Integrating Smartwatches in Community Mental Health Services for Severe
Mental Illness: A Case Series
Abstract
Objective: This case series explored the integration of
smartwatches in a community mental health service to support severe
mental illness (SMI) management and intervention. We examined whether
biometric data provided by smartwatches could help to predict relapse
and inform treatment decisions. Method: Four SMI patients were
selected from a prior study. Clinicians accessed patients’ biometric
data (activity, sleep, heart rate, and electrodermal activity) through
smartwatches. Results: Changes in circadian rhythm and
electrodermal activity preceded hospitalization in two cases.
Additionally, smartwatch data was effectively used to guide targeted
interventions, improving patient treatment outcomes.
Conclusion: Integrating smartwatches in community mental health
services offers promise as adjunct tools for severe mental illness
management. However, ethical considerations on data privacy and
technology reliance require further evaluation.