Abstract Background Digital remote monitoring using smartphones and wearable devices is a promising solution for psychosis management, where precise, time-sensitive intervention is crucial. Combining active symptom monitoring (ASM) and passive sensing (PS) can support self-management by allowing remote, low-burden mental health monitoring. Objective This study aimed to explore (1) views on collecting data using ASM and PS methods and comfort levels with different types of data gathered via these methods, (2) views on using smartphones and wearable devices in the context of mental health care, and (3) the ownership and usage of smartphones and wearable devices. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey study with service users with psychosis in the United Kingdom between March 2023 and March 2024. Results A total of 309 participants completed the survey. They reported mixed views on using ASM and PS technologies for monitoring mental health, with more participants endorsing the concept than opposing it (ASM: n=145, 46.9% and PS: n=132, 42.7%). However, the type of data gathered using these methods was an important factor. Collecting personal information was deemed less acceptable ( P <.001) than other data types (physical health, mental health, environment, and nonpersonal device information). Conclusions We found that participants were comfortable with using apps and wearables for digital remote monitoring, though personal information was less acceptable than other data types due to privacy and surveillance concerns. This highlights the importance of further exploring trust issues related to digital monitoring and ensuring that end users have choices regarding the types of data that digital systems gather and share with mental health services.
Zhang et al. (Tue,) studied this question.