RETHINKING THE ORGANIZATION OF PSYCHIATRIC CARE IN THE AGE OF THE INTERNET OF THINGS

Abstract

This study aims to propose a re-invention of psychiatric
care in its mission of organizing the conditions of action on
the social, environmental and territorial determinants of
mental health, including anticipation, respect for patients,
coordination, quality of care, working conditions, and
valuing caregivers. The observation, many times reiterated in recent years, of a feeling of helplessness affecting
psychiatry in the face of the many and growing challenges
it faces (economic crisis, social stress, inequalities, number
of “homeless” resulting in influx of patients psychiatric
emergencies, against the backdrop of a hospital institution
in crisis) is the foundation. What the enormous potential
of digital technologies could offer to psychiatry, in application of recent French public health policy texts, is in stark
contrast to the current disastrous situation. In addition to
an in-depth analysis of these various aspects, using several complementary methodological tools, the article develops,
on the basis of evidence, a prospective hypothesis of what,
from today, could be put in place in the psychiatric sector.
As a result, the article shows and discusses the efficiency
potential of certain digital tools or concepts – such as
scientifically validated mobile applications and connected
objects used under ethical and professional control – in
psychiatric practices that concern the patient’s relationship
with his social and family environment.