We are living in an era where smartphones and wearables can track most of what we do from our steps to our sleep. Could these tools also help predict mental health crises? A new study published in Schizophrenia Bulletin explores this question by asking the people on the front line of mental health care.
The CONNECT team interviewed 59 UK clinicians on the use of Digital Remote Monitoring (DRM) tools in people with psychosis. DRM involves collecting data from service users through devices like smartphones and wearables, which can then be analysed to detect early signs of relapse. If this is possible then early detection and timely intervention could have wider effects like reducing admission to hospital.
But clinicians might feel ambivalent about integrating these technologies into already stretched mental health services? The study found that they generally see the potential value of DRM, and many believe it could help identify early warning signs of relapse and even encourage service users to reflect more on their symptoms. But enthusiasm was tempered by caution.
A major worry was the accuracy of the collected data. Can passive data, such as phone usage or movement patterns, accurately reflect someone’s mental state? And what happens if the data is incorrect or misinterpreted?
Clinicians were also concerned that remote monitoring might erode their therapeutic relationship with a service user by replacing face-to-face conversations with cold data points. “We don’t want to lose the human touch,” one participant noted.
Data privacy was also mentioned by care staff. With sensitive mental health information being collected and possibly shared, clinicians were wary of how these data are stored and accessed.
Clinicians also highlighted the issue of responsibility i.e., who’s responsible for monitoring the data. If a patient’s data shows signs of relapse at 2 a.m., is someone expected to act? Without clear policies and guidelines, clinicians fear being held accountable for things outside their control.
Finally in a system already under strain, the added workload of managing and interpreting DRM data was a concern. Many clinicians felt they simply don’t have the time or resources to take on another layer of care.
This study offers a picture of cautious optimism with clinicians are open to innovation to enhance care but not at the expense of relationships, privacy, or professional boundaries. Its success pivots on clear guidelines, comprehensive training, and ongoing evaluation. Clinicians need to know how to best use the data, their responsibilities, and how DRM fits into existing care models. As mental health services continue to evolve, the voices of those delivering and receiving care will be crucial in shaping how this technology is used to improve recovery.