Empowering Patient Care Through Innovation with Joao Vasco, our Product Owner
29/01/2025João Vasco Gomes, our Product Owner, holds a PhD in Computer Science and Engineering. With a strong technical background, he has been developing software systems since 2008, primarily in fintech and renewable energy. Over the past years, João has been dedicated to product management, focusing on maximizing product value by understanding user needs and aligning development with the overall product vision. His expertise bridges the gap between technical teams and business stakeholders, ensuring that products not only meet market demands but also drive innovation and strategic growth.
Introducing the Interviewer
Can you share more about your experience in software development and product management?
I have been working in software development since 2008, primarily in the fintech and renewable energy sectors. I then transitioned into product management, where I focus on defining product vision and roadmaps to ensure alignment with business objectives and user needs.
I have extensive experience in shaping product requirements, working closely with stakeholders, and bridging the gap between technical teams and business goals to maximize product value and impact.
Designing Patient-Centered Healthcare Technology
How does the product team ensure our technology is reliable and easy for patients to use?
Reliability and usability are non-negotiable when designing technology for healthcare. Our product team works closely with QA specialists to rigorously test our systems in real-world scenarios before deployment.
We also invest in user experience (UX) research to ensure that our interfaces are intuitive, even for patients who may not be tech-savvy. For example, we simplify the navigation in our dashboards, minimize steps required for key actions, and incorporate accessibility features like screen reader compatibility.
These steps make our solutions dependable and easy to use, fostering trust with both patients and providers.
Can you share an example of a feature or system designed specifically with patients in mind?
One feature that stands out is our Patient Engagement Tracker, which provides real-time updates to patients about their care plans. It was designed to address a common concern: patients feeling left out of their own treatment journey.
This system allows patients to see their progress, upcoming appointments, and even personalized recommendations in one place. It’s empowering because it gives patients more control and visibility, which is crucial for improving compliance and outcomes.
What challenges have you overcome in making our solutions more patient-focused?
One of the biggest challenges is addressing the diversity of our user base. Patients come from all walks of life, and their needs vary widely depending on factors like age, digital literacy, and cultural background. To tackle this, we adopted a patient-centric design framework, where we gather feedback from patients across different demographics at every stage of product development.
This approach helps us avoid one-size-fits-all solutions and ensures our tools are truly inclusive. Balancing this customization with scalability is always a tricky equation, but it’s one we’re committed to solving.
Integrating Patient Feedback and Business Goals
How do you gather and incorporate patient feedback into product design?
We take a multi-pronged approach to gathering feedback. First, we conduct usability testing sessions with patients to identify pain points and areas for improvement. We also use surveys and in-app feedback tools to capture insights from a broader audience. Additionally, we collaborate with healthcare providers who share patient feedback from their perspective.
Once we have this input, it’s not just filed away—it’s incorporated into our development sprints. For instance, when patients mentioned they wanted more personalized notifications, we updated our system to allow for customizable alerts tailored to their preferences.
What’s an example of a product feature that directly improved a patient’s experience?
Our Symptom Reporting Tool is a great example. Patients can log their symptoms in real time, and the system provides actionable insights, such as whether they should seek medical attention or monitor their condition at home.
This feature has been especially impactful for patients with chronic illnesses, as it reduces unnecessary clinic visits while ensuring timely care when it’s truly needed. We’ve received incredible feedback from patients who feel more empowered to manage their own health thanks to this tool.
How do you balance business goals with the “Patient First” philosophy in product development?
Balancing business objectives with a “Patient First” philosophy is always a nuanced task. However, we’ve found that these goals are often aligned when approached thoughtfully. A product that delivers real value to patients ultimately leads to better engagement and outcomes, which in turn drives business growth. To maintain this balance, we evaluate every product decision through the lens of patient benefit.
For example, even if a feature has strong revenue potential, we won’t proceed unless it genuinely enhances the patient experience. This principle is embedded in our roadmap planning and day-to-day decision-making.
At Promptly Health, our mission revolves around putting patients first by creating innovative, data-driven solutions that improve care outcomes and experiences. In this exclusive interview, we sat down with our Product Owner, Joao Vasco, to discuss how his team ensures that every product we develop aligns with our “Patient First” philosophy.
From designing user-friendly technology to balancing business goals with patient-centric values, Joao shares insights into the thought process and challenges behind building impactful healthcare solutions.
