New tech aims to improve mental health care while protecting privacy

Glasgow Caledonian University and healthcare technology company Safehinge Primera have joined forces to develop an innovative digital observation aid designed to enhance patient safety in mental health facilities without compromising the right to privacy.

The project, part of a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between the University and company, has resulted in a platform that uses discreet non-visual sensors placed in high-risk areas of care facilities to detect patterns in a person's location, position, and movement. The sensors track motion signals without capturing any visual imagery. This allows an aid to monitor for safety concerns while avoiding the privacy issues of camera observation.

“Safehinge Primera wanted to find a non-invasive way to safeguard patients that didn’t involve direct observation,” explained Professor Mike Mannion from Glasgow Caledonian, who led the University’s role. “By picking up on patterns of behaviour and vital signs from the sensor data, the technology can potentially identify issues such as fatigue or social withdrawal that could indicate underlying conditions such as depression or anxiety.”

Safehinge Primera, which has nearly 20 years of experience designing products for mental health environments, says co-developing solutions with care providers and patients is crucial. “Empowering therapeutic interactions while adhering to ethical principles of care was our top priority throughout the design and clinical trial process,” said Martin Izod, the company’s Chief Product Officer and Co-Founder.

The platform has robust data protection and safety measures built-in to safeguard client privacy and confidentiality. Professor Mannion says the partnership aimed to validate the effectiveness of the technology for improving patient safety and care quality through a rigorous, evidence-based approach.

“By combining our research expertise with Safehinge Primera’s industry know-how, we strived to deliver a validated observation platform that enhances mental healthcare through responsible technology integration for the greater social good,” he said.

The project has also been shortlisted for two UK Knowledge Transfer Partnership Awards 2024: Colm Dowling, KTP Associate, Safehinge Primera Limited - Future Leader Award; and Professor Mike Mannion, Academic of the Year Award. The winners will be announced at a ceremony to be held in Birmingham on Wednesday, 27 November.