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.