The case for wearable proximity devices to inform physical distancing among healthcare workers

Sara C Keller; Alejandra B Salinas; Opeyemi Oladapo-Shittu; Sara E Cosgrove; Robin Lewis-Cherry; Patience Osei; Ayse P Gurses; Ron Jacak; Kristina K Zudock; Kianna M Blount; Kenneth V Bowden; Clare Rock; Anna C Sick-Samuels; Briana Vecchio-Pagan

doi:10.1093/jamiaopen/ooab095

The case for wearable proximity devices to inform physical distancing among healthcare workers

JAMIA Open. 2021 Nov 30;4(4):ooab095. doi: 10.1093/jamiaopen/ooab095. eCollection 2021 Oct.

Affiliations

¹ Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
² Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
³ Armstrong Institute of Patient Safety and Quality, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
⁴ Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Armstrong Institute of Patient Safety and Quality, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
⁵ Research and Exploratory Development Department, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, Maryland, USA.
⁶ Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
⁷ Research and Exploratory Development Department, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, Maryland, USA.

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 7:00 Am-9:00 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: COVID-19; physical distancing; wearable proximity beacon; wearable technology.