as fewer resources needed for testing web and mobile properties. On average it would take about 25,000 hours for manual testing of all web and mobile properties, change testing, and regression testing. This would amount to at-least $1.25 million dollars per year for cost of QA resources.
  • Once test suit has been built, its very easy to reuse suite for other projects
  • Feedback from running tests/regressions much quicker
  • In-depth test analytics and live monitoring of web and mobile properties
  • Higher test coverage

Different Types of Testing

  1. Functionality Testing: testing all forms, web apps, and other functional features of a webpage
  2. Compatibility Testing: testing to ensure webpage displays correctly across multitude of different devices
  3. Performance Testing: testing to make sure webpages work under heavy loads. Gathering and testing data such as load time.
  4. Cross-Browser Testing: testing to ensure webpage displays correctly across combination of different browsers.
  5. Accessibility Testing: testing to ensure that the webpage is usable by people with disabilities
  6. Usability Testing: testing all menus, buttons, and navigational links

 

Our Strategy 

Understanding your clients needs and digging into their web analytics is the first step in figuring out what the priorities are. Along with understanding which sites are visited the most, web analytics provide crucial data such as which browser, device, platform, etc., are used the most. Once we establish our goals and priorities, we can begin the process of testing.

For our test suites, here are some of the tools and frameworks to assist us in the automation process:

  • Real devices cloud – Sauce Labs: this cloud-based continuous platform enables us to run our automated test suite across desktops, emulators, simulators and real devices. Along with Cross-Browser and Compatibility testing, Sauce Labs provides performance reports and real-time feedback of tests in progress.
  • Selenium and Appium: We incorporate both of these test automation frameworks in conjunction with Java using Eclipse IDE. Selenium is an open-source test automation tool used for desktop testing. The Selenium WebDriver allows for easy Cross-Browser/Platform testing. Appium is an open-source test automation tool suite used for mobile app testing. The Appium framework allows us to test an organizations website using a combination of different of mobile platforms and devices.
  • TestNG: An open-source automation testing framework for writing unit tests and generating test results. TestNG allows the execution of multiple tests in parallel.
  • Deque AXE: library to run web accessibility tests in Java projects with the Selenium automation tool.

 

What makes working with Sauce Labs great is they also provide a Live testing suite to handle Cross-browser, Mobile real, or Mobile virtual tests:

Using the Live Testing suite also provides a recorded video of your live testing session:

 

When it is time to automate our tests, we can always look back at our previously recorded live tests and base our scripts from there. For developing the automated test suite, we used the Page Object Model. Page Object Model is an object design pattern in Selenium that creates an Object Repository for web UI elements. Under this model, each webpage will have a corresponding Page Class. From these Page Classes, we can write and call our test methods.

Page Object Model

 

File Organization

Collecting and analyzing test results is done using Sauce Labs Insights:

 

 

 

Click here for more information about Tido’s test automation packages.

 

 

Implementing Test Automation in Health Care || Part 1: Website Testing

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In this episode of This Week Health Tech, Vik and Jimmy talk on website test automation strategies for healthcare. This is the first part in a month long series focusing on Healthcare Web, Mobile, EHR Testing and Test Automation.

Here is what they discussed:

  • “What is test automation?”
    • Vik begins this episode by defining testing and the importance of test automation. Testing within the healthcare space is underrated, mainly because of low QA resources. Vik explains why test automation should become a top priority for healthcare providers.
  • “Who is in charge of managing the website, testing, etc.?”
    • Website management is a collaboration between departments, including IT and Marketing. Vik elaborates on how different departments have specific roles in terms of maintenance, updating, testing, etc.
  • “Let’s divide testing into 3 categories: Continuous, Automated, and Live”
    • Along all stages of development, continuous testing needs to be performed. When the test script development is finished, then those scripts can be used to automate testing against a combination of browsers/OS. Live testing must be done as well, to ensure a correctly working user experience.
  • “Once you have the Selenium automated test scripts written, you can fire them off anytime.”
    • Vik describes the process of using a testing framework, such as Selenium, to perform automated tests. Test scripts can be written in a multitude of languages (Java, Python, C#, etc.). By using a real cloud device, the automated scripts can be ran against hundreds of browser/device/OS combinations.
  • “Lets talk about testing techniques.”
    • Typical techniques include Functional, Compatibility, and Performance testing. Vik goes into detail on how each type relates to testing.
  • “The number of web and mobile applications will continue to grow.”
    • Vik makes the case again on the importance of testing for the future. The number of health apps will continue to grow, especially because of COVID. Continued testing for mobile apps is the only way to ensure that the consumer will receive a correctly working product.

