Optimizing Doctor Credential Management with an Agile Web Solution

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Introduction

In healthcare, maintaining up-to-date professional records for doctors is essential for compliance, quality control, and efficient hospital network management. To address this challenge, I led the development of a web application that enables doctors to update their educational and professional records quarterly, ensuring network-wide visibility for quality control and hospital managers. This case study outlines the end-to-end software development process, from project planning to deployment, following agile methodology.

Project Objectives & Challenges

Problem Statement:
  • Hospitals required a centralized system for managing doctors' credentials and professional records.
  • Existing manual processes led to inconsistent updates, delays, and compliance risks.
  • The solution needed to be secure, scalable, and user-friendly.
Solution Overview:
I designed and developed a Flask-based web application using the Werkzeug WSGI web server, providing: ✅ A user-friendly interface for doctors to update records seamlessly. ✅ Real-time visibility for quality control and network managers. ✅ A structured database system for secure and efficient record storage. ✅ Robust testing to ensure system reliability and accuracy.

Project Execution

Phase 1: Planning & Documentation
I created a Project Plan outlining execution tasks across the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC). Key deliverables included:
  • Business Requirements Document (BRD) – Defined the business need, stakeholders, and scope.
  • Functional Requirements Document (FRD) – Specified system functionality, user roles, and workflows.
Key Details from FRD:
  • Developed for HCA Healthcare to ensure compliance with physician training.
  • Role-based access: Physicians update records, while quality coordinators and network managers have read access.
  • Secure, web-based application with email reminders for quarterly updates.
  • Database Design Document – Structured tables, relationships, and constraints.
Database Overview
  • MySQL-based database ensuring structured data management.
  • Key tables: Users, Organizations, Training Records, Jobs, Activity Types.
  • Secure login and access control mechanisms.
  • Technical Design Document – Included system architecture, Flask framework details, and UI mockups.
Technical Highlights:
  • Python (Flask) backend integrated with MySQL.
  • Secure web-based access using authentication protocols.
  • Scalable architecture allowing future expansion.
Phase 2: Prototyping & Development
Using Mockup Online, I designed UI prototypes that aligned with the FRD. The application was then developed with:
  • Flask & Werkzeug WSGI for backend processing.
  • SQL database for structured data storage.
  • Agile methodology for iterative development and continuous feedback.
Phase 3: Testing & Quality Assurance
To ensure reliability, I:
  • Developed test cases covering core functionalities.
  • Performed white-box testing to validate backend logic.
  • Conducted user acceptance testing (UAT) to gather feedback from stakeholders.

Results & Impact

  • Improved Compliance & Efficiency – Doctors could now update records easily, reducing manual errors.
  • Enhanced Data Accessibility – Quality control managers could access updates instantly, improving network-wide oversight.
  • Scalable & Secure Architecture – The system was built with a structured database design ensuring data integrity and security.

Key Takeaways & Learnings

  • Thorough planning is crucial – BRD, FRD, and technical documents ensured clarity across all phases.
  • User-centric design matters – UI mockups helped streamline development and stakeholder approvals.
  • Agile methodology enhances adaptability – Continuous feedback led to iterative improvements, strengthening the final product.

Final Thoughts

This project reinforced the power of agile development, structured documentation, and iterative design in creating impactful solutions. By streamlining credential management in hospitals, the application optimized compliance, efficiency, and accessibility.