Integration of Sensor-Based Technology in Mental Healthcare: A Systematic Scoping Review

Abstract

AbstractSensor-based technologies can collect objective and real-time data on physiological, behavioral, and contextual factors related to mental disorders. This not only holds potential for mental healthcare but also comes with challenges, such as handling large amounts of data and supporting the integration of sensors in clinical practice. This systematic scoping review aims to provide an overview of studies explicitly addressing the integration of sensor-based technology in mental healthcare by reporting on the way that therapists and patients work with sensors. In addition, we explore barriers and facilitators for the integration of sensor-based technology in clinical practice. Four databases were searched on April 5, 2023. Studies on sensor-based technology integrated in mental healthcare were included. A total of 14 studies were included. In these studies, a variety of sensor-based technologies were used. All studies were conducted between 2016 and 2022. Most studies showed that sensor-based technologies are accepted by patients and that their use is associated with symptom reduction. However, most studies did not systematically report on barriers and facilitators and mainly focused on the technology itself rather than on the broader context of its intended use. Also, sensor-based technologies are not yet embedded in clinical protocols. From the current review, we can conclude that sensor-based technologies are sufficiently accepted and feasible, and that sensors are promising for enhancing clinical outcomes. However, sensors are not properly integrated in treatment protocols yet. Therefore, we propose a next phase in research on sensor-based technology in mental healthcare treatment. This next phase asks for a multifaceted approach consisting of (1) embedding sensor-based technology in treatment protocols in co-creation with patients and clinicians, (2) examining the feasibility of these interventions together with small-scale evidence studies, and (3) systematically examining the implementation of sensor-based technology in clinical practice using existing frameworks for technology implementation. Open Science Framework: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/XQHSY.