A Guide On Must-Have Features Of Healthcare Messaging Tools

Introduction

When it comes to the healthcare industry, effective communication matters; teams and departments across hospitals, labs, and clinics are collaborating more than ever. And, a secure platform for communication has become a necessity for healthcare teams.

But, with thousands of healthcare communication software features available, how to filter out the best platform? Let's discuss what to look for in healthcare messaging platforms so that you can make the right decision.

Communication Challenges in the Healthcare Industry

1. Use of Common Communication Apps

Healthcare teams often resort to common and personal messaging apps for quick messaging and sharing of files. However, these apps are not always encrypted and offer no proper audit logs and records for future reference.

A separate platform which is secured and offers proper records when needed is a necessity in the sector.

2. Cyber Threats in the Healthcare Sector

The healthcare industry is among the top target sectors for cyber threats in 2024-2025. According to the 2025 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report (DBIR), the healthcare sector experienced 1,710 security incidents, with 1,542 confirmed data disclosures.

And, Healthcare breaches are costly, averaging around $10.10 million, showing the need for secure messaging features for hospitals.

3. Outdated Features

With changing technology, features like smart searches and AI-assistance must be included in platforms, which clearly lack in common messaging apps.

A platform with efficiency and productivity-enhancing features, with regular updates, is needed for seamless operations in the healthcare industry.

Must-Have Features of Healthcare Messaging Tools

• Secure Messaging

  Data must be encrypted both in transit and at rest for secure communication. Alongside, look for standard protocols like HIPAA equivalent standards and a GDPR ready framework for the protection of confidential patients' data.

         Read more about secure messaging - The Guide to Secure Messaging for the Healthcare Sector with Aao Chat

• Smart & Updated Features

  Smart features like live chat support, AI assistance, and speech-to-text must be integrated into the platform to improve the efficiency and response time of the teams.

• Appointment Reminders & Alerts

  Automating repetitive reminders and tasks like prescription follow-ups, shift changes and updates, and appointment reminders is needed to avoid missed appointments and improve treatment.

• Mobile Accessibility

  Healthcare staff need to have access to a messaging platform on a phone other than PC systems and laptops. This feature helps the medical teams to assist via messages even if they don't have access to their laptops.

• Audio & Video Communication

  Go for a platform that offers features like group meetings, scheduling meetings in both audio and video formats. This will save time setting up another app and scheduling a meeting.

• Label Messaging

  Categorise the messages and chats using custom labels. Tags like "Follow Ups", "Urgent", "Imp", "To Review", can be used to improve efficiency and assist faster in case of any emergency.

• To-Do List & Status Update

  Create a to-do list with an option to turn chats into tasks. Get the feature to assign tasks, update it, and keep track of the list without switching apps.

• Intuitive UI/UX Design

  A well-built and simple platform can make work and communication easier for the healthcare sector. While selecting the platform, go for a simple and intuitive UI/UX design to avoid complex training for teams.

How Aao Chat Fits in?

Aao Chat is an AI-based private & secure communication platform for modern teams. The platform comes with smart features, dual-hosting options without any glitches, so that the communication can be seamless.

With cyber threats and crimes on the rise, it's time to communicate smarter and safer with Aao Chat.