Listen to the full episode:


Click below for more information regarding Tido’s test automation packages:
Test Automation Packages

Learn more about Tido’s Digital Packages:
Tido’s Digital Packages

Digital Strategy, Telehealth, and Cloud Adoption

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In the latest episode of This Week in Health Tech, Vik and Jimmy are joined by Mark Bowman, CIO of Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation.

Here is what they discussed:

  • “Digital change basically happened overnight..”
    • Mark discusses the impact COVID-19 had regarding the quick digital transformation needed. In particular, he discusses the rapid adoption of Telehealth.
  • “How have practitioners adjusted to Telehealth?”
    • Jimmy asks Mark how practitioners feel about telehealth and if they will continue with it post COVID-19.
    • The trio next elaborate on remote monitoring and in-hospital monitoring.
  • “The industry is clearly moving over to the cloud.”
    • The adoption of Cloud services is inevitable. Mark discusses his views on cloud adoption within the healthcare industry.
    • Vik indicates a hybrid approach, local + cloud, could be optimal.
  • “Have you noticed a work-culture change in response to virtual workspaces?”
    • Jimmy asks Mark how the change to virtual work has impacted the culture. Mark agrees that the culture has changed, and elaborates on the effects.

Listen to the full episode:


Click below for more information regarding Tido’s test automation packages:

Test Automation Packages

Learn more about Tido’s Integration Packages:
Tido’s Integration Packages

Accelerate Healthcare Digital Transformation with APIs

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In this episode of This Week in Health Tech, Vik and Jimmy discuss the basics of an API and its impact on digital transformation in health systems.

Here is what they discussed:

  • “What is an API?”
    • Vik explains to Jimmy  how APIs work together with other apps. APIs act like a bridge that connect different systems and make it easy to share data.
    • The digital transformation happening now requires APIs to be able to connect apps such as telehealth and remote monitoring.
  • “With the Cures Act coming from the government, health systems have to enable data sharing..”
    • COVID has certainly accelerated the digital transformation shift, but the shift had already been started. Vik explains the incentives for customers, healthcare, and the government to push for more data sharing, starting ultimately with better patient care.
  • “From a CIO standpoint, what do I need to have to run everything efficiently?”
    •  Vik states that its starts with having the correct strategy. This means being able to plan for the use APIs over the traditional approach for integration.
  • “Once you do all the hard work and have the infrastructure in place for APIs, then you can simply reuse it.”
    • Vik explains the pros of using APIs over traditional integration.
  • “What is the ROI for using APIs over the traditional approach?”
    • Vik explains the competitive advantage of using APIs over traditional integration, ranging from reduced work time to providing a better user experience for all parties involved.


Listen to the full episode:

 

Learn more about Tido’s Integration Packages:
Tido’s Integration Packages


Click below for more information regarding Tido’s test automation packages:

Test Automation Packages

Scheduling Your COVID-19 Vaccine

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In this episode of This Week in Health Tech, Vik and Jimmy cover the timely topic of COVID-19 vaccine scheduling/distribution.

Here is what they discussed:

  • “What is the protocol for getting a vaccine?”
    • As the vaccine continues to be administered, Jimmy asks Vik what the protocol is on who gets the vaccine first. Vik lays out the protocol, starting with essential workers and the elderly getting it first.
  • “Phone lines are clogged up bad, and it’s starting to affect patients.”
    • More and more people are calling hospitals to gain information on vaccine scheduling. This has caused the phone lines to be clogged up, which could lead to other critical issues not getting the attention they need. Vik mentions a couple solutions to the problem of phone lines, such as using a robust intranet to give information, such as an FAQ.
  • “What do you think are some good FAQ questions?”
    • Jimmy asks Vik to lay out the types of questions that would help address questions related to vaccine scheduling, such as where/when to schedule.
  • “Use the technology at your hands to help people.”
    • Vik talks how Tido Inc. has helped hospital systems deal with the logistics of vaccines and using certain tools to make sure that the 1st and 2nd dose are administered for the correct time window.
  • “Lets try and use technology in healthcare to help with this really complex situation.”
    • On top of providing good healthcare, there has been a logistical issue that technology can help deal with. Vik mentions the importance of automation in making sure that vaccines are scheduled correctly.

Listen to the full episode:

Learn more about Tido’s Integration Packages:
Tido’s Integration Packages


Click below for more information regarding Tido’s test automation packages:

Test Automation Packages

2020 Wrapped Up

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In this episode of This Week in Health Tech, Vik and Jimmy recap their favorite moments from 2020 and discuss the future for 2021.

