When Data Meets Practice: A Qualitative Study of Clinician Perspectives on Streaming Data in Mental Health

Patient-generated streaming data from wearable and digital technologies is increasingly promoted as a means of supporting mental health monitoring and clinical decision-making. While patient acceptance of these technologies has been reported, clinician perspectives remain underexplored despite their central role in determining whether streaming data are meaningfully integrated into routine care. This study explored clinicians experiences, as well as perceived facilitators and barriers, related to integrating patient-generated streaming data into routine mental health practice. A qualitative, exploratory interview study was conducted to examine clinicians experiences and perspectives on integrating patient-generated streaming data into mental health care. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 33 clinicians, including family physicians (n=11), psychiatrists (n=12), and psychologists (n=10). Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis guided by Braun and Clarkes six-step approach. Six themes were identified. Clinicians described variable use of digital and streaming technologies, ranging from routine engagement to deliberate non-use. Streaming data were viewed as clinically valuable when they provided longitudinal and objective insights, identified physiological and behavioural pattern changes, and supported patient engagement. However, clinicians emphasized that clinical usefulness was contingent on interpretability, contextual information, and relevance to decision-making. Major barriers included poor integration with electronic medical records, time constraints, data volume, limited organizational support, and uncertainty regarding data reliability and validity. Clinicians also expressed persistent concerns about privacy, governance, and regulatory oversight, highlighting the need for clear safeguards and accountability structures. Clinicians view patient-generated streaming data as a promising adjunct to mental health care, particularly for capturing longitudinal change between visits. However, meaningful clinical integration remains constrained by usability, workflow, organizational, and regulatory challenges, as well as limited confidence in data interpretation. Addressing these barriers through improved system integration, interpretive support, validation, and governance will be essential for translating the potential of streaming data into routine clinical practice. Author SummaryMental health symptoms can change between appointments yet care often depends on periodic visits and patient recall. Devices such as smartwatches and other digital tools can continuously collect information, from mood and sleep to activity and related measures, offering a possible way to support care outside the clinic. While patients are often seen as the main users of these tools, clinicians play a central role in deciding whether such technology is implemented in care. This study interviewed 33 mental health clinicians, including family physicians, psychiatrists, and psychologists, about their views on using patient-generated streaming data in routine care. Clinicians saw promise in these data as they help track changes over time, support discussions with patients, and provide additional insight between visits. However, they also described important barriers, including managing large amounts of data, limited integration with health record systems, uncertainty about data quality, and concerns about privacy and regulation. These findings suggest that successful implementation of streaming data in mental health care will depend on designing systems that are clinically relevant, easy to interpret, and supported by appropriate safeguards and infrastructure.