Surveillance Technologies in Mental Health: Effectiveness and Ethical Concerns

A recent study from University College London sheds light on the questionable effectiveness of surveillance technologies in inpatient mental health settings.

Investigators from UCL’s National Institute for Health and Care Research Policy Research Unit in Mental Health, in collaboration with King’s College London, explored various surveillance tools—including Vision-Based Patient Monitoring and Management, Body Worn Cameras, CCTV, and GPS tracking—to assess their capacity to mitigate self-harm and aggressive behaviors while also improving the quality of care.

Ethical Concerns and Patient Advocacy

As the adoption of surveillance technology in mental health wards has grown, it is often marketed as a solution for enhancing safety and reducing costs.

However, patient advocacy groups express profound ethical concerns regarding the potential infringement on people’s rights, privacy, and dignity.

These worries extend to the risk that such technologies may increase anxiety and paranoia among patients, creating a paradox that undermines trauma-informed care and possibly justifying a decrease in staffing levels.

Research Findings and Methodological Issues

The critical review published in BMC Medicine evaluated 32 studies, revealing a concerning trend: approximately half of them were deemed low quality, with nine studies disclosing conflicts of interest tied to surveillance technology companies.

This raises significant questions about the impartiality of the reported findings.

Dr. Katherine Saunders, a lead author from the UCL Center for Behavior Change, emphasized the importance of scrutinizing the affiliations of those conducting research on these technologies.

The prevailing issues go beyond just research integrity. Dr. Jessica Griffiths, also a lead author from KCL, highlighted that while mental health wards are designed to support people in distress, there is a palpable sense of insecurity reported by both patients and staff.

Despite the intentions behind the implementation of surveillance systems, a robust evaluation of their true effectiveness has not yet taken place.

Economic Claims and Gaps in Research

Worryingly, the study also uncovered notable discrepancies in the economic claims associated with surveillance technology.

Out of the studies reviewed, only four addressed cost-effectiveness directly.

One investigation into GPS tracking within a forensic unit found no significant savings, while other studies suggested possible financial benefits from Vision-Based Patient Monitoring, yet these studies suffered from critical methodological flaws.

The research team included people who have experienced mental health care firsthand.

These contributors emphasized the disconnect between the official narrative surrounding the technologies and their real-world application.

One participant shared that they were not informed about the deployment of monitoring cameras until after their introduction, leaving little room for consent.

Professor Alan Simpson from KCL, the study’s senior author and Co-Director of the MHPRU, stated that the alleged advantages of surveillance technologies in patient care remain largely unverified and require more comprehensive examination through independent and methodologically sound research.

There is a significant gap in studies that investigate essential outcomes for patients, such as the implications for mental health, rates of self-harm, and the overall quality of care.

Addressing these deficiencies is crucial if technology is to play a meaningful role in the NHS’s mental health services.

For further insights, the full study can be found in BMC Medicine, detailing the impact of surveillance-based technology initiatives in acute mental health environments.

“`

Study Details:

• Authors: Griffiths, J. L., Saunders, K., et al.
• Year: 2024
• Title: The use and impact of surveillance-based technology initiatives in inpatient and acute mental health settings: a systematic review
• Journal: BMC Medicine
• DOI: 10.1186/s12916-024-03673-9

“`