Harnessing technology for better health outcomes
We now face healthcare needs and expectations at a scale our current system is unable to respond to. Digital health offers transformational opportunities to reach more people in their own space, and to use data and digital technologies to make healthcare more personalised and effective.
Te Wāhanga Tātai Hauora—the Wellington Faculty of Health has a strong, interdisciplinary focus on digital health. Our research interests span big data, machine learning, gaming and behaviour change, mental health, health promotion, software, equity, and more.
At a global level we are rethinking what health is and how it can be achieved and sustained. AI will be a driver for equity and sustainability in New Zealand and globally in the coming decades.
Professor Markus Melloh
Dean of the Faculty of Health
Areas of research
Big data and AI
Using algorithms to predict disease or big data to monitor vaccine rollout—we can use data and artificial intelligence to get ahead of health issues.
Telehealth and digital tools for mental health
This research explores the impact of internet use, digital healthcare delivery, and gaming on mental health to understand how it can better support wellbeing.
Interaction design and health
Digital interactions and physical devices for assisting in treatment of diseases and disorders.
Virtual reality for health
Exploring the potential applications of virtual reality in a health setting, including as a training tool and for patient pain relief.
Integrating digital surveys and interventions
Integrating opt-in digital interventions to online health surveys.
Digital humanities
Dating is different during a pandemic. How are people experiencing using digital tools to meet new people while COVID-19 is in the community?
Digital mental health lab
We are a small group aiming to improve mental health and equity by harnessing the power of digital tools and fostering collaboration in this space.
Learn MoreDigital health collaborators
Digital mental health lab co-directors
- Dr Terry Fleming, Associate Professor in Health
- Clive Aspin, Associate Professor in Health
Digital health working group
- Dr Simon McCallum, Senior Lecturer in Software Engineering, School of Engineering and Computer Science—CSE, game development, behaviour change apps including COVID Tracker app
- Helen Andreae, Lecturer in Interaction Design, School of Design Innovation—Design and Psychology, persuasive design, behaviour change, and smart products
- Dr Craig Anslow, Lecturer in Software Engineering, School of Engineering and Computer Science—HCI research group, design, build and evaluate
- Dr Brian Robinson, Senior Lecturer, School of Nursing, Midiwfery, and Health Practice
- Professor Markus Melloh, Dean Wellington Faculty of Health. Professor Melloh is an orthopaedic surgeon and PHD scientist. His interests in digital health include decision making, machine learning, health software, and digital health leadership.
Work with us
We welcome collaborations with others who are working in this area, from both within the University and outside.
Email Associate Professor Terry Fleming or research fellow Dan Archer to get more information or discuss opportunities for projects or initiatives.
For further background on digital healthcare in New Zealand, see the New Zealand Government's Digital health website or the Health Informatics New Zealand website.
Whakataukī—Māori proverb
Hutia te rito o te harakeke—kei hea te kōmako e kō? Kī mai ki ahau, he aha te mea nui o te ao? Māku e kī atu, he tangata, he tangata, he tangata.
Pluck the heart from the flax bush—where will the bellbird be? Ask me, what is the most important thing in the world? I will reply, it is people, it is people, it is people.
We include this whakataukī and images of taonga to highlight the fact that digital technologies can serve to bring people together, strengthen our experiences of what is important, and enhance our wellbeing.
Banner image at top of page: Photograph by Dr Clive Aspin of a korowai (traditional cloak) held in the J. C. Beaglehole Room, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington Library (artist not recorded).