Title: Applications of sensor technology and mobile health in mental health research

Authors: German Shein; Assim Sagahyroon; Saravanan Coumaravelou

Addresses: Department of Computer Science and Engineering, American University of Sharjah, UAE ' Department of Computer Science and Engineering, American University of Sharjah, UAE ' Department of Clinical Psychology, Aarupadai Veedu Medical College and Hospital Campus, Pondicherry, India

Abstract: The current institution-based model for mental healthcare delivery faces challenges posed by an increase in diagnoses of mental illness, shortage of mental healthcare professionals, and increasing cost of treatment. In this article, we survey the current state of one potential alternative, the mobile health (mHealth) in mental health research. Three approaches are outlined based on the researched literature: the first approach focuses on mobile applications that rely on smartphone's built-in sensors to capture relevant data; the second approach looks at the use of wearable devices that record the patients' data; and finally the hybrid systems that make use of both approaches. This paper aims to summarise the methodology of 39 studies and their outcomes. This review will allow researchers and healthcare providers to gain a valuable insight into existing approaches and contemplate needed future improvements that would lead to the successful utilisation of technology in mental healthcare delivery.

Keywords: mental health; sensors; wearable devices; mobile technologies; mobile health; mHealth.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEH.2022.126583

International Journal of Electronic Healthcare, 2022 Vol.12 No.4, pp.381 - 406

Received: 07 Sep 2021
Accepted: 19 May 2022
Published online: 28 Oct 2022 *

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