Passive Monitoring Technology in High-Secure Forensic Psychiatric Hospital: A Qualitative Study

The utilization of passive remote monitoring technology, specifically Oxehealth, in high-secure forensic psychiatric hospitals in the UK has given rise to significant inquiries concerning patient safety and privacy. A recent study conducted by researchers from the National Institute for Health Research Imperial Patient Safety Translational Research Centre and West London NHS Trust sought to investigate the perspectives of both staff and patients regarding the implementation of Oxehealth within their facility.

The research, which formed part of a broader service evaluation of Oxehealth technology, encompassed a mixed-methods study involving semi-structured interviews with 12 staff members and 12 patients. The study’s findings brought to light several key themes that underscore the intricate and nuanced perspectives on the use of Oxehealth in this environment.

One of the primary themes that emerged was the need to strike a balance between utilizing Oxehealth to detect deterioration and enhance patient safety, while also upholding patients’ privacy, dignity, and human rights. Staff and patients alike acknowledged the potential benefits of Oxehealth in monitoring patient safety, especially in cases involving complex mental and physical health issues. Nevertheless, concerns were voiced regarding the intrusive nature of the technology, particularly in relation to privacy and the imbalance of power dynamics in the inpatient setting.

Patients expressed notable unease with the notion of constant monitoring, describing it as evoking a “Big Brother Syndrome” and feeling that their privacy and dignity were being infringed upon. This sentiment was echoed by staff members, who acknowledged the ethical and practical challenges associated with the use of Oxehealth in a psychiatric setting.

Additionally, both staff and patients reported a lack of comprehension regarding how Oxehealth operates, leading to misunderstandings and disruptions in the use of the technology. Patients emphasized the necessity for improved education and support to address these issues.

The study also underscored the practical obstacles to utilizing Oxehealth, encompassing technological malfunctions and security concerns, as well as the ongoing requirement for physical checks to complement the use of Oxehealth.

In conclusion, the findings of this study point to the intricate and multifaceted nature of implementing passive remote monitoring technology in high-secure forensic psychiatric hospitals. The authors of the study propose that further research, including a feasibility study or pilot trial, might be necessary to compare the impact of Oxehealth with and without physical checks to enhance patient safety.

This study presents invaluable insights into the challenges and considerations associated with the use of passive monitoring technology in a high-secure psychiatric hospital, contributing to the ongoing discourse concerning the ethical, practical, and safety implications of such technologies in mental health care settings.