Enhancing safety in mental health hospitals: a multi-site evaluation of a contactless patient monitoring platform

Purpose There is growing interest in how data and technology can improve safety in mental health hospitals. A contactless patient monitoring platform, implemented in half of NHS England mental health trusts, has shown promise in single-site studies. This paper aims to evaluate the platform’s impact on safety outcomes across multiple sites. Design/methodology/approach Previously collected data from 29 adult inpatient wards – spanning acute, older adult and psychiatric intensive care services – at six NHS trusts were consolidated. Event rates were compared before and after the platform’s deployment, with control wards included where possible. Outcomes reflected key safety risks for each care pathway: self-harm on acute wards; falls on older adult wards; and assaults, physical restraints and rapid tranquillisation in psychiatric intensive care units. Meta-analyses for each outcome combined data from all eligible wards. Findings Results varied by ward but most showed decreases in event rates following adoption of the monitoring platform. Meta-analyses indicated notable reductions across all five outcome measures, ranging from −21.1% to −38.9%. Research limitations/implications Analyses were limited by factors such as variable data quality and analytical control, and by the absence of patient and staff perspectives. Nonetheless, findings suggest that the monitoring platform can assist staff in managing diverse safety risks and that wider rollout could contribute to national safety improvement initiatives. Its success will depend on responsible, ethically-informed implementation and use. Originality/value To our knowledge, this is the first evaluation of a contactless patient monitoring platform across multiple mental health care facilities and service types.