PhD students and researchers at Coventry University are pioneering digital solutions to enhance healthcare access in impoverished regions. With over half the global population deprived of essential health services, PhD students Luh Haryanthi, Sri Sari Padma, and Ainul Mardiah, with support from researchers at the university’s Centre for Intelligent Healthcare and the digital health social enterprise spin-out Hope 4 The Community CIC (H4C), are developing digital health technologies aimed at Indonesia, with potential applications in other areas as well.
The initiative leverages data and H4C’s advanced software solutions to create self-management programs that aid patients dealing with severe health conditions such as cancer and schizophrenia. Luh Haryanthi’s research is dedicated to supporting women with breast cancer through iQalb, a program designed to improve quality of life and spiritual well-being. The iQalb program integrates religious and spiritual activities into breast cancer self-management, including practices like expressing gratitude and setting value-based goals.
Developed from literature reviews and needs assessments from patients, health professionals, and Islamic clergy, the programme received positive feedback. Participants experienced increased knowledge, improved coping skills, and a more peaceful cancer journey. Luh plans to refine iQalb and conduct a larger trial in Indonesia. Drawing on her experience as a mental health researcher, Sri Sari Padma created HOPE4Schizophrenia, a programme designed to support schizophrenia recovery.
The program incorporates elements such as connectedness, future optimism, identity, life meaning, and empowerment to motivate individuals with schizophrenia to actively engage in their recovery by fostering social support and managing their symptoms. Sri's work has been commended for instilling confidence and hope in participants, fueling her goal to broaden the program’s impact and enhance mental health outcomes for those with schizophrenia. With research funding from the Faculty of Medicine at Universitas Diponegoro, she intends to conduct a randomized controlled trial to further evaluate its effectiveness.
Ainul Mardiah, leveraging her expertise as a developmental psychology lecturer, created Shifa, an online Islamic spiritual program designed specifically for adolescents and young adults with cancer. Developed in collaboration with cancer patients, healthcare providers, and religious leaders, Shifa aligns with Indonesian cultural and religious values. The program offers psycho-spiritual support to help users address inner conflicts and religious or spiritual challenges. Ainul plans to enhance Shifa further and continue working with Coventry University and H4C to extend its benefits throughout Indonesia.
"The positive feedback showcases our candidates' strong academic rigor in developing innovative digital interventions for breast cancer and schizophrenia. I look forward to future collaborations as they broaden these programmes to benefit more people in Indonesia", Professor Andy Turner, Director of Studies and H4C Co-Founder, Coventry University,
"Collaborating with the three talented PhD candidates has allowed us to deliver impactful digital health solutions in developing countries. Their work, backed by our training and resources, goes beyond academia, creating real positive change for people in Indonesia and exemplifies how combining research and technology can drive societal impact", Gabriela Matouskova, CEO of H4C.