Here is what they discussed:

  • “Let’s dive right into security and malware and viruses…”
    • The duo celebrate the one year anniversary of the show. They talk about how security was an important topic early on and how it will never really leave.
  •  “It’s free on paper, but the data obtained by these apps are priceless..”
    • Jimmy points out that even though apps such as Zoom are free, they are still collecting valuable data. Vik agrees, saying that healthcare disruption is inevitable as Big Tech enters the industry.
  • “COVID-19 has accelerated a lot of things in healthcare.”
    • The pair reflect on how the pandemic has forced us to adapt to a virtual lifestyle. Telehealth has become an important tool moving forward when it comes to digital strategy.
  • “Some of the most fun I’ve had on this podcast is talking with our guests.”
    • The guests that have appeared on this show have been absolutely great and knowledgeable. Jimmy comments on how much he has learned about healthcare from all the guests. Vik and Jimmy go over some of their favorite guest episodes.
  •  “I feel like over the next few years, there’s going to be an exponential increase in app usage, from a patient and provider standpoint.”
    • The ONC’s Cures Act will give patients/providers more control over their data. Vik gives his predictions for tech trends heading into 2021, ranging from test automation to using cloud architecture.

Listen to the full episode:

Learn more about Tido’s Digital Packages:
Tido’s Digital Packages


Click below for more information regarding Tido’s test automation packages:

Test Automation Packages

Mobile Apps Management for Health Systems

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In this episode of This Week In Health Tech, Vik and Jimmy are joined by Wayne Che, CTO of Sowingo Inc. The group jumps into what it takes to manage and develop mobile apps for health systems.

Here is what they discussed:

  • “If I’m a health system and people are asking for a certain app, should I Build or Buy the app?”
    • With the boom in the app economy because of COVID-19, Vik and Wayne talk about the best approach healthcare providers can take for mobile app development. Wayne goes over pro’s and con’s for Build vs Buy apps.
  • “We recently launched a new digital package to help health systems manage all the mobile apps, and it does include custom development.”
    • Tido Inc offers a Digital Package for the management of mobile and web apps for healthcare systems.
  • “A very important point is continually testing and maintaining the app.”
    • As we’ve mentioned before, you can never have enough testing. Being able to provide an app that works correctly on all devices is one of the first steps in providing good patient engagement. Wayne makes a point that testing on real devices is crucial so the best experience can be provided.
  • “From an infrastructure standpoint, do you want to host in-house or do you make use of cloud providers?”
    • With so many cloud-based providers available, Vik asks Wayne if storing the infrastructure in-house has any advantage over the cloud. Wayne makes several points in favor of cloud-based, such as privacy and security compliance, cost and for scaling.
  • “Regardless of the Cures Act, healthcare innovation is happening.”
    • The ONC’s Cures Final Act allows seamless and secure access, exchange, and use of electronic health information. Vik and Wayne discuss how API’s can be used for data sharing. The healthcare industry has been lagging behind other industries, and Vik comments that innovation needs to happen to provide the patient the best healthcare experience.
  • “One thing is clear, whether you build in-house, buy it, or take a hybrid approach, we are going to see more and more apps.”
    • Jimmy asks the best approach to mobile development, and Wayne gives his take on different development models. Vik mentions that the innovation is not going to stop with apps, citing examples such as wearables and remote-monitoring apps.

Listen to the full episode:

Learn more about Tido’s Digital Packages:
Tido’s Digital Packages


Click below for more information regarding Tido’s test automation packages:
Test Automation Packages

Sowingo Inc:

https://sowingo.com/

The Inpatient Digital Experience

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In this episode of This Week in Health Tech, Vik and Jimmy are joined by Jeff Fallon, CEO and Chairman of eVideon, where they discuss the digital transformation happening to the hospital inpatient experience.

