Background
In early 2020, a major healthcare provider faced an unprecedented communication challenge as the COVID-19 pandemic began to impact care facilities across Australia. With rapidly changing health guidelines and visitation restrictions, the organization needed an efficient way to keep residents, families, and staff informed and connected during a time of physical separation.
The Challenge
The organisation identified several critical needs:
- A centralised platform for distributing time-sensitive health updates
- A reliable communication channel between care facilities and families
- Easy access to resources and support for residents and their loved ones
- A solution that would work for users of all technical abilities, including those with accessibility requirements
The healthcare provider approached Ample Tech with these challenges, seeking a mobile application that could bridge the communication gap while being accessible to all users regardless of their technical proficiency or disabilities.
Our Approach
Ample Tech collaborated closely with the healthcare organization to develop a comprehensive mobile solution that would address their specific needs while prioritizing user experience and accessibility.
Discovery and Planning
Our team began with extensive research into the unique requirements of healthcare communication, particularly during a health crisis. We conducted stakeholder interviews with management, care facility staff, residents, and family members to understand their communication pain points and expectations.
User-Centered Design
Understanding that many users would be elderly or have varying levels of technical proficiency, we implemented a design philosophy centered on simplicity and clarity:
- Reduced interface complexity with intuitive navigation
- Simple-to-understand imagery and icons
- High contrast colour schemes and adjustable text sizes
- Streamlined user flows requiring minimal steps to access information
Development Process
The application was built in .NET for both iOS and Android platforms to ensure maximum reach. Our development team worked in two-week sprints, with regular demonstrations to stakeholders to gather feedback and make adjustments.
Key technical considerations included:
- Secure authentication system for facility-specific information
- Robust content management system for publishing updates
- Offline capabilities to ensure access even with limited connectivity
- Adherence to accessibility guidelines while maintaining visual appeal
The Solution: Healthcare Connect
Real-Time Updates
The app provided a dedicated channel for sharing up-to-date health communications, ensuring all users had access to the latest information from health authorities and management. This feature eliminated confusion caused by outdated or conflicting information from various sources.
Direct Messaging
Care facilities could send direct messages to families and employees, creating a reliable communication channel when in-person visits weren’t possible. This feature allowed for both broadcast announcements and targeted communications.
Resource Hub
The app included comprehensive resources including government health advice, care information, and wellbeing tips, all accessible in one convenient location. Users could easily find support information without needing to search multiple websites.
Contact Information
Critical contact details for health information lines and individual care facilities were readily available within the app, ensuring families always knew how to reach the right person.
Enhanced Accessibility
The application was designed with accessibility as a priority, featuring:
- Screen reader compatibility
- Adjustable text sizes
- Simple navigation requiring minimal dexterity
- Clear, high-contrast visual elements
Family Feed
A dedicated section provided updates about activities and life within the care facilities, giving families peace of mind and maintaining their connection to loved ones despite physical separation.
The Impact
The Healthcare Connect app launched successfully in April 2020 and has since become an essential communication tool for the healthcare community.
Improved Communication
The app created a reliable, centralized channel for health updates, significantly reducing the information gap between care facilities and families. Managers at each facility could ensure that all stakeholders received consistent, accurate information.
Enhanced Accessibility
The accessible design ensured that users of all abilities could benefit from the app. The simplified interface with clear navigation made it possible for even non-technical users to stay informed.
Family Engagement
The family feed feature helped maintain emotional connections during a challenging time of physical separation. Families reported feeling more connected to their loved ones’ daily lives despite visitation restrictions.
Operational Efficiency
Care facility staff saved significant time by using the app to distribute updates rather than managing individual phone calls and emails. This allowed them to focus more on resident care during a critical time.
Ongoing Relevance
While initially developed in response to COVID-19, the app has evolved to become a valuable communication tool beyond the pandemic. Regular updates have been released to improve performance and address user feedback, with the most recent update in February 2025.
The Healthcare Connect app demonstrates how thoughtful digital solutions can address critical communication challenges while prioritizing accessibility and user experience. By focusing on the specific needs of the healthcare community, Ample Tech delivered a solution that not only solved immediate problems during a crisis but continues to provide value as a communication platform connecting residents, families, and staff.
