If you require a smartphone app, database or online clinician interface for your health research, we can help.
The Digital Health Software team co-designs and co-produce smartphone apps, databases and web-based clinician interfaces for research into a wide range of different health conditions, including multiple co-morbidities.
Our collaborative approach involves embedding ourselves within your interdisciplinary research team. We have a strong track record of actively contributing to the overall goals of research projects, as well as significant experience of interoperability with other systems, including electronic health records and medical devices.
Services
We create innovative digital platforms to advance health research with real-world applications through collaborations with patients, health professionals and researchers.
You can take advantage of an end-to-end service that includes:
- contributions to grant applications;
- requirements capture;
- design;
- software development;
- technical support during research trials;
- contributions to publications and other research outputs.
Get in touch to discuss your requirements, or read our case studies below to see how we have contributed to a range of research projects.
A proven track record
We have 15+ years developing web and mobile apps to improve healthcare.
We have expertise across health domains, including:
- Respiratory;
- Mental health;
- Cancer;
- Cardiovascular;
- Musculoskeletal.
Our strengths
Committed to co-design
- Virtual workshops
- User research
- Usability testing
- Accessibility
- UI/UX design team
- Digital PPIE app
Team Science
- Software development
- Quality assurance Information governance
- Digital health research
Interoperability
- Electronic Health Records (EHRs)
- NHS IT systems
- Medical devices Smartphones
- Wearables
Medical Device Regulation
- Medical device compliance
- Consultancy
Sustainability
- Deployed in the NHS
- Company start-up formed
Accessibility
Case studies
There are several reasons why we are well-placed to work with you on your digital health project.
Grant application experience
We are often co-investigators on research grants and can write all of the technical parts of grant applications. Our current portfolio has a total grant value of around
£7.5 million, including funding from the Medical Research Council, National Institute of Health Research and Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council.
Successful EHR integration
We have previously successfully integrated our software with electronic health records (EHRs), enabling clinicians to access all relevant patient data through a single EHR.
Data security
Our systems used for identifiable patient data are hosted in ISO27001-compliant secure environments. All of our staff are trained in information governance, data security and data protection, and we comply with relevant NHS data security guidance.
Cross-domain health expertise
We have worked across health domains and long-term conditions, from mental health to cystic fibrosis to cancer. We can also apply this to other areas as needed.
Medical device compliance
We have previously developed two software medical devices under the Medical Devices Directive, and can meet the more stringent 2021 Medical Device Regulations.
Strong values
Our core values of commitment, respectfulness, excellence, collaboration, empowerment and making an impact mean we take a collaborative, people-first approach to deliver to a high standard while always seeking to improve our work.
CFHealthHub
A digital self-care and behaviour change platform.
Actissist
A CBT-informed app that delivers timely, personalised care.
ClinTouch
A revolutionary smartphone app that tracks symptoms of psychosis in real-time
News
Our work gets mentioned in the news. Read articles to see what others say about our projects.
- We presented a workshop at MIE 2021 on the challenges of developing and delivering digital health software (FBMH News)
- We are part of the AFFIRMO Project consortium, awarded a EURO 6 Million funding award from the Horizon 2020 programme (FBMH News)
- Our App REMORA has been awarded funding to be rolled out to 12 rheumatoid arthritis clinics (FBMH News)
- Our Senior Technical Project Manager, Steven Antrobus, was interviewed by Health Tech Newspaper (HTN) about our work in Digital Health (HTN)
Our team
The Digital Health Software team is based at the Health eResearch Centre (HeRC) at The University of Manchester and comprises digital health researchers, research software engineers, designers and project managers
Dr Pauline Whelan - Co-Lead
Email: pauline.whelan@manchester.ac.uk
I’ve been working in health informatics with Prof John Ainsworth at The University of Manchester for over 15 years.
As well as co-leading the Digital Health Software Team, I co-direct the CAMHS.Digital research unit with Prof Kathryn Abel and co-lead the Connected Health academic theme with Dr Sabine van der Veer.
I work across a portfolio of digital health projects, with a focus on digital mental health and learning health systems. I was the technical lead on the largest ever NIHR-funded cystic fibrosis trial in the UK, building the CFHealthHub digital platform to support adherence to treatment in adults with cystic fibrosis.
Charlotte Stockton-Powdrell - Senior Project Manager
Email: charlotte.stockton-powdrell@manchester.ac.uk
My role involves overseeing a number of digital health projects covering disease areas including mental health, cancer screening and other long-term health conditions.
I have an undergraduate degree in psychology and I have successfully completed AgilePM and PRINCE2 both at Practitioner level.
I have worked in health research for over 15 years, in a variety of roles and disease areas.
Henry Tranter - Software Engineer
I’m a tech lover with a background in data science, artificial intelligence, and high performance computing. I create and support a range of software solutions.
I have previous experience in both commercial software development creating kiosk-based solutions and education, having taught computer science in a high school for two years. I’m also a hobbyist musician and photographer.
Simon Foster - Designer
I’m a graphic designer and front end developer, with a passion for producing user-centric, cross platform design.
Over the last 15 years I’ve been lucky to work with a multitude of businesses and organisations, across a diverse range of industries in both print and digital design. More recently I have focused on user experience, accessibility and using design to produce measurable outcomes.
Mike Bartlett - Quality Manager
Email: michael.bartlett@manchester.ac.uk
My role as Quality Manager involves developing and managing the DHS team’s Quality Management System and supporting projects developing software as a Medical Device (SaMD) through the regulatory journey.
Before joining the university in 2017 I worked in multiple IT roles at AstraZeneca including 10 years in IT project management.
Henry Gorner - Software Engineer
I joined the digital health team in 2021 as a Software Engineer. Prior to that I worked as a mobile and full-stack developer in the sports performance management sector which ignited my interest in health and wellbeing and lead me to join this team. Outside the work I enjoy travelling and nature.
Xiaoxue Zheng - Software Engineer
I joined the digital health team in 2021 as a software engineer. I have been a software developer for 6 years and have experience in various projects, including Transportation Management System, Electronic Signature System, and Data Processing Platform
Prior to this role, I worked as a back-end developer in PayPal. I like problem solving and communicating with others. I completed my Master’s degree in Mathematics at Zhe Jiang University in 2015. In my spare time, I like reading and running.
Gilson Tam - Junior Technical Project Officer
I joined the team in July 2022. My role involves quality assurance and technical support for digital health mobile apps/websites.
Prior to this, I’ve worked in software development with companies in IT consultancy and banking industries.
Naomi Lee - Software Engineer
I joined the digital health team in 2022. I work on software development. The current developing application is related to digital health projects. Before joining the team, I worked in banking industry and logistics company as a software developer.
Philip Asare - Software Developer
Gwen Zhou - Software Developer
Mehran Mirkhan - Software Developer
I joined the digital health team in 2023 as a software engineer. I have been a software developer for 5 years and have worked in retail, fintech and insurance industries.
Prior to this role, I worked as a backend developer in iHerb. I have completed my Master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence at Amirkabir University of Technology.
Events
Our team regularly hosts events where we discuss research and news about all aspects of digital health.
Browse our upcoming and past events.
Contact us
If you would like to discuss how the Digital Health Software team can help with your project, please get in touch by contacting our co-leads.