The case for wearable proximity devices to inform physical distancing among healthcare workers
| Autor: | Opeyemi Oladapo-Shittu, Kristina K Zudock, Alejandra B Salinas, Anna C. Sick-Samuels, Ayse P. Gurses, Clare Rock, Patience Osei, Kenneth V Bowden, Ron Jacak, Sara E. Cosgrove, Sara C. Keller, Briana Vecchio-Pagan, Kianna M Blount, Robin Lewis-Cherry |
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| Rok vydání: | 2021 |
| Předmět: | |
| Zdroj: | JAMIA Open |
| ISSN: | 2574-2531 |
| Popis: | 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 Lay Summary Physical distancing, or social distancing, is important in preventing COVID-19. It is hard for healthcare workers (HCWs) to physically distance at work. We tested a device (proximity beacon) that HCWs could wear to measure their distance from each other among HCWs on a medical unit. The device measured any time HCWs were within 6 feet of each other for at least 5 s. We watched HCWs who were close to each other. The devices and our observations showed that 7:00 Am—9:00 Am was the highest risk time for not physically distancing. This study shows that wearable devices can be a tool to monitor HCWs physical distancing on a hospital unit. |
| Databáze: | OpenAIRE |
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