Hey everyone! I'm in the early stages of planning a medical records system and could really use some guidance on selecting the right technology stack and architecture for the long haul. The initial focus will be on patient records, tailored to various medical specialties. For instance, ophthalmology will involve handling images like fundus photos for telemedicine, while other areas like dentistry and endocrinology will have their unique record types. My vision is to eventually expand this system to include hospital workflows such as doctor schedules and patient queues. I've mostly worked with Express (Node.js) and Bootstrap, but I've recently started exploring Laravel with Inertia and Vue. I find the full-stack approach of Laravel + Inertia appealing for productivity, but I'm also considering whether separating the backend and frontend (using an API with a Vue SPA) would be a more beneficial long-term strategy. Here are my main questions: 1) Is Laravel a good long-term choice for this project? 2) Should I continue using Inertia or opt for a Vue SPA from the start? 3) What initial architectural decisions should I make to prevent issues down the line, especially with modular features for different specialties? I'll be collaborating with one other developer, so we're cautious about overcomplicating things in the beginning but want to lay a solid foundation. Any insights or experiences you can share would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!
4 Answers
You should prioritize security features from the onset. A database with Row Level Security, like Postgres, is essential. Also, look into SOC2 compliance from the start. Before you get too deep into Laravel and Vue, make sure you have a solid grasp of security fundamentals—it'll save you a lot of headaches later.
For your architectural concerns, start by considering your data structures. The FHIR standard is a fantastic framework to explore as you plan your data handling and APIs.
Before diving into your project, just a heads up: if you're working with sensitive health data, make sure you've got your data protection principles sorted out. Compliance with regulations can be a big deal depending on your location. Better to be safe than sorry!
When it comes to building a medical records system, your biggest hurdle won't be the tech itself, but rather understanding the domain. Insurance and team communication can also pose significant challenges. Having a clear plan and knowledgeable team members really helps.
Definitely! The healthcare sector is notorious for its long procurement cycles, so projects can take ages to get through.
Thanks for the advice! I’m researching data handling and regulations to ensure I'm on the right track.