Nursing Involvement and Nurse-Patient Relational Indicators in Algorithm-Assisted Digital Monitoring in Adult Inpatient Psychiatry: A Scoping Review.

INTRODUCTION Algorithm-assisted digital monitoring is emerging in adult inpatient mental health care, yet implications for mental health nursing practice and nurse-patient relational care remain insufficiently understood. No previous scoping review addressed this intersection. AIM/QUESTION To map peer-reviewed evidence on algorithm-assisted digital monitoring in adult inpatient mental health settings, focusing on nursing involvement and nurse-patient relational indicators.

Methods

A scoping review followed Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and reporting guidance. Five databases were searched for studies published between 2010 and 2025. Rigour was enhanced through an a priori protocol, prespecified criteria, reviewer calibration, blinded duplicate screening, and duplicate data charting.

Results

Six United Kingdom studies were included. Five evaluated non-contact, vision-based systems and one explored wearable physiological sensing before implementation. Mental health nurses interpreted outputs within observation workflows and contributed to explanation, reassurance, in-person verification and boundary-setting. No study used validated therapeutic alliance or relationship measures; indicators mainly concerned acceptability, privacy and dignity, and perceived surveillance or intrusiveness.

Discussion

This review synthesises how monitoring intersects with nurses' observational and relational care. Implementation depended on nurses' judgement, direct verification and relational safeguards. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Monitoring should remain adjunctive; relational governance should specify explanation, reassurance, output verification, privacy and visibility boundaries.