SERVICE-USER SAFETY


the staff when a critical event occurs, such as a person collapsed on the floor, or when a safeguarding concern arises, such as multiple occupancy in a room. The staff can then respond accordingly to provide targeted, timely, and appropriate care. Unlike camera-based systems, Project X does not capture nor process identifiable information or personal images, ensuring a dignified and ethical approach to patient safety. The safety aid is designed to be discreet, robust, and safe. It provides 100% coverage, 100% of the time, in all high risk areas of the bedroom, including the en-suite and communal bathroom spaces. It does not rely on visual images or video feeds. It also supplements regular checks and observations, allowing staff to utilise their time more efficiently, by being able to focus on the person who has the greatest need. As the system is non-visual, there is still a requirement for nurses to attend to rooms when receiving alerts to investigate (it cannot be done remotely), therefore preserving crucial therapeutic contact between nurses and patients.


Non-camera based ‘transformative benefits’ in mental healthcare Project X offers a range of benefits for both patients and staff, as well as for the mental healthcare sector as a whole. These include: l Preserving patient privacy and dignity: Project X respects the human right to privacy and dignity, and does not expose patients to the potential risk of unwanted or unnecessary surveillance. It allows patients to feel comfortable and safe in their own space, and to enable normal activities, such as changing clothes, without fear of being watched.


l Helps reduce restrictive practice: By providing additional patient insights and early event detection, Project X can help prevent or de-escalate potentially harmful situations, and enable staff to use alternative and less restrictive approaches, such as verbal communication, negotiation, or distraction.


l Co-production: The heart of our innovation. For Safehinge Primera, co-production isn’t just a process; it’s a philosophy that is hard-wired in our DNA, permeating every aspect of our work. It’s the recognition that the most impactful solutions come from the collective wisdom of those with first-hand experience in mental healthcare – be it professionals or patients.


At the heart of Project X lies the belief that this creates something truly supportive and empowering. It’s about understanding that behind every statistic, there is a story, and behind every diagnosis, a person. By embracing this philosophy, we ensured that Project X is not just bolting on technology to a mental health application, but that it is designed from the start


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Project X uses safe, low-power radar to monitor patient activity and detect critical events. The aid consists of a sensor unit mounted on the ceiling, and blends seamlessly into the care environment.


to deliver the tapestry of stakeholder needs, and therefore offering hope for a new standard in patient-centred care. By understanding the emotional journey of patients and the daily hurdles faced by frontline staff, Safehinge Primera has crafted Project X to be not just a tool, but rather a companion in the recovery journey. This empathy-driven approach ensures that the technology serves the people, not the other way around. The design process for Project X was meticulously inclusive. We conducted workshops and interviews with diverse stakeholders, ensuring every voice was heard. From the nurse who spends her nights on the ward, to the patient who has navigated the complexities of mental health challenges, and the jarring reality of secure inpatient wards, each perspective was valued and integrated. Iterative design feedback loops played a crucial role in the development of Project X. Prototypes were tested, and real-world feedback gathered to further refine the product. True to our commitment to co-


production, we have worked closely with Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust over the last two years to continuously improve Project X. We are delighted to share that Project X is now installed in bedrooms within facilities operated by this innovative and digitally-minded Trust, as well as being trialled in other locations around the UK. Steve Bradbury, deputy director of Improvement & Innovation at the Trust, says: “From the outset of our co-production partnership, Safehinge Primera impressed us with its approach to addressing restrictive practices and privacy concerns inherent in visual-based monitoring systems. We firmly believe that


Project X will offer invaluable support to nursing staff, as well as providing patients with rich information that supports their recovery. It’s truly a game-changer in mental healthcare.” In collaboration with other Trusts and an adolescent detention centre, we’ve witnessed the transformative power of Project X in action. The live data streaming from our platform is shaping how staff can spot potentially difficult scenarios, allowing them to engage early, minimise restrictive interventions, and deliver key insights that shape the clinical journey.


Privacy and dignity concerns with camera-based monitoring The integration of camera-based monitoring systems in mental health settings has sparked a significant debate over the balance between patient safety and personal privacy. While these systems aim to protect patients by providing continuous observation, news outlets such as The Guardian1


have raised that


this creates serious concerns about the infringement of privacy and dignity – fundamental human rights that are particularly sensitive in mental healthcare.6 A core ethical concern is the issue of


consent. Patients may not be fully aware that they are being recorded, or they may not have the capacity to consent due to their mental state.7


This raises questions


about autonomy and the ability of patients to make informed decisions about their care. Patients in mental health facilities often find themselves in a vulnerable state, seeking a safe space for recovery. The presence of cameras in private areas, such as bedrooms, can feel like an intrusion into their personal space, leading to discomfort


Balancing technological possibilities with ethical considerations required open dialogue and sometimes tough compromises


Philip Ross MAY 2024 | THE NETWORK


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