Meet the innovator: Angie Doshani

Angie Doshani, is founder of JanamApp and Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust.

JanamApp is a ground-breaking solution addressing the disparities in pregnancy outcomes faced by South Asian women, who experience a 1.8 times higher risk compared to their white counterparts. The challenges of some women from this demographic include late bookings, missed appointments, and language barriers. JanamApp provides evidence-based information, bridging language and cultural gaps, and empowering women to make informed choices about their pregnancy. By fostering understanding and communication, JanamApp aims to improve maternal health outcomes and ensure every woman receives the care she deserves during this critical life stage.

Tell us about the innovation. The what and the why? 

Many South Asian women face barriers in accessing appropriate maternal healthcare due to language barriers, cultural differences, and a lack of tailored information. Traditional healthcare resources may not always be as effective, leading to gaps in care and support. The app addresses these issues by offering a platform that speaks directly to the cultural and linguistic needs of South Asian women, ensuring they receive relevant, comprehensive, and respectful information throughout their pregnancy and postnatal journey. The goal is to improve health outcomes and provide empowering support in a culturally competent manner. 

Which Health Innovation Networks have you been supported by?  

Health Innovation East Midlands have been instrumental in the JanamApp journey, providing support through their Digital Health Accelerator Programme. This programme played a vital role in: 

• Securing Funding: Health Innovation East Midlands assisted in the application process for securing funding, which was crucial for developing the app and its evaluation within the NHS. 

• Connecting with Innovators: The programme facilitated valuable connections with other innovators in the Femtech space, enabling JanamApp to collaborate, share insights, and learn from others working on similar challenges. 

• Providing Expertise: It offered expertise and guidance in navigating the complexities of digital health implementation and procurement. 

What’s been the toughest obstacle to date? 

Scaling the JanamApp involved addressing several key challenges. One major hurdle was navigating the complex NHS procurement process, which required us to clearly demonstrate the app’s value and compliance with NHS standards. We overcame this by working closely with procurement experts to develop targeted proposals and presenting robust evidence from pilot studies and user feedback. 

Another significant challenge was adapting the app to meet the diverse needs of various NHS maternity units. We tackled this by consulting extensively with each unit to understand their specific requirements and created a flexible implementation model that allowed for customisation while retaining the app’s core functionalities. 

Additionally, proving JanamApp’s clinical efficacy was crucial for gaining NHS acceptance. We conducted thorough clinical evaluations and pilot studies, collaborating with healthcare professionals to validate the app’s effectiveness and impact on maternal health outcomes. 

What’s the best part of your job? 

The best part of my job is seeing the real difference JanamApp makes in the lives of South Asian women. It’s incredibly fulfilling to witness how the app provides culturally sensitive and linguistically appropriate support throughout their pregnancy and postnatal journey. Hearing from users about how JanamApp has empowered them, eased their concerns, improved their well-being and supported them to seek help resulting in improved outcomes, keeps me motivated and passionate about our work. 

Another highlight for me is collaborating with my dedicated and talented team. Working with such innovative and committed individuals is a continuous source of inspiration. I love being part of a group that shares the same vision and drive to make a positive impact on maternal health. It’s rewarding to be at the cutting edge of digital health innovation and to see our collective efforts come to fruition in a way that truly benefits our users. 

What are your hopes for the future? 

I envision a future where JanamApp is not just a part of the NHS but is integrated into maternal healthcare systems globally. My hope is to see the app adopted widely across various healthcare settings, ensuring that South Asian pregnant and postnatal women everywhere receive culturally sensitive and linguistically appropriate support. 

I aspire to continuously enhance JanamApp by leveraging advancements in technology and maternal health research. My goal is to expand its capabilities to provide even more personalised and impactful support. I want JanamApp to set a standard for how digital health solutions can effectively bridge cultural and language gaps, to promote greater equity in healthcare. 

Additionally, I look forward to collaborating with international health organisations and technology innovators to adapt and scale JanamApp for diverse communities around the world. Ultimately, I hope that it will play a role in driving a global shift towards more inclusive and accessible maternal health care, improving outcomes for women and families across different cultural contexts and make a meaningful difference in digital health. 

What are your three pieces of advice for budding innovators? 

1. Focus on User Needs: Ensure that your innovation addresses a genuine need or problem faced by users. Conduct thorough research and engage with potential users to understand their pain points and requirements. 

1. Embrace Collaboration: Building a network of collaborators, including mentors, industry experts, and partners, can provide valuable insights and support. Collaboration can also open doors to new opportunities and resources. 

1. Stay Resilient and Adaptable: Innovation often involves overcoming obstacles and setbacks. Maintain resilience in the face of challenges and be willing to adapt your approach based on feedback and evolving in circumstances.