New digital health catalyst launched
A digital health catalyst recently launched at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington aims to harness the power of digital tools and grow collaborations for improved mental health and equity.
The Digital Mental Health Catalyst is an initiative that will help to grow the impact of digital tools for mental health to support well-being and equity.
The catalyst is based within the Science, Health, Engineering, and Architecture and Design Innovation (SHEADI) division.
Co-led by members of Te Wāhanga Tātai Hauora—Wellington Faculty of Health, Associate Professor Terry Fleming (co-leader Tāngata Tiriti) and Lecturer in Health Fran Kewene (Waikato, Maniapoto; co-leader Māori), with support from Russell Pine and Catherine Heeney (part-time research staff), the catalyst brings together members and research from different Schools, including the School of Design Innovation and School of Engineering and Computer Science, as well as organisations such Te Paewai—Wellington UniVentures.
The catalyst has a strong focus on Māori, Pacific, LGBTQ+, and Tāngata Whaikaha (people with disabilities) communities. It aims to increase visibility of digital health research at the University, build University and interagency collaborations, empower students and early career researchers, and test a model for building digital health.
Current and recent projects include research investigating ways to integrate opt-in digital interventions into online health surveys and research exploring ways to use game-based and online approaches to support wellbeing. The team are also supporting undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, including a new course and are growing collaborations with the Digital Health Association, Te Herenga Hauora (now part of Te Whatu Ora), The International Society for Research on Internet Interventions, and others.
Terry says the cross-faculty, collaborative catalyst provides additional momentum for what is becoming an area of real and exciting strength for SHEADI and the University.
“There is lots of exciting work in digital health around the university and many people want to make a difference in mental health. The catalyst will help us to achieve more by working together.”
The project is guided by the whakataukī (Māori proverb): “Ko te mauri, he mea huna ki te moana. Powerful aspects of life are hidden in plain sight.”
Fran says this speaks of the hidden potential technology has in supporting individuals and whānau with their mental health and wellbeing.
“This catalyst enables our team and collaborators to continue to explore the opportunities digitals health tools can have for all our communities.”
Fran encourages anyone interested in collaborating or joining projects to reach out to the team.