Implementation of a Hardware-Assisted Bluetooth-Based COVID-19 Tracking Device in a High School: Mixed Methods Study

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Health Technology

Background:

• Traditional contact tracing (TCT) is resource-intensive and potentially unsustainable during pandemics.
• Limitations of TCT necessitate innovative solutions for infectious disease prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the performance and implementation of a Bluetooth-based device, Hardware-Assisted Bluetooth-based Infection Tracking (HABIT), in a high school setting.
• To compare HABIT's contact identification capabilities against TCT.

Main Methods:

• Pilot implementation study using mock case simulations to compare TCT and HABIT.
• Embedded mixed methods evaluation using surveys and focus groups based on the RE-AIM framework.

Main Results:

• HABIT uniquely identified 16.1% of close contacts missed by TCT.
• While most contacts were identified by interview alone (78.9%), HABIT detected a significant number of unique contacts.
• Users reported high acceptance and emotional security, but prototype design and technical difficulties posed implementation barriers.

Conclusions:

• Technical challenges impeded HABIT's uptake and sustained use in a high school.
• Electronic technologies like HABIT can augment traditional contact tracing by identifying unique contacts.
• Addressing user preferences and technical issues is crucial for the successful integration of such technologies into public health surveillance.