Preventing tragedies: The role of advanced sensors in mental health units

CW: This article contains mention of suicide.

A critical issue facing mental health units is the need for advanced safety measures. Indeed, mental health units face unique challenges when it comes to patient safety. One report from the UK showed that 77 per cent of in-hospital suicides between 1999 and 2007 were by hanging. The most common anchor points were doors, hooks or handles, windows, belts, sheets or towels. The use of shoelaces, doors and windows increased over time.

Despite rigorous efforts to eliminate these potential ligature points, mental health units face an ongoing challenge with a crucial weak spot: the patient room door. While other fixtures and items that could be used for self-harm have been systematically removed or redesigned, doors remain an essential yet vulnerable element in the care environment.

A report on suicides that had taken place in Veterans Affairs Hospitals in the US showed that a door, door handle, or door hinge was the most used fixture point (53.8 per cent) in hangings.

Traditional safety measures, while important, have limitations. Hourly checks and standard door alarms may not be sufficient to prevent determined individuals from harming themselves. This is where innovative technology, such as door tampering sensors and proof-of-life sensors, can play a crucial role in enhancing patient safety.

Advanced technology for continuous monitoring

Door tampering sensors are sophisticated devices designed to detect any unusual pressure on any one of the three exposed edges of a door. Unlike simple alarms, these sensors use advanced technology to continuously monitor the door’s status and the integrity of the sensor circuits themselves. One key feature of these door tampering sensors is the use of end-of-line resistors. This technology allows for constant monitoring of the electrical connection between the sensor and the central system. If the line is cut or shorted, the system immediately detects the issue, ensuring that the sensor is always operational.

The sensors are designed to be sensitive enough to detect even slight pressure changes, which could indicate a suicide attempt, while also being robust enough to avoid false alarms from normal door usage.

Implementing door tampering sensors in mental health units offers numerous advantages. By providing real-time monitoring, these sensors can alert staff immediately to potential suicide attempts, allowing for rapid intervention. Sensors can be installed on all doors, including ensuites, ensuring no blind spots in monitoring.

While not replacing human oversight, these sensors provide an additional layer of security, allowing staff to focus on patient care with the assurance of technological backup.

These sensors can provide valuable data on door usage patterns, potentially helping to identify at-risk behaviours or times of increased vulnerability such as sickness. It is also critical that anti-door tampering sensors can be integrated with central monitoring systems, providing a comprehensive view of the entire unit’s safety status.

Future innovations and ethical considerations

The field of mental health safety technology is continuing to evolve, and door tampering sensors are just the beginning. At Programify, we’re also developing “proof-of-life” sensors that use high-resolution radar technology to detect subtle movements indicating breathing or other signs of movement within a room.

These sensors, when combined with door tampering sensors, could provide an even more comprehensive safety net. Imagine a system that not only alerts staff to potential door tampering but also monitors patient movement and can flag unusual periods of inactivity.

While implementing advanced monitoring technology, we must always be mindful of patient privacy and dignity. Our systems are designed to be as unobtrusive as possible, avoiding video surveillance in favour of movement detection. The data collected is anonymised, focusing on patterns and alerts rather than individual identification.

It is crucial that mental health units implementing these technologies have clear policies on data usage and storage, ensuring that patient rights are respected while maintaining safety.

Choosing your technology partner

Mental health units considering the adoption of door tampering sensors or other advanced safety technologies should work directly with the designer-manufacturer to ensure they get technology specifically designed for mental health environments. The designer-manufacturer must also be willing to be flexible to allow for customisation to the hospital’s specific needs. This approach offers several advantages. Firstly, it ensures that the technology is purpose-built for the unique challenges of mental health settings, rather than being adapted from other applications. Secondly, it allows for a more streamlined service and direct access to the expertise behind the product.

When selecting a supplier, it is important that health care procurers enquire about their design process. Have they developed the technology in-house, or are they reselling off-the-shelf components? A company that designs, manufactures and programs their own systems is better positioned to provide tailored solutions and ongoing support. It will also be easier for them to adapt the technology to integrate with existing systems and processes.

It may also be worth starting with a trial implementation. Many companies, including Programify, offer trial programmes where you can test the technology in one or two high-risk rooms before committing to a full rollout. This allows staff to become familiar with the system and provides an opportunity to assess its effectiveness in your specific environment.

Remember, the goal is not just to install sensors, but to create a comprehensive safety system that enhances your staff’s ability to protect patients. The right technology partner will understand this and work with you to achieve it.

It is also important that any new sensors can be integrated with your current monitoring and alarm systems for seamless operation. Proper training is crucial to ensure that staff can effectively use and respond to the new technology. You must also continuously assess the effectiveness of the system and be open to upgrades or adjustments as needed.

As we continue to face the challenge of ensuring patient safety in mental health units, innovative technologies like door tampering sensors and proof-of-life sensors offer a promising solution. By providing constant, reliable monitoring, these sensors can help prevent tragedies and give staff the tools they need to provide the best possible care.

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