A service evaluation of non-contact vision-based patient monitoring technology for patients in a high-secure forensic psychiatric hospital: a qualitative study

Abstract

Abstract Background Technology has the potential to monitor patient safety in real-time that helps staff and without disturbing the patient. However, staff and patients’ perspectives on using passive monitoring within an inpatient setting is lacking. The study aim was to explore stakeholders’ perspectives about using Oxehealth passive monitoring technology within a high-secure forensic psychiatric hospital in the UK as part of a wider mixed-methods service evaluation. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with staff and patients with experience of using Oxehealth technology face-to-face within a private room in Broadmoor Hospital. We applied thematic analysis to the data of each participant group separately. Themes and sub-themes were integrated, finalised, and presented in a thematic map. Design, management, and analysis was meaningfully informed by both staff and patients. Results Twenty-four participants were interviewed (n = 12 staff, n = 12 patients). There were seven main themes: detecting deterioration and improving health and safety, “Big Brother Syndrome”, privacy and dignity, knowledge and understanding, acceptance, barriers to use and practice issues and future changes needed. Oxehealth technology was considered acceptable to both staff and patients if the technology was used to detect deterioration and improve patient’s safety providing patient’s privacy was not invaded. However, overall acceptance was lower when knowledge and understanding of the technology and its camera was limited. Most patients could not understand why both physical checks through bedroom windows, and Oxehealth was needed to monitor patients, whilst staff felt Oxehealth should not replace physical checks of patients as it is mainly there to reassure staff on patient safety. Conclusions Oxehealth technology is considered viable and acceptable by both staff and patients. However, more support and education is needed for new patients and staff to better understand how it works in the short- and long-term. A feasibility study or pilot trial to compare the impact of Oxehealth with and without physical checks may be needed.