Study of a Digital Infection Control Solution in the NHS
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Study of an Innovative Digital Solution for the Control of Transmissible Pathogens in an NHS Hospital Setting (The Pathfinder Study)
IRAS ID
330804
Contact name
Timothy Felton
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Proxximos Limited
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 7 months, 2 days
Research summary
Healthcare-acquired infections are a serious risk to the NHS, resulting in 7.1 million occupied bed days; 28,500 deaths; and 79,000 days of staff absenteeism each year. Identifying the opportunities for infections to spread is key to preventing outbreaks and the most frequent mode of transmission is through direct contact between individuals, such as staff and patients.
A UK-based start-up called Proxximos has developed an innovative digital infection control solution to help control the spread of infections in a hospital. The solution uses discreet wearable devices alongside fixed hubs which continuously detect and automatically record the wearer's location. If there is an infection outbreak, the location data collected can be accessed rapidly to support infection control measures.
This single-site study funded by Innovate UK will be conducted on the North West Ventilation Unit (NWVU) at Wythenshawe Hospital, which is part of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust. The study will test the feasibility of deploying the solution in the NHS by assessing its ability to collect usable data on an NHS ward. The study will also explore the potential effectiveness of the solution, supported by relevant infection data from participant’s medical records.
Over a period of six months, staff and patients on the North West Ventilation Unit (NWVU) will wear the devices. Location data will be collected intermittently and assessed for completeness. Technical issues, and any action taken to resolve them, will be recorded throughout the study. All participants will be asked to complete an acceptability questionnaire and some staff participants will be invited to take part in a workshop to explore how the solution could support them with infection prevention and control.
REC name
South Central - Hampshire A Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/SC/0297
Date of REC Opinion
21 Sep 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion