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The case for wearable proximity devices to inform physical distancing among healthcare workers.
Keller, Sara C; Salinas, Alejandra B; Oladapo-Shittu, Opeyemi; Cosgrove, Sara E; Lewis-Cherry, Robin; Osei, Patience; Gurses, Ayse P; Jacak, Ron; Zudock, Kristina K; Blount, Kianna M; Bowden, Kenneth V; Rock, Clare; Sick-Samuels, Anna C; Vecchio-Pagan, Briana.
  • Keller SC; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
  • Salinas AB; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
  • Oladapo-Shittu O; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
  • Cosgrove SE; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
  • Lewis-Cherry R; Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
  • Osei P; Armstrong Institute of Patient Safety and Quality, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
  • Gurses AP; Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Armstrong Institute of Patient Safety and Quality, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
  • Jacak R; Research and Exploratory Development Department, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, Maryland, USA.
  • Zudock KK; Research and Exploratory Development Department, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, Maryland, USA.
  • Blount KM; Research and Exploratory Development Department, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, Maryland, USA.
  • Bowden KV; Research and Exploratory Development Department, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, Maryland, USA.
  • Rock C; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
  • Sick-Samuels AC; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
  • Vecchio-Pagan B; Research and Exploratory Development Department, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, Maryland, USA.
JAMIA Open ; 4(4): ooab095, 2021 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1584261
ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE:

Despite the importance of physical distancing in reducing SARS-CoV-2 transmission, this practice is challenging in healthcare. We piloted use of wearable proximity beacons among healthcare workers (HCWs) in an inpatient unit to highlight considerations for future use of trackable technologies in healthcare settings. MATERIALS AND

METHODS:

We performed a feasibility pilot study in a non-COVID adult medical unit from September 28 to October 28, 2020. HCWs wore wearable proximity beacons, and interactions defined as <6 feet for ≥5 s were recorded. Validation was performed using direct observations.

RESULTS:

A total of 6172 close proximity interactions were recorded, and with the removal of 2033 false-positive interactions, 4139 remained. The highest proportion of interactions occurred between 700 Am-900 Am. Direct observations of HCWs substantiated these findings.

DISCUSSION:

This pilot study showed that wearable beacons can be used to monitor and quantify HCW interactions in inpatient settings.

CONCLUSION:

Technology can be used to track HCW physical distancing.
Keywords

Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Type of study: Observational study / Prognostic study Language: English Journal: JAMIA Open Year: 2021 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: Jamiaopen

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Type of study: Observational study / Prognostic study Language: English Journal: JAMIA Open Year: 2021 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: Jamiaopen