Using digital monitoring alongside psychosocial interventions in patients who self-harm

Abstract

With more than 200,000 presentations to hospital for self-harm each year in England, there is a clear requirement to reduce self-harm and improve well-being in this population. This service evaluation examined the potential for digital self-monitoring of patients’ well-being as an adjunct to psychological supportive therapy. The evaluation used a series of questionnaires to investigate patients’ use of digital technology to self-monitor their mood, suicidality and self-harm behaviour. The authors also collected questionnaire feedback from patients and clinicians about their experience of using the digital technology. Patients who used the digital self-monitoring technology mostly found it useful and easy to use, as did the clinicians. This method of recording patients’ progress has now been incorporated into routine clinical care.