Here is what they discussed:

  • “About 75 percent of hospital rooms have not changed much since the 1970’s…”
    • Jeff and Vik discuss the current state of hospital rooms and how the digital transformation can be achieved in hospital rooms.
  • “Why now do you see this different approach for providing inpatient healthcare?”
    • Jimmy asks Jeff why the digital transformation has taken so long in healthcare. Jeff answers that the pandemic has certainly accelerated the transition, and compares it to the changes happening in telehealth. Jeff also mentions value-based care being a big driver for hospitals to make the change.
  • “The right approach is to provide an experience where the patient doesn’t feel like a guest in someone’s hospital.”
    • Vik brings up the idea of smart hospital rooms, and Jeff agrees that the technology is there to provide better patient engagement.
    • The use of smart TVs and smart speakers can help give patients more control over their experience in the hospital.
  • “It looks like eVideon is making a more interactive/pleasant experience for patients..”
    • Jimmy asks Jeff about how eVideon is providing an overall better inpatient experience. Jeff elaborates on the importance of providing entertainment for patients and being able to give patients control over what apps they want to use.
  • “You better have a smart digital strategy for all types of folks.”
    • Vik makes a good point that everyone is not on the same level when it comes to using technology. Jeff addresses this as well and comments that a smart digital strategy is one that can benefit everyone, regardless of an individual’s comfortability with technology.

Listen to the full episode:

Learn more about Tido’s Digital Packages:
Tido’s Digital Packages

Learn more about Tido’s Integration Packages:
Tido’s Integration Packages

eVideon Healthcare: https://www.evideon.com/

Using wearables for preventive patient care

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In this episode of This Week in Health Tech, Jimmy and Vik are joined by Dr. Michael Farmer, a Cardiologist and founder of Corverix. Michael discusses the importance of using wearables for preventive patient care.

Hear is what they discussed:

  • “I really feel strongly that the systems we have are completely reactive based with zero emphasis on prevention.”
    • Michael tells the duo his opinion on the state of healthcare and why he got into the business of wearables. He talks on how current wearables can provide preventive patient information to healthcare providers.
  • “Value-based care and wearables actually align quite well.”
    • Michael agrees with Vik on the ROI that wearables can give healthcare providers. Michael discusses how wearables can provide more accurate data for doctors to rely on, such as sleep. With the massive amounts of data that wearables can provide, Jimmy asks Michael what data points patients should be on the lookout for.
  • “We are seeing digital transformations in health systems happening overnight.”
    • Vik talks on how COVID-19 accelerated the need for digital integration in healthcare systems. They discuss methods for integrating wearable data into EHR’s. With Cure’s Act around the corner, Vik discusses the potential for accessing patient data.
  • “People can prolong their life with really simple lifestyle changes.”
    • Michael gives his recommendations how to to improve your health and the future of wearable technology.

Listen to the full episode:

For more information regarding Corverix, click link below:
https://corverix.com/pages/wearables

Learn more about Tido’s Digital Packages:
Tido’s Digital Packages

Learn more about Tido’s Integration Packages:
Tido’s Integration Packages

Test Automation in Healthcare

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In this episode of This Week in Health Tech, Vik and Jimmy discuss the importance and growing need of test automation for EHR as well as testing for web/mobile applications.
They are joined by Laura O’Toole, who serves as President of Santa Rosa Consulting, and Ryan Neaves, VP of Care Applications at Novant Health.

Here is what they discussed:

  • “You can never have enough testing”.
    • As said by Vik himself, this illustrates the main talking point of this episode. The group elaborates on why rigorous and extensive testing must be done and continue to be done to ensure that the best healthcare can be provided.
  • “Test automation is the next iteration for the healthcare industry…”.
    • Ryan discusses the changing landscape of the healthcare industry regarding test automation. He explains that other industries have relied on test automation for decades, and the need for healthcare to transition to test automation continues to grow. Ryan and Laura also discuss the successful test automation implementation at Novant Health.
  • “It takes a change in mentality and culture…”.
    • The transition from in-person testing to test automation takes some getting used to. Vik talks side-effects of the test automation transition in relation to ROI. The group discusses how test automation can free up key personnel to work on more important tasks. Laura and Ryan elaborate on making sure the team has confidence when working with test automation and giving up control.
  • “How do you adapt and get better in the face of COVID-19”.
    • The group discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the use and need of test automation. Vik talks about how COVID-19 has made testing for digital apps more important. Patient engagement due to COVID-19 relies heavily over digital apps. Because the digital transformation is happening so fast under COVID-19, the need for test automation in areas other than EHR is high. Laura remarks on how COVID-19 threw the health industry into the frying pan and highlights on how it forced healthcare workers to focus their skills and utilize test automation.
  • “How do you pitch test automation to your C-suite? It’s easy.”
    • Ryan explains that his conversation with his C-suite was relatively seamless because the deliverables on it were highly sought after. The ability to scale very rapidly is a key selling point, especially given the current pandemic. Ryan delves into more detail into how COVID-19 is a great example of why test automation is so relevant and necessary.

Listen to the full podcast:


Click below for more information regarding Tido’s test automation packages:

Test Automation Packages